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Natchez, Mississippi

Natchez, Mississippi Antebellum Tour Homes

Year-round there are several Natchez homes open for public tours.

During March thru early April over 20 additional private homes are on tour during the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage of Antebellum Homes . A Fall Pilgrimage is held in late September thru early October.

Click any photo to view larger photos.

Magnolia Hall - Natchez, Mississippi

Magnolia Hall

Built 1858 - 215 S. Pearl Street. The last great mansion built in downtown Natchez prior to the Civil War. Open Thursday - Sunday every hour 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Rosalie Mansion - Natchez, Mississippi

Rosalie Mansion

Built 1820 - 1822 - 100 Orleans Street. Overlooking the Mississippi River near the location where the Frenchman Bienville erected Fort Rosalie in 1716. Open daily: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stanton Hall - Natchez, Mississippi

Stanton Hall

Built 1857 - 401 High Street. Open daily: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Carriage House Restaurant on the grounds of Stanton Hall is open Wednesday through Monday for lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

William Johnson House - Natchez, Mississippi

  • William Johnson House

Built 1840 - 210 State Street. Mr. Johnson became a free black man at the age of 11. He kept a detailed diary of life in Natchez from 1836 to 1851. Open Daily: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Photo Credit: Visit Natchez

more about William Johnson House

Monmouth Plantation - Natchez, Mississippi

Monmouth Plantation

Built 1818 - 36 Melrose Avenue. Built by Natchez Postmaster John Hankinson on 26 acres just outside of downtown Natchez. Open daily: 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Melrose - Natchez, Mississippi

Built 1842-1848 - 1 Melrose - Montebello Parkway. Melrose is operated by the National Park Service as part of the Natchez National Historical Park. Open daily: 10 am. to 4 p.m.

Photo Credit: Downtown Karla Brown

Longwood - Natchez, Mississippi

Built 1860 - 140 Lower Woodville Road. Outbreak of the Civil War stopped construction of this octagon shaped home. Open daily: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

more about Longwood

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This Is My South

A travel guide to the Southern USA

Visiting Natchez Historic Homes and Plantations

December 13, 2019 By Caroline Eubanks 7 Comments

Fall Pilgrimage Natchez

Like so many towns along the Mississippi River, Natchez , Mississippi was home to lavish plantations and farms where cotton and other products could be shipped up or downstream to market. Cotton planters became millionaires but at the cost of the enslaved labor.

Some of these historic homes in the 300-year-old town are still standing and are open to tours. They’re a popular day trip for those traveling with the river cruises. Some homes are only open during the Natchez Pilgrimage , seasonal tours of homes, but others are open year-round.

During these pilgrimages, you can visit multiple homes for one price. Most can be seen by a group tour, which we’ve linked to, as well as independently by renting a car from the airport rental car  counters in Jackson .

A Note On Plantations:  These homes have a dark history that shouldn’t be ignored. Only you can decide whether this is something you’re interested in doing. Read  this post  for more perspectives on both sides of the debate.

This post contains affiliate links.

Auburn Mansion, Natchez, Mississippi, in April 2011.jpg

Auburn is an antebellum mansion built in 1812 by Levi Weeks, who had fled New York after being tried for murder, for Mississippi’s first attorney general. It is built in the Greek Revival style with porticos and columns as well as a stunning unsupported spiral staircase.

Book your tour of Auburn Museum & Historic Home .

Choctaw Hall

Choctaw Hall

Choctaw Hall was built in the Federal and Greek Revival styles in 1836. It has dramatic double porches. Today it operates as a bed and breakfast and event venue. Tours are offered from Wednesday to Sunday at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.

Book your tour of Choctaw Hall or spend the night at Choctaw Hall .

LANSDOWNE.jpg

Lansdowne is an antebellum plantation set on over 700 acres and is still owned by descendants of the original family. It contains much of the original decor and furnishings and has never undergone a restoration. Tours are offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 3 pm. It also operates as a bed and breakfast and event venue.

Book your tour of Lansdowne .

Longwood

Longwood is the most unique antebellum home in the country, built in a circular “Oriental-style” mansion. Built for a cotton planter, all work stopped during the Civil War and never continued. Tours of the home go through the basement, where the family lived, and the unfinished upstairs. It’s also open for seasonal ghost tours and was even featured in  True Blood .

Book your tour of Longwood Antebellum Mansion .

Magnolia Hall

Magnolia Hall Natchez Mississippi USA Front.JPG

Magnolia Hall was built in 1858 as a Greek Revival mansion, also known as the Henderson-Britton House. It was owned by Thomas Henderson, a wealthy cotton broker and merchant. A Union shell hit the kitchen during the Civil War. Tours are offered by the Natchez Garden Club and an upstairs exhibit features costumes.

Book your tour of Magnolia Hall .

Melrose-Natchez-MS.jpg

Melrose was built in the Greek Revival design in the 1820s for lawyer John T. McMurran, who worked with Monmouth owner John Quitman. After the Civil War, he sold the home to Elizabeth and George Davis, a couple whose home, Choctaw, had been taken over by Union troops. It has furnishings from this time period. Tours are offered daily by the Natchez National Park Service .

Monmouth

Monmouth is a 26-acre estate with one of the oldest homes in Natchez, now serving as a restaurant and inn. It was built in 1818 and inhabited by John Quitman, who became a Mississippi Governor. The home offers its own tours and is a stop on the City Sightseeing tour. Restaurant 1818 has Southern favorites like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and collard greens. 

Book your tour of Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens or spend the night at Monmouth Historic Inn , a AAA Four Diamond property.

Rosalie Mansion

Rosalie Mansion

Rosalie Mansion overlooks the bluffs of the Mississippi River and was built in the 1700s. Named for the Countess of Pontchartrain, the home was owned by three families before being turned over to the Daughters of the American Revolution. It survived the Civil War by becoming a Union headquarters.

Book your tour of Rosalie Mansion .

Stanton Hall

Stanton Hall

Stanton Hall is a Classic Revival antebellum home that was built in the 1850s for an Irish cotton broker. It was built to resemble his home in Belfast, another name given to the home. It later became a women’s school and inspired the design for Disney’s Haunted Mansion . Today they operate tours as well as the Carriage House Restaurant, which has some of the best fried chicken around.

Book your tour of Stanton Hall or spend the night at Stanton Guest House .

Other Natchez Houses to Tour

In addition to the grand antebellum homes and plantations, Natchez also has other historic homes open for tours.

The House on Ellicott’s Hill was one of the first homes built in Natchez in 1797. Featuring Federal style elements, the house was purchased through a Spanish land grant. It is now open for tours, operated by the Natchez Garden Club. The 1951 film Show Boat was filmed at the home.

