The riverside town of Natchez Mississippi is the oldest lasting settlement alongside the Mississippi River. Home to British, Spanish and French settlers, ancient Indians and the sun-worshipping Natchez Indians, the area first displayed the Stars and Stripes in 1798. One of the most appealing aspects of Natchez travel are the antebellum mansions built in striking Greek Revival style. These historic houses are flanked by exquisitely cared for gardens and are a huge attraction in themselves. Fourteen of these distinct and beautiful homes are open to be viewed by the public including the detailed and elegant Longwood House which is built in an octagonal shape.

Located only 10 miles north of historical Natchez, Natchez State Park provides a large and sweeping area perfect for outdoor activities. In the park there are many grandiose mansions built before the Civil War by the many US millionaires who gathered and lived in Natchez together. Numerous houses survived the Civil War and visitors can tour them while in the park. There are so many things to do in Natchez State Park that there's absolutely no room for boredom!

Mississippi fishing and camping abound at the park and cabins are available for accommodation. Cabin rates range between $50.00 and $85.00 while campsites go for $16.00 but confirm prices before booking. Hiking and cycling paths are great for a trip around the park to view the historic sites or just for a little exercise. Other Natchez State Park amenities include bathhouses, barbeques, a picnic pavilion, firewood, camp sites, playgrounds, a comfort station, boat launch ramps and more. Special events at the park include the Balloon Festival in October, the Spring Pilgrimage in March and the Large Mouth Fishing Tournament in July.

Mississippi Map

Some of the last known Native American settlers in the area were the Natchez Indians. Hunting and gathering methods were part of the mainstay for this group of farmers during daily life. The Natchez Indians were separated into different groups which anthropologists have named "chiefdom". From here the groups were spilt into two categories or ranks which were Commoners and Nobility. Evidence suggests that the Natchez Indian civilization dates back to circa 700AD through to the 1700's.

Best known for their traditions and religious beliefs the Natchez Indians built mounds as religious monuments in their tribal customs. The mounds are believed to act as foundation for their sacramental buildings. Flat topped and ceremonial the mounds served as homes to only the most prominent of the tribe's members and are thought to have been built during early 13th century history. The sacred Indian village is known in current day as Natchez Mississippi.

During Natchez travel other attractions include the historic downtown area which makes for a pleasant day trip. No transportation is necessary when in the area as you can walk everywhere. Discover abundant old buildings, unique shops, a variety of restaurants and best of all the quaint riverwalks. Open Tuesday to Saturday the Museum of Afro-American History & Culture features portraits of the Afro-American community from 1880 to 1920. Many exhibits portray life in Natchez back then with an old schoolhouse, churches and many artifacts.

Homes of great significance that are a must-see include Magnolia Hall, Stanton Hall, Dunleith and Rosalie Mansion which is top-rated. Sitting just below the town is an area called Natchez-Under-the-Hill. Visitors will find plenty of shops, restaurants a riverboat casino called Isle of Capri which is open 24 hours and has an abundance of craps tables and slot machines. Natchez is exceptionally set apart from other cities in Mississippi purely because of it's distinct and colorful past. If in the area don't miss an opportunity to visit.