port gibson, mississippi

This town was not burned during the Civil War because it was too lovely, according to legend, but not much seems to remain. Unusual temple, Gemiluth Chessed Synagogue in Moorish Revival and the only architecture like that in state, and the pink, Romanesque Revival First Presbyterian Church with the golden hand, finger pointed towards heaven on top of the steeple. Did not see a whole lot else but a handful of houses, but perhaps we did not drive around the right streets. Downtown is half abandoned. Start of the Blues Trail, but nothing but a marker there.

Port Gibson has a number of beautiful, historic, churches and homes - particularly along highway 61 - Church Street. And no matter what I say about the town here - everyone interested in historic and small towns SHOULD visit.The biggest problem with visiting Port Gibson is the traffic. Almost everything is along Church Street. Unfortunately Church St is a 4-lane US highway Offering the best traffic connection between Jackson & Vicksburg with Natchez & Baton Rouge. The volume is heavy with cars and large trucks. The noise is uncomfortable and the traffic does not move slowly enough.The town would benefit greatly by "calming" the traffic. Lower the speed limit and cut the road down from 4-lanes to 2-lanes and add angled parking and landscaping. (If anyone in the town reads this - look at what Greenville, SC did to change their Main Street. It worked beautifully.)The sidewalks are badly maintained, creating many trip hazards along the way.The town does not convey much pride in what they have to offer.The town suffers from a lack of trendy restaurants/cafes and shops. Granted, with a population of only 1800 there's not much of a local population to warrant such. But the location of the town would generate tourist stops. As it is, McDonalds is the best lunch choice in town, and unfortunately it was one of the filthiest and unfriendly McDonalds we ever visited (we actually walked out without ordering because it was so bad).BUT: the architecture of the churches and the houses is a MUST SEE! And the visitor center is worth a stop - the hostess there was very friendly and a joy to talk with; and very knowledgeable of the area.

Port Gibson is conveniently located between Vicksburg and Natchez and it is definitely worth the stop. This small town is rich in architecture, which includes dozens of historic churches, homes, and other preserved public buildings. Many of the town's historic buildings and sites have markers with dates and a short history, so you will need to get out and do some walking. Don't forget to stop at the visitor's center and also see the historic downtown. Just west of Church Street is beautiful historic Wintergreen cemetery, which is well worth seeing. Port Gibson is surrounded by other great sites, such as Grand Gulf Military State Park, the abandon town of Rodney, historic Alcorn State, and the ruins of Windsor Plantation. Located also near there is Rosswood plantation, Mangum Indian Mound (Emerald Mounds is south of there), A.K. Shaifer House, along with other historic rural churches, houses and cemeteries. I have been coming to this great little town since the 1970s and have always thought of it as a treasure.

From the huge finger pointing heavenward at the top of the steeple to the interior chandeliers (look closely from the upstairs old slave gallery, you will see Robert E. Lee astride his horse in the center of each), a charming place to visit and reflect, this would be a wonderful place to attend a service!

Lovely small town with historical significance. As you are driving into town you must look for the unique church steeple - only one like it anyway. Beautiful city and friendly helpful residents.

We enjoyed touring the Presbyterian church. I had always wanted to go inside and it was so pretty, especially the windows. I was surprised that it was open to the public.

It is about half way between Vicksburg, MS and Natchez, MS. You can either drive down US 61 from Vicksburg or take the Natchez Trace Parkway. The most spectacular site is the golden hand on top of one of the churches. Otherwise the city is a fine example of ante bellum southern country living. There are ruins of plantations, courtesy of the civil war, and several battle or skirmish sites that can be viewed. If you are traveling between Natchez and Vicksburg Port Gibson is worth spending some time in and around.

We drove through Port Gibson after visiting the Grand Gulf Military Park. Church Street was the highlight of the town, as it had many beautful and diverse churches. Other than the antebellum homes and churches, there wasn't much else for tourists to do (or see). It's worth taking a drive down Church Street, but that's about all.

Mall town Mississippi does a good job preserving their past. Off the beaten path, this town has beautiful architecture and worth the detour.

Church Street is magnificent, especially in April. Nice antebellum homes. Stay overnight in Isabella's B&B. Great people, nice rooms, good food.

Like much of the Mississippi delta, Port Gibson is a remarkably poor forgotten little town with so very much history. Unfortunately, All of which is quickly forgotten as irrelevant in this post modern techno era. Port Gibson sports some lovely tree lined streets with stately oaks dating back 150 years and more. Several buildings dating to before 1850. It is said Union General Grant refused to torch this town as "too pretty to burn". I suspect that statement would no longer holds truth as one gazes upon the typical dilapidated squalor in and around the city's downtown. The rubble of neglect is visible in idle, kudzu covered buildings. Of important note and well worth the visit: First Presbyterian Church with its steeple topped by a gilded hand with index finger extended skyward. See Brashear Academy, directly behind the church, it dates to 1850. Another sight would be the Claiborne County Court House dating to 1845. Wise visitors need be prepared as dining choices are abysmal. What better, A stocked picnic basket and your honey? Be sure and tour the Grand Gulf Park which is perhaps 6 miles North and West of town and the Windsor Ruins which is 10 miles South and West of town.

Similarly to review below, found Port Gibson by accident. Was immediately struck by its beauty and wonderful homes. The homes are amazing but once here I began to realise that the town has a significant history. Well worth a side trip on your travels.

We are Civil War buffs so it was only a matter of time before we discovered Port Gibson, Mississippi. Actually, we found it by accident. Our primary destination was the Windsor ruins, which are located outside Port Gibson. In 1863, as he was crossing the Mississippi River in his quest to capture Vicksburg, Gen. Grant came upon Port Gibson and ordered that the town be spared because it was too beautiful to burn. He spared Windsor, too. It was one of the grandest and largest antebellum mansions in the South but it burned down in 1890. Homes and churches along Port Gibson's main street (highway 61) date to the early 1800s. The town also is easily accessible from the nearby Natchez Trace Parkway. Start at the visitors center at the south end of town. Pieces of history seem to pop up around every turn and in legends like the dueling of Jim Bowie and his brother. With the help of historical markers, you can also trace the actual path of Gen. Grant's march from his landing at Bruinsburg (near Windsor) to Port Gibson. Be sure to see the Bethel Church south of Windsor, which dates to the Civil War. And the road that Gen. Grant's troops took to Port Gibson, just south of the Bethel Church, still exists. We drove it several years ago and I swear we were the first persons to navigate the dirt path since Grant himself. I recall coming upon a creek that flowed across the road. I got out of my car to see if I could cross it. Satisfied that I could, I did. But I looked around to see if Gen. Grant was watching.