10 Southern Towns Steeped in History
The South is home to some of the most historical sites in America. Plan your next vacation and experience different eras of American history through museums, monuments, and historical tours. These historical Southern towns offer plenty of fun and educational adventures for the whole family!
1. Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, with strong ties to the nation’s first president. This walkable city features hundreds of historical tours and monuments, as well as plenty of shopping and dining options. Start your tour with a visit to the historical Carlyle House, home of Alexandria’s co-founder John Carlyle. Experience 18th century life through Carlyle’s eyes with daily tours, youth programs, special events, exhibits, and lectures. From there, head to the historic Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum, Alexandria’s 5-star hotel of the colonial era. The Tavern’s ballroom was the site of George Washington’s Birthnight Ball in 1798 and 1799, as well as Thomas Jefferson’s Inaugural Banquet in 1803. Take a stroll along the brick-lined streets of Old Town’s King Street Mile, which features more than one hundred independently-owned boutiques and restaurants. Many of Old Town’s restaurants are located in centuries-old historic buildings. Indulge your sweet tooth at Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats, which was named one of the Top 5 Restaurants by the Food Network. Learn more about America’s first president with a visit to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, which was built in the 1920s by American Freemasons and features a 17-foot bronze statue of George Washington. After a full day of adventure, visit the historic Waterfront District with views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. as well as some of the finest seafood restaurants in the area.
visitalexandria.com
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is well-known for its Southern charm, delicious food, and historical architecture. Take a guided walking tour to see the bold Art Deco buildings in the downtown area, and visit the Basilica of St. Lawrence, which has North America’s largest free-standing dome. Stroll along the Asheville Urban Trail to discover the unique history of Asheville’s vibrant mountain culture. Highlights include an iconic flat iron sculpture and a tribute to Appalachian music heritage. Don’t feel like walking? Hop on one of Asheville’s iconic red trolley cars for a tour of the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, filled with the sights and sounds of street musicians playing everything from traditional bluegrass to jazz to zydeco. The most iconic historical building in Asheville is the extravagant Biltmore Estate. George Vanderbilt created the 250-room estate, which was modeled after the grand castles of France and Britain. The building occupies four acres of floor space, making it the largest private home in America. Biltmore house contains original furniture, art, and artifacts collected by Vanderbilt, including portraits by Sargent, Renoir, and Whistler. The homes library features 20,000 rare books and five 16th century Flemish tapestries. The beauty of this famous estate extends to the outdoors, where formal gardens are spread below the Biltmore House. The immaculate gardens are arranged by separate themes, such as the Italian Garden, the natural Shrub Garden, and the English Walled Garden. The estate also includes the Biltmore Winery and the Antler Hill Farm where visitors can learn more about heirloom chickens, goats, and horses. Stay the night at the Inn on Biltmore Estate for a four-star, four-diamond luxury experience.
exploreasheville.com
biltmore.com
3. Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is steeped in the history of the Civil Rights Era and features several historic monuments where you can learn about this important time in our nation’s history. The Civil Rights District in Birmingham includes Kelly Ingram Park, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and the 16th Street Baptist Church, which was bombed in 1963 by a white supremacist terrorist group. The Four Spirits Statue in Kelly Ingram Park serves as a memorial to the four young victims of the tragic bombing. Visit the Negro Southern League Museum to learn the history of African-American baseball and its impact on Birmingham. The world-class facility features the uniforms of legendary baseball players, including Satchel Paige and Willie Wells, along with Louis Santop’s bat, an exhibit of Rickwood Field, and 1,500 original signed baseballs. See where history was made at the A.G. Gaston Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his supporters held meetings. Enjoy a family-friendly evening at the historic Alabama Theatre, where you can see classic film screenings, concerts, plays, musicals, and more. This historic gem is located in the heart of the Birmingham Theatre District, where the Alabama Theatre and the adjacent Lyric Theatre are the only remaining theaters in the district.
birminghamal.org
birminghamnslm.org
alabamatheatre.com
4. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is one of the most charming historic cities in the South. Sprawling plantations, colorful antebellum homes, and steepled churches flanked by cobblestone sidewalks fill the city’s landscape. Enjoy the view with a carriage ride through East Bay Street, also known as Rainbow Row, where pastel-colored 18th century homes provide endless photo opportunities. Or, enjoy Charleston’s skyline with a view from one of the city’s many rooftop bars and restaurants, where the soulful flavors of Low Country cuisine delight your taste buds. The historic Middleton Place plantation spans over 65 acres and features a glimpse into the life of enslaved and freed people who maintained its gardens and produced a variety of crafts. The Battery and White Point Garden provides majestic views of Fort Sumter and the Charleston Harbor. White Point Garden also contains numerous monuments, cannons, and a gazebo dating back to the Civil and Revolutionary War era. Enjoy a variety of Southern food staples and authentic moonshine found in the City Market District.
charlestoncvb.com
5. Little Rock, Arkansas
Experience the diverse culture and history of Little Rock by visiting one of the city’s many museums, monuments, and vibrant neighborhoods. The River Rail Streetcar takes you on a tour through Historic Downtown Argenta, where rail operators provide news and facts about community events and historic sites, including the Argenta Drug Company, which was established in 1880 and continues as the oldest continuously operating pharmacy west of the Mississippi River. Other notable sites include the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. Visit the Little Rock Nine Monument at the State Capitol to learn how these nine African-American students enrolled at Little Rock Central High School spearheaded the desegregation movement in the city’s public schools in 1957. The ESSE Purse Museum chronicles the evolution of 20th century American women through the bags they carry and their contents. If you’re visiting Little Rock in November, be sure to attend the Arkansas Cornbread Festival. The festival includes a cornbread competition, a full day of music, unique Arkansas gifts from local artisans, and a variety of cuisines and beverages from area restaurants and breweries.
