The Deep South is known for a few things: true Southern hospitality, blues music, comfort food, and historical sites in Mississippi. Of course, military history imbues this area, as many of the key battles of the Civil War were fought in this storied countryside. While many of these events are clouded in sadness, learning more about the past is fascinating and an important part of education.
Vicksburg, MS, is one of those pivotal small towns that played a big role in a major battle during the Civil War. Known as the “Key to the South,” Vicksburg sits on beautiful bluffs overlooking the Yazoo River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. This elevated location played a strategic role in a monumental victory for the Union soldiers, giving control of the Mississippi River to General Ulysses S. Grant. There are so many historical sites in Mississippi right here in our charming small town of Vicksburg!
History enthusiasts will find Oak Hall Bed & Breakfast in Vicksburg, Mississippi, a captivating destination. Built in 1910 for philanthropist Fannie Willis Johnson, a direct descendant of Vicksburg’s founder, the mansion showcases Mission Revival architecture with distinctive features such as a Mission-gabled portico, cartouches, and wide bracketed eaves. Along with this stunning design, you’ll find comfortable guest rooms, an outdoor pool, and fantastic hospitality. Book your lodging today!
Historical Sites in Mississippi to Explore on Your Next Weekend Getaway
Whether you’re heading out on a Deep South road trip, a quick weekend getaway, or an extended stay in our charming town of Vicksburg, exploring the historical sites in Mississippi is always an interesting addition to any trip. From beautiful restored historical mansions and plantations to military cemeteries and ruins, there are so many things to do in Mississippi to learn more about the past.
Here are the best historical sites in Mississippi to visit in and near Vicksburg:
- Vicksburg National Military Park: This park preserves the site of the pivotal Civil War Battle of Vicksburg, where Union forces besieged the city, leading to its surrender on July 4, 1863—a turning point in the war. The park features over 1,400 monuments and memorials, a 16-mile tour road, and the restored USS Cairo gunboat, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into this significant historical event.
- Mississippi Blues Trail: Established by the Mississippi Blues Commission in 2006, features over 200 interpretive markers that commemorate significant people, places, and events in the development of blues music throughout Mississippi and beyond. You’ll find six markers from the trail in Vicksburg.
- Catfish Row: This museum offers a vibrant cultural heritage experience, highlighting the city’s unique aspects through exhibits on music, history, storytelling, food heritage, worship, and visual arts.
- Historical Home Tours: Come discover the architectural heritage and storied past of Vicksburg. Visitors can explore a range of residences, from early pioneer structures to grand Greek Revival and Victorian Italianate mansions. Notable homes include Anchuca, built in the late 1820s and later updated with Greek styling, which once hosted Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
- Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum: Vicksburg is home to where they first bottled the iconic soda, Coca-Cola. Head to this museum to learn more, see memorabilia, and visit the traditional soda fountain and candy shop.
- Natchez Trace Parkway: This famed scenic highway is a lovely addition to any road trip. Head from Vicksburg to Natchez where you’ll find many historical sites in Mississippi to explore.
- Longwood in Natchez, MS: The largest octagonal house in the United States is a historic antebellum mansion located in Natchez, Mississippi. This mansion is recognized for its unique octagonal design and Byzantine onion-shaped dome, as well as the striking contrast between its finished first floor and the unfinished upper floors.
- Windsor Ruins: Located near Port Gibson, Mississippi, are the remains of the state’s largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion, constructed between 1859 and 1861. The mansion was destroyed by fire in 1890, leaving behind 23 standing Corinthian columns that now serve as a haunting testament to the grandeur of the Old South.
Book our Historic Bed and Breakfast in Vicksburg, MS
If you end up on the historic home tour in Vicksburg, you’ll notice that Oak Hall Bed and Breakfast is one of the stops! As an overnight guest, you’ll get to fully immerse yourself in the grandeur of the past. The interior boasts 32 custom stained-glass windows—some of which are in our private guest rooms—and original Beaux-Arts lighting fixtures designed by Louis Millet of the Chicago Art Institute. We may be biased, but we think our lovely mansion is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Mississippi.
Each guest room is thoughtfully designed to provide a restful and luxurious experience, like the rest of our estate you’ll find period furnishings perfectly arranged with modern amenities. For example, The Fannie Suite, Located on the second floor, this spacious suite spans over 350 square feet and features a California King platform bed, a decorative fireplace, and a cozy sitting area. Guests can enjoy the natural light filtering through four original stained-glass windows and have access to a private bath with a clawfoot shower tub and a balcony.
Other fantastic amenities include a home made full breakfast (included with advance request), a butler’s pantry always stocked with snacks and drinks, a backyard pool for relaxing days spend lounging, and so much more. Our welcoming hospitality will be the icing on the cake, and you’ll have knowledgeable innkeepers and staff on hand for anything you might need. Start planning your visits to the best historical sites in Mississippi and book our Vicksburg bed and breakfast today!
