The world has changed so drastically over the years that it’s hard to picture what life was like ten years ago, let alone hundreds. Thankfully, there are several historic villages located throughout the state to remind us of the times that have long passed. From replicas to authentic sites, these historic villages are guaranteed to transport you to a different time (all without leaving the state, of course).

1. Landrum’s Country Homestead and Village, Laurel

A replica of a standard 1800s settlement, Landrum’s Homestead and Village can offer visitors an experience like no other. History comes to life at this Laurel attraction thanks to over 60 buildings and displays. The historically accurate village includes a general store, smokehouse, shooting gallery, trading post, Indian village, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, a chapel, and more.

2. Small Town, MS at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, Jackson

In order to preserve small town life, the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum has developed Small Town, Mississippi. The "town" is actually an extension of the museum, but is a life-size replica of a standard 1920s southern town. Featuring several shops, a doctor’s office, general store, numerous mills, and much more, Small Town is the perfect way to experience life of yesteryear.

3. French Camp Historic District, French Camp

This historic district has been in existence since 1812, when it was established by General Andrew Jackson as a recruitment camp. From 1846 – 1848, Colonel James Drane resided in a log cabin on the property, and for some time, the Council House of Greenwood LeFlore, a Choctaw Indian and Mississippi Chief, was located here. These historically-significant buildings, along with several others, are now available for touring. There are also onsite demonstrations, allowing guests to see how quilts are stitched together and how sorghum is made. While there, be sure to grab lunch at the cafe – the bread is baked on site and the Mississippi Mud Cake is supposed to be amazing.

4. Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, Natchez

This 128-acre site includes three ceremonial mounds, a reconstructed Natchez Indian house, and a museum – all of which are free to tour.

5. Chickasaw Village and Fort Site, Tupelo

Travelling to the early 1700s is as easy as heading to Tupelo thanks to this historic town, which features the outline of a Chickasaw winter home, summer home, and fort. Informative signs have been added to the site, making it easy for visitors to learn about the tribe’s history, everyday life, and means of surviving.

6. Nanih Waiya Mound and Village, Philadelphia

The period of construction of the Nanih Waiya mound remains a mystery to this day; however, one thing is for certain, the site plays a central role in the Choctaw tribe’s origin legends. One story in particular tells of the mound giving birth to the tribe as they emerged from the underworld.

7. Rocky Springs, near Port Gibson

By 1860, Rocky Springs was a prosperous community with a population of over 2,500, but by 1940 there wasn’t a single resident left. Between the effects of the Civil War, two Yellow Fever outbreaks, and a boll weevil epidemic, Rocky Springs seemed somewhat doomed. Today, all that’s left of the once prosperous town is a church, cemetery, and remnants of an old post office safe and a cistern.

We're so lucky that we can experience history first hand! Been to any of the places listed above? Have another historic village to add? Tell us in the comments section below.