Founded in 1971, Alcorn is the oldest public historically black land-grant institution in the United States and the second oldest state supported institution of higher learning in Mississippi.
Located about 60 miles southwest of Ridgeland and 40 miles northeast of Natchez along the Parkway, Port Gibson has preserved the timeless heritage of a storied past. Chartered as a town on March 12, 1803, Port Gibson is Mississippi’s third oldest settlement. It was the site of several clashes during the American Civil War and was important during Ulysses S. Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign. Many of Port Gibson’s historic buildings survived the Civil War because Grant believed the city “too beautiful to burn.”
Its lavish 19th Century homes, old storefronts, and battlefields recall the days of plantations and old southern hospitality. Today, you can journey through Port Gibson’s historic district and walking tours of over forty residences, houses of worship, and cemeteries, many dating back to the early 1800’s.
The 450 acre park officially opened May 6, 1962. The park is a Civil War battlefield site with two fortifications, picnic areas, hiking trails, observation tower, museum, cemetery, RV and tent camping with showers and laundry facility
Built in 1860, west of Port Gibson by Smith C. Daniell, II. In 1890 the main structure was destroyed by fire, leaving only stately columns as mute evidence of a glorious, historic past.
Preserved here is a portion of the deeply eroded or ‘sunken’ Old Trace. Hardships of journeying on the Old Trace included heat, mosquitos, poor food, hard beds (if any), disease, and harsh swamps.
