The River City has officially finished first on the Readers’ Choice list of America’s 10 Best Historical Small Towns by Newsweek magazine.

“As mayor of Vicksburg, Mississippi, I am deeply honored and thrilled to announce that Vicksburg has been named the Best Historical Small Town,” Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said Thursday evening in a Facebook post announcing the officials results. “This recognition is a testament to the rich history, vibrant culture, and strong sense of community that make our town so special. ”

Vicksburg was one of 15 nominees for the distinction of Best Historical Small Town, which was chosen by Newsweek readers who were able to vote online for the order of the final top ten list. Other nominated towns from across the country included Berlin, Md; Bisbee, Ariz.; Breckenridge, Colo.; Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif.; Cedarburg, Wis.; Cody, Wyo.; • Concord, Mass.; Gettysburg, Penn.; Harpers Ferry, W. Va.; Hyde Park, N. Y.; Lindsborg, Kans.; St. Augustine, Fla.; Tombstone, Ariz.; and Williamsburg, Va.

“We couldn’t be happier to wear the badge of the number one Best Historical Small Town by Newsweek,” Visit Vicksburg Executive Director Laura Beth Strickland said. “Vicksburg is full of history, and visitors come from all over the world to hear our stories and experience our city. We hope this will allow us to draw an even larger audience to Vicksburg.”

Flaggs thanked everyone who cast a vote for Vicksburg and said this national recognition is a testament to both Vicksburg’s history and its continued progress.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for Vicksburg,” Flaggs said. “Your support and pride in our historical small town have made this achievement possible. We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you. As we continue to celebrate our heritage and look forward to the future, let us take a moment to appreciate all that makes Vicksburg unique. This award is not just a win for our town, but for all of us who call it home.”

Vicksburg will kick off the celebration of the bicentennial anniversary of its incorporation in January 2025.

The complete list of Newsweek’s top ten Readers’ Choice Best Historical Small Towns can be found at https://www.newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-historical-small-town