The River City has officially taken first place on Newsweek magazine’s Readers’ Choice list of the 10 best historic small towns in America.

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

Vicksburg was one of 15 nominees for the Best Historic Small Town award, chosen by Newsweek readers, who voted online to determine the order of the final top ten list. Other nominated towns from around the country included Berlin, Maryland; Bisbee, Arizona; Breckenridge, Colorado; Carmel-by-the-Sea, California; Cedarburg, Wisconsin; Cody, Wyoming; Concord, Massachusetts; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; Hyde Park, New York; Lindsborg, Kansas; St. Augustine, Florida; Tombstone, Arizona; and Williamsburg, Virginia.

“We are thrilled to be named Newsweek’s Best Historic Small Town,” said Laura Beth Strickland, executive director of Visit Vicksburg. “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 help us attract an even larger audience to Vicksburg.”

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

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for Vicksburg,” said Flaggs. “Your support and pride in our historic small town 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 to the future, let’s take a moment to recognize all that makes Vicksburg unique. This award is not only a win for our city, but for all of us who call it home.”

Vicksburg will begin celebrating the bicentennial of its founding in January 2025.

For the full list of Newsweek Readers’ Choice Top 10 Historic Small Towns, visit https://www.newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-historical-small-town.