History lives on in port gibson

Step back in time to explore history and architecture from a bygone era.

- SHARON MORRIS

Port Gibson may sound like an unassuming town situated on the mighty Mississippi River, but its natural beauty and historical significance make it anything but sleepy. Located just a few miles south of Vicksburg, Port Gibson is easily accessed via a calming drive on the gorgeous southern leg of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Deemed “too pretty to burn” by Union Army leader Ulysses S. Grant, Port Gibson was a strategic location during the War Between the States. Because its battle sites, homes, and buildings were spared during that time, a graceful beauty exists throughout the town.

While most Port Gibson attractions are connected to Civil War history, the town and surrounding area also feature nature trails suited for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. As you begin your trip, the Port Gibson Visitor Center is a great place to begin your journey. There you can get any number of guides to help plan, and you can view the Gibson family bible, which dates back more than 200 years.