Aberdeen was founded in 1835 by Robert Gordon, a Scotsman who recognized the potential of the site located on a hill next to the Tombigbee River. In 1837, the town was incorporated, and in 1849 became the seat of Monroe County, the first county established north of Jackson. During this era of amazing growth, Aberdeen became the second largest city in Mississippi, as well as the largest port on the Tombigbee River. "Cotton was King" in 1850, and cotton from the rich lands north and west was hauled to Aberdeen and shipped by boat to Mobile. The wealthy merchants and landowners who owned the huge plantations near town competed in the building of large mansions in Aberdeen during this time of great prosperity. Many of the furnishings for these great homes were purchased in Europe and shipped to Aberdeen by steamboat up the Tombigbee. Before the turn of the century, Aberdeen again experienced a time of affluence resulting in some of the most beautiful examples of early Victorian architecture to be found in Mississippi.

In addition to its beautiful homes, other attractions to be seen in Aberdeen include: six historic churches, the 1857 Monroe County Courthouse, two cemeteries c. 1845 and 1857, pre-1900 store facades and magnolia boulevard on Commerce Street, plus "Silk Stocking Avenue" ("Franklin Street), the main Victorian residential street.

A river town, yes, but Aberdeen has also been a railroad town, being served by as many as three railroads at one time, on occasion. Pictured is the old M & O Railroad Depot, which still stands. It is the oldest standing depot in Mississippi, and is to be restored in the not-too-distant future through the efforts of interested local preservationists in cooperation with the city government .