Natchez, Mississippi sits-stately and proud- on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Embracing its motto “Where the river runs wide and the history runs deep,” Natchez takes pride in its status as one of the oldest cities along the Mississippi River. You might stop for the history lessons, but the welcoming atmosphere, friendly locals, and tantalizing food will make you want to linger.
Thanks to the American Queen and Visit Natchez for hosting me. All opinions are my own.
History of Natchez, Mississippi
Originally settled by the Natchez Native American tribe, the city was colonized with the arrival of French immigrants in 1716. Later ceded to Spain, then Britain, before becoming a US territory, Natchez retains a blend of French, Spanish, and African cultures.
The city began on the riverfront in a place known as “Natchez-Under-The-Hill.” Overran with taverns, cheap whiskey, brothels, and gaming halls, it was once called “the most licentious spot on the Mississippi River.” Rumors spread that the only thing cheaper than the body of a woman in this port was the life of a man. Today, you can still find drinks-and much less licentious action-in the Under the Hill Saloon.
Sunset from Natchez-Under-The-Hill.
Natchez “proper”-the home of the cities’ genteel residents-looked down on the Under-The-Hill population. Wealthy planters and businessmen built mansions on the bluff; hosting lavish parties and creating a thriving social scene. The demise of the railroad in the mid-20th century brought a downturn in the economy, but the Natchezians are tenacious. They’ve created classic restaurants-both gourmet and down-home style, quaint shops, and preserved their historic antebellum homes while showcasing the enslaved population and the highlights and tragedies of the Civil Rights Movement.
What is there to do in Natchez?
History reaches out to you in Natchez, pulling you in and embracing you in its arms. The stately antebellum homes-preserved by the unconditional surrender of the city to the Union Army-stand alongside more gruesome monuments like the Fork in the Road Slave Market. Sample a taste of its history with these activities.
Begin your day at the Natchez Coffee Company. Nothing says Southern hospitality like homestyle Southern cooking. This is the place to try flaky biscuits and creamy sausage gravy, crispy hash browns, and eggs cooked to perfection. Of course, they also serve homemade baked goods displayed in a case that draws the eye as soon as you walk in the door. It’s good food in a relaxed atmosphere with a dose of Southern sweetness on the side.
Visit Rosalie Mansion, the former home of Peter Little and his wife, Eliza. Named for a former French fort located in Natchez, Peter built the home as a gift for his wife. Their marriage had an unconventional beginning. Peter was friends with the local ferryman and his wife. When they contracted yellow fever, they contacted Peter and begged him to look after their daughter. Knowing the only option to protect her rights was through marriage, he married her. He was 25 and she was 14.
He immediately sent her to finishing school in Boston where she remained for several years. The house was sold to the Wilson family in 1857. Although the house was sold to the Mississippi State Society Daughter’s of The American Revolution in 1938, one of the descendants of the Wilson family remained in the home until her death in 1958. The home is filled with many of the original Wilson family furnishings.
Stop by the Proud to Take A Stand Monument for a tribute to the 1965 Civil Rights Advocates who were unfairly imprisoned in what is now known as The Parchman Ordeal. Of the 400 people inscribed on the monument, 150 were arrested and taken to the Mississippi Correctional Institute, a maximum-security prison in Parchman. The young men and women were participating in a peaceful march from neighboring churches when they were seized for “parading without a permit.” This memorial, dedicated in 2019 by Dr. Andrew Young, will forever capture their humiliating ordeal and their courage to take a stand against injustice.
Take a cooking lesson at the Natchez Heritage School of Cooking. Jarita King is on a mission. After taking a cooking lesson in New Orleans, she discovered the need to tell the untold story behind many of the Southern foods we enjoy today. Ms. King, a professor at Alcorn College, knows how to weave a tale that captures the essence and the history of the dish.
Three generations of women share stories of how their heritage, along with how the enslavement of their ancestors, effected their recipes. A perfect example is her fried Collard fritters. Taking a classic dish eaten by enslaved people-collards-she has created a new twist that not only tastes delicious but also has a story behind it.