The William Johnson House was named for the freed slave that lived here, a barber. He owned slaves himself and his house and diary provide a picture of life in Natchez during that time.

See the city’s historic homes and attractions on the City Sightseeing Natchez Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour , an informative bus tour that makes twelve stops around town. Your pass is good all day, so take your time.

Where to Stay in Natchez, Mississippi

In addition to the historic homes offering both tours and accommodations, these Natchez mansions run their own bed and breakfasts.

Devereaux Shields House – Guests enjoy a full Southern hot breakfast and 24-hour coffee, sofa, and tea service at this Victorian bed and breakfast. Accommodation options include rooms in the main house and the adjoining cottage. 

Linden – A Historic Antebellum Bed and Breakfast – Located in a well-preserved antebellum mansion, the inn is set on seven acres. Built in 1785, residents include the United States senator Thomas Buck Reed.

The Burn Bed and Breakfast was built in 1834 and became an inn in 1978. Rooms and suites have private baths, cable television, wireless Internet, and access to the outdoor pool.

Brandon Hall Plantation was built in 1856 outside of Natchez. It went through a number of owners before becoming an inn and event venue. They also operate tours during the fall and spring pilgrimages.

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

About Caroline Eubanks

Caroline Eubanks is the editor of this website, a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel writer, and the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. Her stories from the South have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Afar, Thrillist, Roads and Kingdoms, and BBC Travel.

Reader Interactions

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

June 16, 2020 at 6:46 pm

Hi! We’re wondering if the historic Natchez homes and plantations are open now?

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

June 17, 2020 at 9:22 am

I don’t know. You’ll have to check with each website.

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

February 22, 2021 at 1:50 pm

Can you tour the homes without getting tickets through Natchez Pilgrimage? At NPT, you have to purchase separate tours for $20-$25 each. We only want to tour 3-4 and I was hoping for a ticket/pass that allows multiple home tours for one price.

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

March 24, 2021 at 1:41 pm

We usually purchase tickets at the Natchez Visitor Center when we get there. They usually have a package deal for 3 houses.

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

April 12, 2021 at 10:35 pm

I am assuming that Washington and Ellen Ford’s plantation was located in Natchez. Is the house still standing?

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

February 6, 2022 at 5:57 pm

Caroline – I’m researching my husband’s (Eubanks) family tree – they were enslaved in Jackson MS area. Any relation, possibly?

February 7, 2022 at 3:20 pm

Hi Jeannine, I’m not sure but would love to know! I think most of my family is based in GA and SC.

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Exploring the Antebellum Homes of Natchez, Mississippi

Founded in 1716, Natchez is one of the oldest settlements in the South. It is known for its magnificent antebellum homes. In the 1800s, Natchez was home to the largest number of millionaires in the U.S.  Natchez became a center of culture and wealth for the east coast elite. Rich in history and southern hospitality, Natchez has a lot to offer travelers.

Pilgrimage Tours

Twice yearly, Natchez hosts pilgrimage tours of the town’s antebellum homes.  It is the primary fundraiser for the garden clubs that maintain several of the homes.  The Pilgrimage Garden Club began in 1936 and maintains both Stanton Hall and Longwood.  The Natchez Garden club oversees Ellicott’s Hill and Magnolia Hall. The homes survived the Civil War because the Natchez surrendered to the North in 1862.

Linden, Natchez Mississippi

The quintessential antebellum home and the oldest in Natchez, Linden , was constructed in 1785.  Jane E. Conner purchased the house in 1849 for herself and her nine children.  Jeanette Feltus, the current owner, is a 6 th generation descendent of the Conner-Feltus family. 

Jeanette Feltus

Mrs. Feltus is a delight and provided me with an informative tour of the home. 

The top-rated B&B features six rooms.  Mrs. Feltus serves as a charming hostess for guests.  Linden is known for its front doorway because  It served as the inspiration for the front door at Tara in Gone With the Wind .  Mrs. Feltus, 88, explained the producers should have made the movie in Natchez since the town has many houses that survived the Civil War.  Mrs. Feltus was also proud of her sizable collection of 1800s era furnishings. These included a plate warmer, a punkah over the dining room table for circulation, and a fine collection of Audubon paintings.  

Linden facts

Linden hosts tours regularly, and it is well worth your time to experience this bygone era of gracious living.  You might get a few extra stories out of your host as well.

Stanton Hall

Stanton Hall, Natchez, Mississippi

Frederick Stanton, a cotton planter, built Stanton Hall in the 1850s as a replica of his Belfast home.  Stanton Hall is an enormous and elegant home and was constructed on an entire city block in the heart of Natchez. Local artisans and craftsmen were primarily responsible for the construction of Stanton Hall.  Unfortunately, Frederick Stanton died only a few months after moving in. His widow, Hulda, lived in the home until 1893.  The house was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1974. 

Fireplace at Stanton Hall

Lavishly decorated, the home features Carrara marble fireplaces from Italy, matching bronze chandeliers, and floor to ceiling mirrors from France.  Numerous furnishings are original to the Stanton family.

Dining Room at Stanton Hall

The home served as Mont Royal, the home of the Main family in the 1985 miniseries, North and South.

The rooms are massive, with 15-foot cypress doors and 17-foot ceilings.  The 72 foot long galleries run the length of the house.

After Hulda died in 1893 and the Stanton College for Young Ladies was housed at Stanton until 1901. The house saw several owners before it was purchased in 1938 by the Pilgrimage Garden Club.

Longwood, Natchez Mississippi

Longwood is the star attraction in the antebellum homes in Natchez. As the only eight-sided home in the United States, Longwood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.  Designed by architect, Samuel Sloan, the ‘Oriental Villa’ was built for cotton planter, Frederick Nutt. The unique octagon-shaped home was to have six stories and 32 rooms. 

Construction began in 1860, and in just 18 months, 200 on-site workmen and brick masons made and lay three-quarters of a million bricks to construct the home’s 25-inch wall structure. Three hundred thousand feet of cypress timber was used in the structure of the house. The millwork includes 122 capitals that decorate the exterior of the home. Sloan’s unique designs incorporated pocket shutters on the balconies. 

With the Civil War onset, construction was mostly halted, except for Nutt and some local craftsmen. The Nutt family lived in the original nine rooms that were completed.  The dining room table and punkah are massive.

Dining room at Longwood

Nutt died in 1864, and the home’s upper floors remain as it was at that time. Julia Nutt died in 1897, and the Nutt children remained in possession of the house until 1968.  The home was donated to the Pilgrimage Garden Club in 1970 by its last owner, a Texan by the name of Kelly McAdams.

The unfinished interior five stories house many artifacts from a bygone era.   

Longwood looking up to the dome

Capping the stunning home is a Moorish Byzantine dome with a 24-foot finial rising 100 feet above the ground.  The original finial fell around 1900 and is stored on the upper floors of the home.