littlerock.com
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arkansascornbreadfestival.com
6. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark, and by 1830, it became the largest city in Kentucky. The city has since been home to several men and women who changed the history of America, including President Zachary Taylor, John James Audubon, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Muhammad Ali. Louisville’s famous Seelbach Hotel was even immortalized in the great American novel, The Great Gatsby. Experience the diverse history of Louisville yourself by visiting some of the city’s more than 120 attractions. Visit the iconic Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby Museum to learn more about the thoroughbred horses and jockeys of one of Kentucky’s most revered sports. Sports fans will also enjoy the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, which exhibits more than 3,000 original bat models as well as sculptures and artifacts featuring some of baseball’s greatest legends. Sports lovers can also visit the Muhammad Ali Center to learn about the boxer’s spectacular life and reflect on their own values, inner strengths, and character traits. The Frazier Kentucky History Museum in the heart of downtown Louisville chronicles the city’s unique history of bourbon-making with the Spirit of Kentucky Bourbon Exhibition. See spectacular views of the Louisville skyline from the rooftop bar. The Frazier is also part of the Urban Bourbon Experience, which includes more than ten local distilleries open for public tours and tastings. It also feature more than 35 bars and restaurants offering more than 60 bourbons and bourbon-inspired cuisine. Board the Belle of Louisville for a steamboat trip down the Ohio River and enjoy live music, delicious food, and themed special events. Don’t miss the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, which lasts through the month of October and features over 5,000 carved pumpkins!
gotolouisville.com
jackolanternlouisville.org
7. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is known for its rich history of the birth of blues and rock and roll, and is the must-visit city for music lovers from around the world. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music gets you moving with music and exhibits from some of history’s biggest musical legends. Artifacts include Isaac Hayes’ gold-trimmed Cadillac, a Hall of Records with more than 1,000 vinyl records, listening stations, and a large dance floor. The music plays on at the famous Sun Studios, where musicians like Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lewis recorded some of their biggest hits. Other sites of interest for music lovers include the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. See the home of the legendary Elvis Presley at Graceland, which features a tour of the mansion and the singer’s famous pink Cadillac. Enjoy dinner and a show at Graceland’s Delta’s Kitchen, which offers upscale Southern cuisine and performances from a variety of performers throughout the year. Learn about civil rights history in Memphis with a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. This historical site features more than 260 artifacts, 40 films, interactive exhibits, and personal accounts from the Civil Rights era. Of course, no trip would be complete without tasting some authentic Memphis barbecue from the more than 100-plus barbecue restaurants across Memphis.
memphistravel.com
8. Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson, known as “The City With Soul,” has more than 30 interactive museums featuring sports, agriculture, science, history, aviation, art, music, and civil rights. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is one of the largest museums chronicling the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement and its greater impact. The museum features eight interactive exhibits ranging from the Jim Crow era to the current state of Civil Rights in America. At the heart of the museum is a large central space lit by a dramatic light sculpture that plays the song “This Little Light of Mine,” and highlights the people who gave their lives for the Movement. As visitors interact with the sculpture, it shines brighter and the music volume increases. Other points of interest include the historic Alamo Theatre, which served as a cinema for African American films and a performing arts theater featuring Black Vaudeville acts, stage bands, and other performing artists. The Iron Horse Grill is another famous landmark in Jackson, and once featured performances from Jimmie Rodgers, Elvis Presley, and Robert Johnson. The building has burned in a fire twice, but has recently been restored back to its full glory, complete with two dining rooms, a performance stage, and a museum. Visitors to Jackson can also tour the historic Governor’s Mansion, which is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The mansion was built in 1842 and is the second-oldest continuously occupied gubernatorial residence in the United States.
mcrm.mdah.ms.gov
theironhorsegrill.com
visitjackson.com
9. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is one of the most historic cities in the South, loaded with Southern charm and beautiful architecture. Visitors can tour the historic area with a carriage ride or board one of the many trolley tours. For a truly unique experience take a voyage on the Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour, which takes you through some of the historic district’s most haunted sites. Stops include the Andrew Low House, and Perkin’s & Son’s Chandlery on River Street. Enjoy a night out with a show at the historic Savannah Theatre, which was built in 1818 and is the oldest continuously operating theatre in the country. After the show, have drinks and dinner at the Artillery Bar. The Artillery’s building was once the site of Georgia Hussar’s armory that housed the cavalry’s artillery. The building was renovated, but the unique and original terracotta façade was left untouched. History buffs can learn more about military history by visiting the Fort Pulaski National Monument. The fort offers guided tours, a military museum, and hiking trails with informational markers. There are historic weapons demonstrations between weekend tours, as well.
ghostsandgravestones.com
savannahtheatre.com
artillerybar.com
visitsavannah.com
10. Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is considered the world’s largest living history museum. History comes alive in the town’s 301 acres, which feature iconic sites, working tradespeople, historic taverns, and two world-class art museums. The Historic Area contains 89 18th century buildings, including the Market Square, which is a hub of colonial activity and shopping opportunities. Take a leisurely carriage ride through the town, where no detail is spared to recreate colonial life. Travel back in time to see where the first settlers made their home at the Jamestown Settlement. The site includes re-creations of a 1610-1614 fort as well as replicas of three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607. Nature lovers can stroll through the Governor’s Palace Garden and Grounds and gain insight into how the colonists lived and worked as a community. The Level 2 Certified Arboretum on the grounds contains a variety of 18th century trees, flowers, and woody shrubs. On October 19, Williamsburg celebrates Yorktown Day, which marks the 1781 siege that was one of the most important victories in the Revolutionary War. The event features a patriotic parade down Main Street with a fife and drum performance.
colonialwilliamsburg.org
jyfmuseums.org
