(Photo: Mayor Dan Gibson of Natchez, Mississippi)
Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a mayor looks like? Through our Minute with the Mayor series, you no longer need to wonder. This week, we sat down with the Mayor of Natchez, Mississippi, Mayor Dan Gibson, and talked all about his favorite spots in Natchez, some new developments in the area, and how he became a mayor.
How did you become mayor of Natchez, Mississippi? Tell us about your political career.
I became a mayor when I was only 30 years old in a little town called Crystal Springs. I got my feet wet there and then went on to have a lobbying career. Eventually, I moved to Natchez because I have always loved it. As a child, my parents would bring me here, and I always told them that I would move here one day. It truly is the most beautiful city and such a historical city. In 2016, I moved here with the plan to open bed and breakfasts and be a part-time resident. But Natchez gets in your blood, and it didn’t take long before I became a full-time resident. Then, in 2019, people started to ask me to run for Mayor. In 2020, I got elected and came into office during the pandemic. It was a challenging time but also a great time.
Can you tell us more about the new and exciting things happening in Natchez, Mississippi?
One of the things we are so excited about is the riverboats. The American Queen® is coming to Natchez so often and bringing many visitors from all across America and now even other parts of the world. Between American Queen Voyages, and other river cruises, we are hosting more than 2,000 guests a week. But, on top of that, we have a native Mississippi resident named Tate Taylor who is the executive producer of the movie, The Help. He moved his movie studio to our bluff a couple of years ago, which has dubbed us the “Hollywood of the South”.
We have had historic economic growth with many new businesses coming in. We are seeing a booming real estate market. In the last few years, we have sold more than 700 houses, which is a lot for our little town. We have also added a couple of thousand new jobs in the past year. Natchez is the oldest municipality on the Mississippi River, hovering around 15,000 residents, so to see that growth is really exciting.
One thing we are especially excited about is breaking ground on America’s largest Bayou Fuels Biorefinery next year. They will be making jet fuel for airlines, such as British Air, Southwest Air, and Royal Air. This jet fuel will be made in a green way right here in Natchez.
(Photo: American Queen Voyages Founder & Chairman, John Waggoner on left with Mayor Dan Gibson in Natchez, Mississippi)
We understand that we have a mutual friend, Culinary Ambassador Regina Charboneau.
We love Regina Charboneau. She’s our local celebrity and has fed everyone from celebrities, such as Mick Jagger to politicians, ranging from governors to mayors, including myself. She is a great chef, and her biscuits are the best.
What are must-see places for our guests coming into Natchez?
We are known as being the oldest city on the river, home to many beautiful, historic mansions. It is said that for a city of our size, we have more historical structures than any city in America. Along with these mansions, we have excellent opportunities to learn more about African American History. We recently made renovations to the Natchez Museum of African American Culture on Main Street. I would encourage everyone to take it in.
In addition to the mansions, I recommend guests visit our shops. We have great shopping, from jewelry to antiques, there are all kinds of shops in our downtown area and even under the hill. Right near the boats is the oldest saloon on the Mississippi River, known to be where great memories are made and few are remembered. We are also the smallest city in the world to have a hop on and hop off tour bus. Additionally, guests can choose to take a horse and carriage ride through our historic downtown.
Is there anything else we should tell our guests about Natchez?
We have to give everyone a word of caution. Be careful when you are visiting Natchez. You may fall in love, and your next visit will be to buy a house. It has happened a dozen times over the last year or so. We welcome guests and love American Queen Voyages and the whole American Queen Voyages family. Thank you for making Natchez a top tourist destination.
Join us in Natchez, Mississippi!
Our team at American Queen Voyages™ has partnered with Natchez, Mississippi, and Mayor Gibson for some time now. Together, we have added Natchez, Mississippi, as a port of call along the mighty Mississippi River. However, the destination speaks for itself. With the beautiful churches, historical antebellum mansions, and one-of-a-kind shops, few places can mimic the charm of Natchez.
If Natchez, Mississippi is on your bucket list, check out our Mississippi River voyages and see if something catches your eye. We hope to see you on the river soon!
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