Only have a short time in Natchez? This one of a kind home is not to be missed.

Guest House Inn

Guest House Inn, Natchez Mississippi

The Guest House’s original building was constructed in 1840 and has seen several iterations and owners until its renovation in 1902.  The building became a hotel in 1981, and the present owners have run the property as a B&B since 2017. 

The Guest House Inn’s location in downtown Natchez’s heart places it within walking distance to restaurants and events.  In the small, attached restaurant, Mr. Henry prepares and serves a delicious first-class southern breakfast.  The antiques that decorate the rooms and public rooms harken back to a more gentile time.  The inn is a comfortable and welcoming space for guests to Natchez.

The Camp located alongside the Mississippi River serves up a broad menu of burgers, tacos, and other tasty fare. Unique and delicious craft beer is also served, and outdoor seating is available.  It can be an active place on the weekends.   

Natchez Coffee Company

Salad at Natchez Coffee Co

Natchez Coffee Company serves up much more than coffee. It is a go-to spot for locals. The menu is simple, yet the plates provide customers with generous portions of sandwiches, salads, and more.  Service is first class and quick.  Here you can drop in and eat or grab and go.  

Nearby history

The Ruins of Windsor, Port Gibson Mississippi

The Ruins of Windsor are located near Port Gibson, Mississippi.  The 23 columns are all that remain of the largest 1860s mansion constructed in Mississippi.  The house burned in 1890.  This site has stood the test of time of a bygone era. The ruins were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. 

Natchez is more than antebellum homes

Natchez is not just about antebellum homes but it is about community. As you stroll the bluff high above the Mississippi River and wander through the shops and churches of downtown, you will be greeted warmly and find something old and new. Natchez hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, so you are never at a loss for something to explore.   My thanks to Visit Natchez for making everything possible.

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Historic Home Tours

Hotel tours listed below. Book a tour of one of the historic homes today!

Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens

Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens is a National Historic Landmark built in the early 19th century. The mansion is beautifully appointed with furnishings reminiscent of the period and antebellum-era antiques. Monmouth truly typifies the romance of the American South and the antebellum experience.

TOURS Mon, Fri, Sat, & Sun: 10am & 2pm Tue, Wed, & Thur: 10am, 12pm & 2pm

$25 Adult $10 Child (12 & under)

The Burn was built in 1834 to be the residence of John and Sarah Walworth. Mr. Walworth was a wealthy planter, merchant, banker, and politician. The Burn is the earliest documented Greek Revival residence in Natchez. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic places since 1979.

TOURS Thur-Saturday: 4:00 pm Special Evening Garden 5:00 pm

$20 Adult (13+): Regular Tour $35 Adult (13+): Special Evening Garden Tour

Choctaw Hall

Built in the early 19th century, Choctaw Hall is a blend of Greek Revival and Federal styles. This 4-story historic home features a swirling oval staircase and double porches with majestic white columns in both the front and back of the home. This magnificent home with its beautiful gardens has many stories to tell.

TOURS 11am & 3pm (Thur-Sun)  • 2 Hours

All Ages $25 Adults (18+) $20 Youth (13 - 17) Children (12 and under): Free

Dr. John Bowman Banks Home

Dr. John Bowman Banks was the first African-American doctor in Natchez. He began practicing medicine in 1889. Not only was he a physician, but he also served his community as a businessman, prominent church leader, and active civil rights organizer. In fact, his home was the central hub of many civil rights meetings. The home features informational text panels, an exhibit of an early medical room, period furniture, moving photographs, and original documents on display.

TOURS Tues, Thur & Fri: 10 am-2 pm, every 30 minutes

$20 Adult (13+) $10 Child (12 & under)

Elm's Court

Elm's Court, known for the cast iron facade across the front, was built in 1837 In the Greek Revival style. Two wings and cast iron grillwork added in the 1850s changed the front to resemble a Mediterranean Villa. Significant interior features include a curved stair, a large punkah in the dining room, and gasoliers dating from the 1850s.  

TOURS Duration 30 minutes

Tours available only during Spring & Fall Pilgrimage. March 11, 15, 19, 23, 27 April 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 9am - 12:30pm, every 30 minutes 

$20 Adults (18+) April 6, 10, 14, 18, 22 & 26 Continuous Tours: 9 am-12:30 pm

Adult:  $20 Child (12 & under):  Free

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of Glenfield, a former plantation setting nestled on a British land grant. Lucy Cannon's journal offers a rare and intimate glimpse into her family's daily lives and coming of age during the Civil War. The magnificent English Gothic residence boasts original hand-carved cornices, hand-blown window panes, Italian-marble fireplaces, sprawling lawns, and towering cedar and oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Privately owned for over six generations.

TOURS Daily: 11am, 2pm & 3pm

$20 Adult (13+) $10 Child (7-12) Child (6 & under):  Free

House on Ellicott's Hill

The House on Ellicott Hill is one of the first homes built in Natchez and is remarkably preserved. General Andrew Ellicott raised the American Flag on this property for the first time on February 27, 1797. The home as been extremely well maintained and is a National Historic Landmark sitting high atop Ellicott Hill.

TOURS Friday-Sunday: 10am & 2pm

Linden Antebellum Home

This 1785 mansion was originally known as Oaklands and was owned by Alexander Moore. It was renamed Reedland by the new owner, Senator Thomas Buck Reed, in 1818. After adding the East wing, Reed sold the residence in 1829 to Dr. John Ker. Ker changed the name to Linden. He added the living room and the front gallery, bringing Linden to its present form. In 1849, Jane E. Conner purchased the home and planted the 7 Cedars of Lebanon in front. The ownership of Linden remains in the Conner family for the past 6 generations.

TOURS 11 am only (Fri & Sat)

$25 Adults Ages 13+ Child (12 and under): Free

Longwood is a jewel in the crown of Natchez. It was designed in 1859 for Haller Nutt and is the largest octagonal home in the country. It also features a byzantine onion-shaped dome. Longwood became known as Nutt’s Folly because this magnificent structure was never finished. Of the 32 rooms planned for the mansion, only 9 basement rooms were completed. After many years of neglect, Longwood survived and is one of Natchez’s favorite attractions.

TOURS Daily:  10am-3pm

$25 Adult $20 Youth (13-27) Child (12 & under):  Free

Magnolia Hall

Construction began on Magnolia Hall around 1858, which was to be the home of Thomas Henderson. Henderson’s family home, Pleasant Hill, was originally located on that location, but was moved a block away to clear the lot for Magnolia Hall, a more modern home. The name was derived by the plaster magnolia blossoms in the design of the ceiling center pieces.