Get a snack at Rolling “N” The Dough. This new shop, the brainstorm of eighteen-year-old Hannah-Grace, is a true family affair. Housed in one of the antique storefronts on Franklin Street, the brick interior features artwork by Hannah Grace’s mom and fixtures and furnishings designed by her father. But the true deliciousness is found in Hannah Grace’s edible cookie dough recipes. You’ll find flavors like Sixteen Candles Funfetti, Girl Scout Brownie Cookie, and the O.G. Chocolate Chip. Scoops of this dough can be mixed and matched between two giant peanut butter or chocolate chip cookies.
Not a fan of cookie dough? They also serve coffee drinks, ice cream, toffee popcorn, and other homemade goodies.
Want even more ideas? Read about more homes to visit, Civil Rights sites and the Enslaved Experience, and places to dine.
Things to Know Before You Go:
*If you are visiting with the American Queen, Hop-on Hop-off buses run every 15-20 minutes. Stops include Rosalie Mansion, the Natchez Visitor’s Center, the William Johnson House Museum, Magnolia Hall, Stanton Hall, King’s Tavern and the Charbonneau Distillery, and the Natchez Association for the Preservation of the Afro-American Culture Museum.
*Several optional premium tours-Tee Time in Natchez, a day of golfing on the Duncan Park Golf Course, Inside Regina’s Kitchen with Celebrity Chef Regina Charboneau, and Fortunes and Follies: A Glimpse into the Antebellum South-are offered to American Queen passengers.
*Rosalie Mansion is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm. The mansion is located at 100 Orleans Street, Natchez, Mississippi. Tours are self-guided and admission is charged to the general public.
*Heritage School of Cooking is located at 408 North Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Street, Natchez. Contact owner Jarita King for information on classes and special events.
*Natchez Coffee Company is located at 502 Franklin Street, Natchez.
*Rolling “N” the Dough is located at 413 Franklin Street, Natchez.
*The Proud to Take a Stand monument is located at the corner of Jefferson and Canal Streets.
Have you visited Natchez, Mississippi?
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I love this post. You touched on the history of the place and provided suggestions on what to do and see in Natchez. Hopefully we will be able to visit the place soon.
Very well done, Pam!!
Never been to Mississippi. Natchez is so rich in history it would be an ideal “first-stop” to visit if we get the chance to visit Mississippi. Thanks for the virtual tour. The mansion is so beautiful!
This looks like a cute town to visit! I’ve never been to Mississippi before.
the pics look amazing. i have never been to MS but would love to go. the cooking class is right up my ally.
Sounds like an interesting trip to take! I’d love to see that mansion and try the cooking lesson!
My husband has family in Mississippi. We are hoping to visit sometime this year!
I have never been to Mississippi, or even near it! Sounds like there are some interesting things to do in this area.
I want the chocolate chip cookie filled with ice cream.
I’ve driven through Mississippi but haven’t had a chance to explore. This sounds like a great place to explore. I’d love to find some of the haunted stuff too.
I love the story about the Natchez Heritage School of Cooking! I did the cooking class in New Orleans too, and I tell everyone who visits that they should go.
I haven’t ever been to Mississippi, but it looks lovely! I’d love to see some of these places.
I’ve never been to Mississippi, but of course I plan to visit one day. When I do, I’ll be sure to check out Natchez. It looks like a city my family would enjoy. So much history!
The history is what makes Natchez so mysterious. I give tours and I tell people that any and everything that had happened in history had ties to Natchez,Mississippi. I love it!!! Also look up the story about Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima. It’s a great story and he was my 7th great grandfather.
I’ve never been to Mississippi, but I would love to go there and explore. Love that photo of the sunset. Gorgeous!
Looks like a great place to visit!
This looks like such a great place to visit. I’ve never been to Mississippi before. I’d like to go.
I have some close friends who live in that area. I would love to take a trip and go see them.
I would love to visit that area of the US. My husband and I are in the middle of planning a cross-country trip. I really appreciate having this valuable information and tourist advice for Natchez, Mississippi.
The Natchez Heritage School of Cooking sounds really cool. I’d enjoy trying some of the dishes and hearing the history behind them.
I’d love to go here one day. It looks like such a gorgeous spot. That mansion is so pretty and the food looks incredible!
Natchez is a bit of America we need to be aware of. We never hear about this town being associated with civil rights but it certainly is. I would love to go there some day
I would love to visit Natchez for the history. Of course, when in Mississippi, you gotta get some great food!