One of the best things about driving through Mississippi is that you’re never short on scenic views. There’s nothing like taking some of our beautiful back roads, with the windows rolled down and the tunes turned up.

Next time you catch yourself with an urge to jump in the car and chase the sun, head over to this remote destination in Mississippi where the drive is worth the final view. 

Tucked away in Claiborne County, Port Gibson is a tiny little town that’s home to fewer than 2,000 residents.

As the third oldest European-American settlement in Mississippi, you can bet that this sleepy little town has a big history. One of my favorite fun facts about Port Gibson is that it was home to the Port Gibson Female College. The college was founded in 1843, and even though it closed in 1908, it played a role in women’s education at a time when women weren’t seen as equals. Most of the buildings are long gone, but City Hall actually resides in one of the original buildings!

Since Port Gibson sits on the shores of the Mighty Mississippi, it was the site of several clashes during the Civil War, including the Battle of Port Gibson in 1863. Since the town was caught in the crosshairs of the war, you would think most of the original buildings would have suffered a fiery fate that was all too common back then. Shockingly, many of Port Gibson’s buildings were spared. Union General Ulysses S. Grant proclaimed the city “too beautiful to burn.”

After the war, Port Gibson established itself as a center of trade and eventually established the first cottonseed oil plants in the United States in 1882. 

On the artistic side of things, Port Gibson was home to one of the largest all-black vaudeville shows in the southern states. The Rabbit’s Foot Company was opened in 1900 and served as a theater space for talented singers, musicians, comedians, and entertainers. A Mississippi Blues Trail marker was installed in the town to honor the theater company’s contribution to Mississippi’s blues history. 

The most famous landmark in Port Gibson is the Windsor Ruins. Only 23 columns remain of what was once the largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion in Mississippi—and they’re worth checking out. 

The mansion towered over everything in its sight from 1861 to 1890. The mansion was used as a hospital and observation station by Union troops during the Civil War. Even though the mansion miraculously survived the Civil War (most plantations were burned down), Windsor Mansion stood tall after the war. It wasn’t until a guest put out a cigarette (or cigar) that it went up in flames. 

A drive around Port Gibson is a history lover’s paradise. You could easily spend the whole day taking in the historic windshield views and popping out to get a closer look at everything. 

If you’ve ever visited Port Gibson, share your experience with us in the comments below. Read on to check out some of our favorite road trip essentials to make your drive a breeze.