TOURS Daily 10am & 2pm (Mon-Sun)

$20 Adult $12 Youth (7-17) Child (6 & under):  Free

Myrtle Terrace

This welcoming home was built by Nathaniel L. Carpenter beginning in 1844. It was later completed and purchased by Thomas P. Leathers in 1851. Today, this historic home showcases a gorgeous collection of mid-nineteenth-century Empire and Victorian furnishings.

TOURS Friday & Saturday: 10:00 am & 2:00 pm

$20 Adult (13+) 

Oak Hill Inn

Oak Hill Inn is located in the historic garden district of Natchez. It was built in 1835 and was meant to be both a residence and a showplace for guests. The property’s garden boasts beautiful moss draped oak trees and artistic fountains. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

TOURS Daily:  1pm & 2pm

$20 Adults (13+) $12 Child (12 & under)

Rosalie Mansion

The mansion was built on land purchased from Fort Rosalie which was built by the French overlooking the bluffs. To honor the fort and it’s settlers, Peter Little kept the name Rosalie when he built his home. The story of Rosalie takes many twists and turns, becoming one of the more interesting tours in Natchez.

TOURS Daily:  10am-4pm

$20 Adult (18+) $15 Youth (14 - 17) Child (13 & under): Free

Stanton Hall

One of Natchez’s most palatial mansions, Stanton Hall was built in 1892. Born in Belfast, Frederick Stanton came to Natchez in 1815. He made his fortune in cotton and became one of the wealthiest men in the region. Mr. Stanton built Stanton Hall in 1857. Unfortunately, Frederick Stanton passed away soon after moving into the mansion. His wife, Hulda Stanton, and his children lived in the house alone, and named it “Belfast” in Stanton’s honor. Hulda Stanton passed away in 1894.

TOURS Duration 1 hour

$25 Adult (18+) $20 Youth (13 - 17) Child (12 & under): Free

Towers Mansion

Tours at the Towers are given by the owners themselves. The home features period furnishings by John Henry Belter, Alexander Roux, and J.J. Meeks. These plentiful collections are rotated throughout the year. Also on display are antique laces, beaded purses, crowns & tiaras, Vaseline glass, ink wells, gentlemen’s watch fobs and many other unusual items used in everyday Victorian life.

TOURS 2pm Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays (See calendar for more tour times)

$25 Adult (8+)

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

The 27 best antebellum homes in Natchez

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antebellum homes to tour in natchez

2 Rosalie Mansion and Gardens

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

3 Stanton Hall

4 monmouth historic inn & gardens, 5 the towers of natchez.

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

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antebellum homes to tour in natchez

6 Choctaw Hall

7 magnolia hall, 8 natchez grand hotel, 9 natchez national historical park, 11 grand village of the natchez indians, 12 natchez museum-african american culture, 13 historic auburn, 14 lansdowne plantation, 15 magnolia cottage bed and breakfast.

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

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antebellum homes to tour in natchez

16 Natchez City Cemetery

17 william johnson house, 18 old south winery, 19 dunleith historic inn, 20 magnolia bluffs casino, 21 devereaux shields house, 22 guest house mansion inn, 23 linden historic bed & breakfast, 24 natchez pilgrimage tours, 25 weymouth hall.

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

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antebellum homes to tour in natchez

26 Open Air Tours Natchez

27 downtown karla brown, top searches in natchez, popular road trips from natchez, what's the weather like in natchez.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Natchez for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

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My Flying Leap

Should You Tour Antebellum Homes in Natchez?

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There is something so amazing about historic home tours. If there’s one thing I love more than architecture, it’s history, and touring amazing homes while learning about the architecture and the former inhabitants of the home is just so much fun to me. I know,

I’m showing my #historynerd stripes yet again! I can’t help it—it’s who I am.

Just before the Civil War, Natchez, Mississippi, had more millionaires than anywhere else in the United States. It became a competition to build the largest and most majestic house.

To get a taste of what it was like back in the golden days when cotton was king, you absolutely must tour antebellum homes in Natchez when you visit. It’s a top thing to do in Natchez, and here are some of my favorites.

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Rosalie Mansion

Peter Little from Pennsylvania was a cotton gin mechanic and planter. Little purchased a portion of the land where the Europeans first settled on the Mississippi River at the age of 17, and the mansion was built in 1823. He named it Rosalie to honor the fort with the same name.

Peter met his wife, Eliza, who was the daughter of a friend who died along with his wife at a young age from yellow fever. He had begged Peter to care for her, and he did, in a way—he married her.

He was 25 at the time, and she was just 14. The marriage was initially in name only, though they grew to love each other.

They lived in the home for 30 years and had no children. Eliza started the first children’s home in the area, and it’s still open today. She passed away from yellow fever at the age of 60, and he died three years later.

Peter left no will, so the home was placed for auction, and the Wilson family purchased it in 1857. Most of the furnishings in the home belonged to them. They had no children but adopted a daughter from an orphanage across the river. Their adopted daughter, Fannie, married Captain Steven Rumple after the Civil War, and they had six children.

The Wilson family lived at Rosalie for 101 years. Fannie’s daughters, Annie and Rebecca, lived there for their entire lives. Annie did marry in her 60s (bless her heart!) but remained in the home.

In 1938, the Mississippi State Society Daughters of the American Revolution purchased the house and allowed the sisters to continue living there for the rest of their lives. Apparently, they took that as a challenge, as Rebecca lived ten more years, but Annie lived another twenty!

Rosalie Architecture and Features

Rosalie Mansion served as an architectural inspiration for many of the Greek Revival mansions in the Natchez area. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989.

Rosalie is a three-story brick building with four massive columns in the front. The home has an outdoor kitchen with a breezeway that leads to the house. Food was handled through the window to the dining room in the main house.

There are a number of interesting items in the house including a Cornelius Baker gaselier chandelier made of brass. Also, there’s an 1802 hall tree, the oldest piece in the house, where people used to hang their jackets, and it has an iron bottom to collect the water.

The home has a brass chandelier from a Mississippi steamboat and a David Weatherly clock made in 1810. There is also a 1,000-piece collection of old Paris porcelain that is handpainted and unique. It’s not original to the house.

The home served as the Union Army headquarters during much of the war. General Gresham, a Union General, lived there during that time with the Wilson family and moved all of the furnishings into the attic to protect them.

Note: Rosalie does not allow pictures to be taken inside, so, sadly, you’ll have to take my word for it of how beautiful it is. But, the outside of this home should leave you with the idea that it is completely amazing and worth going on this tour when you visit antebellum homes in Natchez.

Rosalie Mansion is located at 100 Orleans St, Natchez, MS 39120. It is open daily from nine to five, and tickets cost $20.

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Of all the homes we visited, Longwood had the most interesting story to tell (and show). It is the largest octagonal house in the United States, and 30,000 square feet (almost 2,800 square meters), with six floors.

