Historic Mississippi: 7 Landmarks You Can’t Miss
Discover Iconic Buildings and Places in Mississippi
With Civil War battles and the Civil Rights Movement both being major elements of the state’s past, Mississippi’s landmarks and historic sites reveal a deeper side of US history. They also come in different shapes and sizes, from beautiful natural spots to romantic ruins, and feature everything from music to the military.
Explore the rich stories of Mississippi and learn about the people, places, and events that made the state what it is today. There’s plenty here for history buffs, nature lovers, budding photographers, and avid architecture fans to enjoy. Read on to find out more.
1. Vicksburg National Military Park
Important Civil War battlefield
Good for: History, Photo, Families
Vicksburg National Military Park is the site of the Battle of Vicksburg, a siege of more than 40 days that marked a crucial turning point in the American Civil War. History buffs will be endlessly fascinated by the monuments within the park, as well as the restored gunboat, the USS Cairo, which provides incredible insights into Civil War history.
Being a park, there’s also plenty for nature lovers, too. With 16 miles of pathways on offer, bring a bike or explore this incredible location and its many stories on foot.
Location: 3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 601-636-0583
Vicksburg National Military Park
2. Natchez National Historical Park
Riverside park with historic mansions
Good for: History, Couples, Photo
Natchez National Historical Park, on the banks of the Mississippi River, is known for its impressive collection of well-preserved antebellum homes. One of the most popular is Melrose Estate, a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture set in an 80-acre estate. A visit to this mansion, furnished as it would have been in its heyday, provides important glimpses into the past, including the darker times of plantations and chattel slavery.
Another important spot is the William Johnson House, once home to a free African American man prior to the Civil War. He recorded much of his life in his diary, allowing for amazing insight into the period from a unique viewpoint. Book a guided tour to learn more.
Location: Melrose Montebello Pkwy, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 601-446-5790
Natchez National Historical Park
3. Elvis Presley Birthplace
The first home of The King
Good for: History, Photo
Tupelo, in the north of Mississippi, is a place of pilgrimage for music lovers across the globe as the birthplace of its most famous son, Elvis Presley. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll found his earliest influences and musical inspiration inside the humble house where his incredible journey to global stardom began. Die-hard fans and people from all walks of life will find the origin story of one of music’s greatest heroes inspiring and fascinating in equal measures.
Also preserved on the site are the chapel where Elvis experienced the gospel music that would so influence his sound, and a museum dedicated to Presley’s life and work. Take pictures with the statues of him at different points in his life.
Location: 306 Elvis Presley Dr, Tupelo, MS 38801, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm
Phone: +1 662-841-1245
Elvis Presley Birthplace
4. Biloxi Lighthouse
Picturesque lighthouse that has survived many storms
Good for: History, Photo, Families
Built in 1848, Biloxi Lighthouse has long been an integral landmark of the Mississippi coastline. In its more than 150 years of existence it has stood tall and weathered the winds of numerous hurricanes, becoming a symbol of the city’s resilience loved by locals and tourists alike.
However, it’s not just good from the outside. Guided tours of the lighthouse are available and when you make your way to the top, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Gulf Coast. The lighthouse provides an incredible photo opportunity, so point your camera either towards the sea or the impressive facade of the Biloxi Visitor Center in the opposite direction.
Location: 1050 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530, USA
Phone: +1 228-374-3105
Biloxi Lighthouse
5. Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
The home of a man who fought and died for civil rights
Good for: History, Photo
The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument preserves the modest home where civil rights leaders Medgar and Myrlie Evers lived, worked, and raised their family. It’s a powerful site commemorating their fight against racial injustice, especially Medgar’s assassination in their carport in 1963, which spurred national civil rights action, making the house a museum telling their story.
Their home now stands as a testament to their legacy, fighting against segregation and promoting African American voting rights. Learn more about the fight for civil rights in Mississippi in a setting made more poignant by the lingering scars of the violence that took place here. And, discover how Myrlie Evers kept up that fight after tragedy struck.
Location: 2332 Margaret W Alexander Dr, Jackson, MS 39213, USA
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Sundays)
Phone: +1 601-345-7211
Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
6. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
A thorough exploration of Mississippi’s role in the Civil Rights Movement
Good for: History, Photo
In the heart of Jackson, visitors can explore the ongoing struggle for equality at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. This museum takes you through the whole story of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi, and how the ripples from that have spread throughout the country.
This museum is an essential stop for people who really want to understand Mississippi’s past and its present. The exhibits don’t shrink from the harsher aspects of that history. Walk through the rooms and take your time to dive into the powerful experience that invites you to reflect on your knowledge and understanding of history.
Location: 222 North St #2205, Jackson, MS 39201, USA
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 601-576-6800
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
7. Windsor Ruins
A lingering monument to a war-torn history
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
The Windsor Ruins are the haunting, iconic remains of the grand Windsor Plantation, a massive Greek Revival mansion that burned down in 1890. All that was left after the fire was just 23 Corinthian columns, and 5 partial columns to stand in testament to the buildings that once stood here and those who built them, including enslaved African Americans. The mansion was used by both Confederate and Union forces at different times during the war.
These days, the columns and the beautiful landscape by the Mississippi River are all that remains of the estate that was once here, leaving a peaceful location that invites reflection. Bring a picnic and a camera for some dramatic and scenic photographs.
Location: Rodney Rd, Port Gibson, MS 39150, USA
Phone: +1 601-446-6502
Windsor Ruins
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