10 best historic small towns in the United States, according to readers

North America has a fascinating history and exploring the places which most affected it is much more fun than simply reading about it. The 10 best historic small towns, as voted by our readers, have small populations (fewer than 25,000 people) with big histories, making them fun and affordable ways to dive into our nation's past.

No. 10: Natchez, Mississippi. Since its settlement in 1716 by French colonists, Natchez has played an essential role in developing the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Once the capital of the Mississippi Territory, wealthy Southern planters and riverboat captains built their mansions here before the Civil War, many of which are well-preserved today. Visit the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture to understand the experiences of Black people in the South. Also in Natchez is the infamous Forks of the Road, once the location of one of the largest slave markets in the United States.

No. 9: Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Less than a 2-hour drive from the DC/Baltimore area, Berkeley Springs is worlds away from big-city bustle. Visitors discovered the power of this mountain enclave’s natural warm springs ages ago and have been coming ever since, seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. You can still spend time at centuries-old baths at Berkeley Springs State Park, but myriad modern options abound as well, along with lovely inns, dining venues, shopping options and cultural events.

No. 8: Natchitoches, Louisiana. Welcome to “Nack-a-Tish,” B&B capital of Louisiana and quaint setting for the ensemble-cast classic, “Steel Magnolias.” Natchitoches is the oldest town in the state. Its historic district is loaded down with shopping, dining and other attractions while ample annual events – many incorporating Native American, Creole and Louisiana cultures – draw visitors by the busload. Some of the city’s most popular center on music, including jazz and zydeco, others on regional staples like good ‘ol Louisiana barbecue.

No. 7: Taos, New Mexico. The Taos Pueblo is believed to be one of the oldest continually active communities in North America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The earliest residents of the area, the Tiwa tribe, have lived in Taos Valley for more than 1,000 years, and many of the town’s unique adobe structures are several centuries old. Taos has attracted artists for over 100 years and now has more than 20 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

No. 6: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This small Pennsylvania town is best known historically for the turning point three-day battle fought there in the summer of 1863 between Confederate and Union forces during the American Civil War. Every year in July, volunteers reenact the battle with commentary narrated by battlefield guides from the Gettysburg National Military Park. Ghost tours and historical interpretations entertain and inform visitors. Additionally, the Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the retreat farm of the former general and president, which was a peaceful meeting place for world leaders during the Cold War. 

No. 5: De Smet, South Dakota. Charles and Caroline Ingalls settled in De Smet in 1879. Their daughter Laura recorded her childhood memories in her Little House books, the basis for the “Little House on the Prairie” TV series. Locals retell the story every summer in an open-air theater, and visitors can see buildings connected to the Ingalls family.

No. 4: Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This community was founded in 1751 in south-central Pennsylvania and today is one of the state’s most treasured historic towns. Carlisle played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, with the Carlisle Barracks, the second-oldest Army post serving as a supply headquarters for American soldiers. Many people of historical fame have walked the town’s streets, including George Washington, “Molly Pitcher,” the heroine of the Battle of Monmouth, and many others. Carlisle is also home to Dickinson College, which in 1783 became the first college founded in the newly formed United States of America.

No. 3: San Elizario, Texas. The roots of this small Texas community go back hundreds of years, beginning with a Spanish settlement and military base. San Elizario chose to maintain its historic integrity rather than move forward as the railroad became a more prominent means of transportation in the late 1800s. Today, the community features historically significant buildings with the adobe construction and architectural features recognized in the Territorial and Pueblo Revival styles. The Casa Garcia, formerly a residence in the mid-19th-century, now serves as a museum and highlights exhibits on the town’s history through its many governmental periods.

No. 2: Abilene, Kansas. Abilene is the hometown of Dwight D. Eisenhower, a five-star General and 34th President of the United States, and that’s just the start of this town’s historical appeal. Besides the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood home, visitors can ride the state’s only operational steam locomotive, tour the historic Seelye Mansion, take a spin on the oldest known Parker Carousel and step back into the Wild West in Old Abilene Town.

No. 1: Wickford, Rhode Island. Europeans first settled this Rhode Island community around 1637, and today it features one of the northeastern United States’ most significant collections of 18th-century dwellings, most of which are on their original foundations. The Old Narragansett Church was established in downtown Wickford in 1707 and today stands as the oldest Episcopal church building in the northeastern United States. One of the area’s most visited historical locations is Smith’s Castle, built in 1678 by the son of one of Wickford’s earliest European settlers.