Haller Nutt was a cotton planter from Natchez. He wanted something unusual for his family home and was intrigued by octagonal houses as there was no wasted space. Haller decided to build it in 1860 to replace his first home and started construction shortly after. (Extensive brick-making began a couple of years earlier.)

More than 750,000 bricks (and possibly as many as one million bricks) were made for this house.

Then the Civil War started, and construction was halted after only the first floor was completed. The family moved in with the intention that they would return to complete the house after the war was over.

The first floor was never intended to be lived in. Instead, it was planned to be a billiard, kitchen, smoking room, playroom, and others. Work was halted in 1861, with only nine rooms on the basement floor completed.

Haller died at the age of only 48 from pneumonia, leaving his wife Julia to raise their 11 children (8 lived to adulthood). She lost everything during the war and had to raise her children in poverty in the lower level of the home. The furnishings are original to the Nutt family and are on loan to Longwood.

After the last child who lived here passed away, the home was sold to Kelly MacAdams in 1968 for $200,000. She repaired the house for two years, leaving the upper levels unfinished to show what war can do.

She gave the home to a local association, the Pilgrimage Garden Club, with the agreement that the home would never be finished.

Unfinished Floors

Longwood is 100 feet high from the bottom of the house to the top of the onion-shaped dome. The upstairs floors were boarded up, and in fact, there were still boards lying around.

Nutt thought the war would be over quickly so everything was left as it was when the workers left. You can see some construction supplies, doors, and other things laying around that were never installed.

There are also floor charts and diagrams of what the home was planned to look like when it was completed. It would have been an impressive sight, but it’s pretty amazing to see in its current state as well.

Longwood Mansion is a National Historic Landmark and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the most popular Natchez mansions to tour.

Note: Longwood also doesn’t allow pictures of the inside where the family used to live. Only pictures of the unfinished area are permitted.

Longwood Mansion is located at 140 Lower Woodville Rd, Natchez, MS 39120 . 30-minute tours cost $25 and run daily from 9 to 5.

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Melrose was the first antebellum home tour we went on, and the bar was set high by our amazing guide, Sonny. She traveled here from Minnesota on a motorcycle and was entertaining and incredibly knowledgeable.

Before the tour began, we had a little bit of time, so we wandered around the grounds, including the slave’s quarters. This was where 15 of the slaves lived in two two-room buildings. There was a lot of information about slavery in general and about some of the people who once lived there.

There is also audio that nearly scared the @#$% out of me as it came on as I entered the room, and it sounded like someone had walked up behind me! But once I got a grip, it was interesting.

We also toured the stable, where a number of antique cars were stored, among other things, then headed back to the main house for our tour. The larger buildings on the property include the main house, the dairy building, and the kitchen building.

The kitchen and dairy buildings were set parallel to each other and perpendicular to the main house, in a pattern we would see again with some other homes.

Melrose History

John McMurran built Melrose for his family. He moved from Pennsylvania to Natchez in the mid-1820s, establishing a law practice, winning a seat on the state legislature, and marrying into a wealthy and respectable family within a brief period of time.

He purchased a cotton plantation, the first of five that he would own. Then he bought this 132-acre plot, which was located on the outskirts of Natchez, to build a country estate befitting a man of his means.

Melrose was completed in 1849, and the family moved in shortly after. The property ran due to the hard work and diligence of 35 slaves, 10 of whom lived on the upper floor of the dairy and in the basement.

As disgusting as the idea of owning slaves now is, at this time, it was typical and expected. McMurran was known for being good to his slaves.

The McMurran lived here until 1865 when slavery was abolished. At that time, the family couldn’t afford to keep the home, and it was sold intact to the second owners, the Davis family, in 1866.

They purchased Melrose from the McMurrans intact. In fact, 85% of the furnishings and items in the home were original to the McMurran family. The daughter of the Davis family remained in the house until 1976, when it was sold to a third owner named Callen.

In 1990, the National Park Service purchased the property, and they currently manage it.

Melrose Architecture

Melrose was one of the finest homes in the area, built in a Greek Revival style fashioned after an English manor with four huge Doric columns in the front. The plaster was painted to look like sandstone in the style of the time.

It was also very modern for its time, and they collected rainwater from the roof into a large cistern and even filtered it with charcoal for drinking. Some pipes go down from the roof on the outside of the house, where it was collected in the basement.

Melrose Features

The main floor was designed for entertaining and had the most lavish decorations. No expense was spared for things like gold tops for the curtains and the best furnishings at the time.

You can see painted canvas covered in varnish on the floor in a decorative pattern, which was the style at the time. Though much of it has been replicated due to wear, they still showcase an original section.

The upstairs was much more simple and plain. And the kitchen was also, which makes sense as the family likely either didn’t go there or spent little time there.

Another interesting feature in the house is the Punka fan over the table. It was operated by a cord that the slaves pulled, and it was very heavy. This fan was also called a shoo-fly and was used to keep the flies away from people while they were dining.

There were also decorative cords in every room to bells that would chime to alert the slaves that the family was in need of their attention. Only the mother and father were allowed to pull these cords.

The home tenants preserved a couple of things from the original owner. The first is the library filled with many first-edition books. The second was McMurran’s prized dish set.

She washed them herself to be sure they weren’t chipped, or else they couldn’t be used. The original set is mostly complete, and it was her pride and joy.

Melrose Mansion is located at 1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway, Natchez, MS 39120 . Tours run from 9 to 5 and cost $8.

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Auburn construction started during the “grand mansion building craze” and finished in 1812. Lyman Harding, a Boston attorney and the first Attorney General for the state of Mississippi, had it built. Unfortunately, he didn’t enjoy it for long, and he passed away in 1820.

Dr. Steven Duncan then purchased it for only $20,000. He married a wealthy local woman by the name of Catherine. During their time there, they added additions and a back porch to the house.

Dr. Duncan was a multi-millionaire and owned 15 plantations with 2,200 slaves in total. Twenty-three lived on the property. He was against the succession of the South during the Civil War, and he left for his New York City summer home in 1863 and never returned.

His youngest son, Steven, decided to stay in the home. He never married and donated it in his will to the city of Natchez so the land would be a public park and the land and home would remain together.

Unfortunately, the city didn’t really want it, so they sold everything in the house and made it a playhouse for children. The house is so stunning on the outside, so it’s a real shame!

In 1972, the Town and Country Garden Club ladies requested a lease to restore the building. They ran it as a B&B in the beginning to cover their expenses. Today, it’s leased and managed by an association running tours.

Auburn Architecture and Features

Auburn was the first building in the Natchez area designed as a Greek Revival home. It is a two-story mansion and served as a model for many others in later years. It is a Mississippi Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.

One of the most interesting and unique things about Auburn is the open wood freestanding staircase from the 1800s. It was tough to get a picture of it as I couldn’t step back far enough to do so. It’s special as it’s one of only a few in the United States.

Sadly, very few items from the house remain. A few things in the house are original to some of the owners, though. For example, there is a painting of the fireplace of Doctor Duncan in his 50s and a number of chairs that were original to the house.

Upstairs, there is a large mirror, also believed to be original. There is also a bed that was originally purchased for the home by Dr. Duncan. It was auctioned to a woman in California who donated it back to Auburn. The furnishings in the home are from the period, but they are on loan.

Last, there is a picture of George Davis, a slave who served the doctor and his son and stayed in a paid position for many years. He was taught to read and write, and there is a copy of a letter he wrote to “Master Steve,” as he called him for the remainder of his life.

Auburn Antebellum Home is located at 400 Duncan Ave, Natchez, MS 39120 . Tours cost $15 and run around thirty minutes from 11 to 3.

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Other Popular Antebellum Home Tours in Natchez

There are several other antebellum homes in Natchez that we didn’t have the time to see. Here are some of the most popular ones that were high on our list if we had time. They will surely be top on our list if (or when?) we return.

Stanton Hall

Stanton Hall is located at 401 High St, Natchez, MS 39120 . Also known as Belfast, it is an Antebellum Classical Revival mansion. It was built in the 1850s for only $83,000 and is one of the area’s most opulent antebellum mansions to survive.

The Pilgrimage Garden Club now owns it and is a Mississippi Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. 30-minute tours are offered daily from 9 to 4:30, costing $25.

stanton hall, antebellum home

Chocktaw Hall

Chocktaw Hall is located at 310 N Wall St, Natchez, MS 39120 . It was built in 1836, and the architecture blends Greek Revival and Federal styles.

There is a bed & breakfast on the ground floor, and this is one of the top hotels in Natchez, Mississippi (technically, a full bed & breakfast in Natchez, MS). It’s ideal to see what it might be like to live in a grand home like this.

There are four queen bedrooms. Tours are held from Wednesday to Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., costing $20.

About Natchez, Mississippi

Natchez is a charming small city located on the banks of the Mississippi River. There’s a lot to do in this sleepy town. One of the most popular is to visit the antebellum homes. There are a lot of them offering tours, and I have included some of the most popular and the homes I visited.

There are also a number of museums providing insight into this area’s rich history—the good and the bad. You’ll find a museum of African American history and culture and a prehistoric indigenous village of local Native Americans.

You’ll also find a lot of beautiful areas to explore. The town center is very quaint and charming. And, of course, you can walk by the Mississippi River for some stunning views.

You May Also Like Things to do in Natchez in One Day

Should You Tour the Antebellum Homes in Natchez?

The wealth and opulence of life in Natchez during its golden age was due to cotton. And the wealth accumulated by the cotton crop was the result of slavery.

Enslaved people kidnapped from Africa and forced to do heavy labor were the backbone of the wealth in this city and life in the South at the time.

I’ll be honest—I had a hard time reconciling it. Taking in the stunning beauty of these majestic and grand old homes, knowing the suffering that built and maintained them. It was a lot to absorb.

Some of the homes paid homage to the slaves whose labor created them and kept them running. But they didn’t all, and certainly, it wasn’t a focus. On a personal level, I’m not sure of the best thing to do.

Knowing what I do, I debated if I wanted to see the homes. However, I felt that avoiding or ignoring wasn’t the right solution. In the end, I did choose to tour the antebellum homes, knowing this dark past. But you need to do what feels right for you.

Visiting the Antebellum Homes in Natchez is a Top Activity

There are many other things to do in Natchez, though visiting the antebellum homes is a highlight. For some other ideas, I wrote another post on Natchez as well.

Natchez is rich in Civil War history. The hundreds of antebellum homes reflect a time of wealth and opulence in this Old South city. When you tour the antebellum homes in Natchez, you walk back through time to when cotton was king.

You should tour antebellum homes in Natchez to get a flavor of the area.

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Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover on a quest to create a life of travel with her dog. She loves learning new things, snuggling a dog, architecture, hiking, and bold red wine. Join her in creating a life to dream about!

I’d like to see some of the slavery history in our text books too. Conditions of chattel slavery is very much a part of each child’s history lineage. This will encourage better relations between upcoming race relations. The truth isn’t, or wasn’t even told on the tours I went on with my brother 10 years ago, stating a servant pulled the punks walla fan, no mention of a slave pulling the punkas. Only Melrose said a slave stood in the corner using the Punks. If your gonna do tourism, state it truthfully.

I couldn’t agree more that it would be good to get a more accurate depiction of history. I did ask questions about the slaves but got few answers. I wonder if some of that is because written and oral history didn’t note their details, and if that’s the case, we may never know. I did find the tours interesting, though unsettling at the same time. I do hope they will continue to strive to do better.

My husband and I went to Natchez in August. Even though I asked questions about the slaves burial grounds etc. they were not forth coming with info and almost acted as if I insulted them. In Tennessee, Florida , Georgia, Louisanna, the Carolinas and other southern states we’ve visited they were happy to share what information they had. Not Mississippi!

I didn’t get a lot of answers to my questions either, though I was wondering if perhaps they just didn’t know? It would be nice to hear all stories and all voices.

My great grandparents were caretakers at Auburn during my mother’s childhood

Did they share any stories with her that have become part of your family history? Thank you for sharing!

An amazing post with great tips as always. Anyone will find your post useful. Keep up the good work.

Thank you, Alfred!

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Welcome to Natchez, the enchanting city that beckons visitors from far and wide with its rich history and opulent past. Nestled along the picturesque Mississippi River, Natchez boasts a remarkable distinction—it once boasted more millionaires per capita than anywhere else, making it a captivating destination for those seeking to revel in the glories of a bygone era. Travelers flock to Natchez to immerse themselves in the captivating allure of a “live museum” where time stands still, uncovering the hidden gem of America’s history. Step into the elegant antebellum mansions, adorned with exquisite architecture and period furnishings, transporting you to a time when grandeur reigned supreme. With each cobblestone street and blooming magnolia tree, Natchez unveils the story of a flourishing past, making it an irresistible attraction for those in search of a truly remarkable experience. Come and discover the charm and elegance of Natchez, where the echoes of a vibrant past continue to enchant visitors today.

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A Taste of the Old, Old South: The Antebellum Homes of Natchez, Mississippi

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Mississippi River bridge lit up at night

As a tax preparer, April 15th is a major deadline for me, and I usually try to take a quick trip somewhere within a week or two of the 15th to unwind a bit.  Last year, it was a weekend in St. Louis, and this year, my wife and I decided on a spot 580 miles south on the Mississippi River Natchez, Mississippi.  Why Natchez?  For starters, it’s a fairly easy 7-ish hour drive from Dallas, but more importantly, we wanted to spend a weekend in a bed & breakfast, and Natchez is ground zero for antebellum homes converted to B&Bs.  But it’s also a city full of history, founded in 1716 and inhabited by Native Americans for centuries before that.  And of course, there are many scenic drives along the Mississippi River to enjoy.  All of that made it an appealing choice for a long weekend.

We squeezed a lot of activity in to our extended weekend, and this will be the first of four installments of this road trip report, starting with a brief introduction to our road trip, then a virtual tour of the variety of antebellum (pre-Civil War) homes still standing in Natchez.  Other installments in this series will include:

  • A Taste of the Old South – The Antebellum Homes of Natchez, Mississippi (this post)
  • Hotel Review – The Linden Bed & Breakfast, Natchez, Mississippi
  • A Driving Tour of The History of Natchez, From Native Americans to the Civil War
  • Restaurant Reviews – The Cuisine of Southwest Mississippi

Dates of Trip:  April 24-26, 2015

Map of our route:

map

The route did violate my general rule about driving in a big circle, but with a limited amount of time, I had to make do.  I did mix things up a little by taking the Dixie Overland Trail (US 80) instead of nearby Interstate 20 for part of the way both up and back.  I won’t include photos here, but if you’re a road geek and would like to see them, click the link to my Flickr page at the bottom of this post.

Swan Hellenic Offers Unique and Original Africa Cruises

We left home Friday morning, just beating out yet another spring storm in a line of many this year.  We did have to dodge a little rain on and off until early afternoon, but crossed Big Muddy into Natchez by about 4:45.  With a few hours of daylight left, and uncertain weather prospects for the next day, we decided to drive the Natchez Trace Parkway to Port Gibson (approximately 40 miles north).  I will cover what you can see on that section of The Trace in future posts.  We set aside Saturday to mostly tour antebellum homes, so I’ll start at the top.

Linden, c. 1790

Linden is one of the oldest “town homes” in Natchez.  Remarkably, a descendant of the original owner still owns it.  Today, it lives on as a bed & breakfast, and it is this house where we stayed the weekend.  Although many B&Bs throughout the South call themselves “plantation homes”, they often use the term incorrectly.  According to the house manager, only properties with 1,000 or more acres officially qualified as “plantations”.  Homes like Linden, which sat on approximately 150 acres at its peak, was called a “town home”.  The house’s most famous feature is its front door, which was copied in Gone With the Wind for use as Tara’s front door.  I’ll provide a more complete history and more photos when I post my hotel review of our stay here.  The hotel’s manager offers tours to the public at 11 AM most days.

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The famous front door

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Large front porch typical of Southern homes of the era

Linden, c. 1790, Natchez, Mississippi

Panorama of the front of the house

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View of the back of the house – here you can see just how large it is

By the time we left, it had already started to rain lightly, but it didn’t get too bad – a good thing since we were about to do a lot of walking.  After driving to downtown, about a mile and a half away, we decided to park along the riverfront (conveniently located right in the center of the stuff we wanted to see), then walked down to the Natchez Visitor Center to get some background on the area and to see what, if anything, was going on that weekend (not very much as it turns out).  We saw several older houses and buildings in the area, including these two.

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  A privately-owned home at Broadway and Washington Streets

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The House on Ellicott’s Hill, built c. 1800

After spending a little time at the museum, we headed back downtown towards our second house tour of the day, at the recommendation of he manager at Linden:

Stanton Hall, c. 1859

Built in Greek Revival style and occupying an entire city block, Stanton Hall was completed by cotton merchant Frederick Stanton in 1859.  Originally called Belfast, the house cost $83,000 to construct – and that was before furnishing the interior.  The house’s most distinctive features are its massive mirrors, imported from France, as well as its extensive use of marble throughout the home.  Stanton died only a few months after the house was completed, though the Stanton family lived here until 1894.  For a short time thereafter, it housed the Stanton College for Young Ladies, but eventually fell into disuse and disrepair.  The Pilgrimage Garden Club purchased the house in 1938 and restored it, and currently offers tours of the house daily every half hour from 9-4; tickets are $15. Of special note:  General Douglas MacArthur stayed here in the mid-1950s while touring Mississippi, after President Truman fired him.

The Carriage House Restaurant is also on-site, and is open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch; I will post a review of the Carriage House in the future.  (My apologies, but photography is prohibited inside the house, so I don’t have any photos of the inside.  Trust me when I say, it’s spectacularly furnished.)

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Coutyard area near the Carriage House Restaurant

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Back area of the home

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Side view of home from lawn

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My wife Prita standing in front of the front door

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The front of the house, with its massive Corinthian columns

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Front porch with marble flooring

From the lawn of Stanton Hall, you can see several other antebellum homes across the street, including this beautiful example that’s currently for sale…

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…and this one whose roof has seen better days…

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After lunch at the Carriage House, we spent half an hour or so walking off our meal getting back to our car.  Following a short trip out of town to see an Indian burial mound, we returned to Natchez to visit Stanton Hall’s “sister property”, of sorts…

Longwood, c. 1861

I call Longwood and Stanton Hall sister properties because they’re both operated by the Pilgrimage Garden Club.  In truth, though, they are starkly different from each other.  From the outside, Longwood looks just as opulent as Stanton Hall.  Owned by cotton magnate Haller Nutt and designed by well-known architect Samuel Sloan, the exterior and lowest level of Longwood was completed in 1861, when construction was suspended due to the Civil War.  Nutt had hired most of his construction workers from the North, and needless to say, it was difficult to convince them to return during the Civil War.  The home is built in a grand octagonal, Oriental villa style, and is said to be the largest octagonal house in the United States.

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The sprawling front yard

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Front view of the massive octagonal house

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Front door with ornate column work

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Slaves’ quarters in the back

The inside of the house, though, tells a far different story.  As mentioned above, the Nutt family lived on the first floor, the only one completed.  Although not quite as fancy as Stanton Hall (sorry again, no photos allowed of the first floor), the interior still reflected the luxe living of a wealthy Southern cotton farmer, with hardwood floors, fine china for the dining room, and four poster beds, among other upscale features for the time period.  But like many Southern businessmen, Nutt lost his fortune during the Civil War after battles destroyed his fields multiple times.  He didn’t have the money to complete the home, then died before the war ended.  Thought Nutt’s wife, children, and later descendants lived in the home until the 20th century, they did so only on the first floor; the upper levels were never completed, and remain unfinished to this day.

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Leftover building materials on the 2nd floor

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Looking up through a skylight to the house’s rotunda

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Roman-style arches throughout the home

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The house’s back porch on the 2nd floor

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Looking out over the back porch

Needless to say, after seeing the opulence of Stanton Hall and the exterior of this house, the unfinished upper floors are a decidedly sobering experience.  The house is open for tours every 30 minutes from 9-4, and costs $15 per person.

Why are So Many Homes Still Standing?

It’s often surprising to see so many antebellum homes and buildings still standing in a Southern city.  During the Civil War, Union troops often burned entire cities to the ground after conquering them.  But that wasn’t the case in Natchez, largely spared the plundering after General Ulysses Grant occupied the town in 1863.  The reason:  the Union took the city largely without a fight following the fall of New Orleans in 1862.  A large number of planters in the area sympathized with the Union, thus they faced little resistance.  It also didn’t hurt that the city carried little strategic significance; that honor belonged to Vicksburg, 70 miles north, which had the major railroad.

We didn’t have time to go, but halfway to Vicksburg is the town of Port Gibson, another town with a substantial number of antebellum homes still standing.  Supposedly, though General Grant came to Port Gibson after sacking Vicksburg, he declared the town “too beautiful to burn”, and left it standing.  If you enjoy seeing pre-Civil War homes and buildings, it’s worth a stop if you have time.

In my next installment covering this short road trip, I’ll present my hotel review of the Linden Bed & Breakfast.

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antebellum homes to tour in natchez

About Sriram Srinivasan

Sriram is an aficionado of all modes of travel, by land, air, and sea. A recovering frequent business traveler, he shows how to make the most of your vacation time, even without status.

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Historic antebellum homes - Natchez Pilgrimage Tours

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  • Natchez Pilgrimage Tours

Our tour of Stanton Hall was with Pat. She was extremely knowledgeable and has been giving tours... read more

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

The staff at Natchez Pilgrimage Tours are fantastic ambassadors of the sights and sounds of... read more

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

Historic antebellum homes

Throughout the year, visiting many of Natchez antebellum (before the Civil War) homes is a possible. Purchase tickets at discounted rates at the Natchez Visitor Center. Three homes were recommended by a local Bed & Breakfast owner: Stanton Hall, Rosalie Mansion and Longwood. The reason for choosing these particular homes is that two of the homes were almost fully furnished with period furniture, some of which had been recovered by family members and historians. Longwood is a must because, though unfinished due to the Civil War and money problems and skilled tradesmen unavailable, it is the largest octagonal home in the U.S. What is fascinating is that you can see the the "skeleton" of the house as the workmen had left it at the beginning of the war. Rarely do you have an opportunity to see such well preserved historic homes in such pristine condition. If this is something you are interested in, it is a MUST on your to do list.

Have done this twice. You get to see several mansions that are open each day. The only problem is crowds. The early mornings were fine but by 1pm things were too busy to really be able to enjoy. Go early in the day and stay away from weekends.

We did the spring pilgrimage tour as a group of four women. It was a delightful surprise. I had thought I would tire of the house tours, however we did nine over two days and they all had a different flavor and character. My favorite was Longwood - incredible architecture and story. We spent one day driving a part of the Natchez Trace with stops at the historic points. Recommend stopping at Mount Locust to tour one of the original "inns" along the trace. The park service volunteer guides gave a very informative tour. We also detoured to see the Windsor Ruins - well worth it.

We would have spent longer had we known. We did the 3 house tour which we chose Stanton Hall, Rosalie, and Longwood. If you were to choose ONLY 1, do Longwood if you are into architecture and land. If you're into history, chose Rosalie and if into opulence of antiques, chose Stanton. The only problem is some of the other houses are open ONLY on certain days. We would have done Magnolia Hall but it's only open Thur, Fri Sat; The Towers is only by appt. and Ellicott Hill only Fri and Sat. We were there on a Tuesday. Tours were great and informative, unfortunately you can NOT take pictures INSIDE. Understandable but disappointing. Take time for the carriage ride if time permits.

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

The first stop in Natchez needs to be the Visitor Center. They have a great map and all the information you'll need to plan you tour of homes.

When you enter Natchez during the Pilgrimage Festival, go to the visitors center, grab a cup of coffee all the way in the back and decide which tour you want to take. There will be several different choices of homes to tour. You can tour 3 homes in the am and 3 homes in the pm and for $12 more , you can tour the really big homes such as Longwood (A MUST SEE) , Rosalie or Stanton Hall. I thought all of the people giving the tour were very nice except for the lady at Stanton Hall. She like like a mean ol school teacher. She knew the history of the home but her attitude was nasty. I do not wish to run into her again when I go back!

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

Heritage Tours

Heritage Tours

Group Package Tours of Texas, the Southwest, and beyond

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

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antebellum homes to tour in natchez

Plantation Tours

Louisiana plantation tours.

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

Heritage Tours began in 1992 specializing in touring the fantastic antebellum plantation homes of the Lower Mississippi River Valley, the area stretching from Natchez to south of New Orleans. In this field we are proud to claim that we are well known specialists, and over the years we have introduced thousands of people to the amazing history and architecture of these priceless dwellings.

Our tours of the plantations are designed to fit the level of familiarity of the group with the subject. For first time visitors to the plantations, we will design an itinerary to introduce them to the three major styles of architecture of the 1780-1865 era. For those returning to the area, we will create a plan that will show them in more detail the designs of the homes and the lifestyles of the planters who built them and the slaves and workers who made the plantations so successful.

In all cases, we will customize your plantation tours to the number of homes and depth of information about their architecture and background to suit your group.

Plantation Tours may be combined with sightseeing in New Orleans .

Due to its concentration of homes, the St. Francisville area north of Baton Rouge is a plantation tour in itself, but it too may be combined with visits to homes between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, or with New Orleans itself.

And don’t forget that upriver, Natchez, Mississippi , offers a collection unequaled in the South of gorgeous homes of the pre-Civil War period in a town setting. A visit to Natchez is time travel to the age of Scarlett O’Hara.

The Founder and Managing Director of Heritage Tours, Byron Cain, has lectured since 1985 at Southern Methodist University in Dallas on the subject of plantation history and lore, and has spoken on the subject to numerous other groups and colleges. This expertise will be shared with you on our Heritage Tours Plantation Adventures.

These are not just house tours! We will regale your travelers with the absorbing, memorable and spellbinding tales of the people who built and inhabited these impressive mansions. Often times they were as eccentric and strange as one can imagine, leaving us with stories of unusual and sometimes bizarre behavior.

Following are samples of one day tours that cover the three styles of antebellum plantation architecture, raised cottage, Greek revival, and Romantic reactions.

One Day Plantation Tour Sampler

This is a one day plantation excursion outside of New Orleans on the Great Mississippi River Road.

We will depart the city at 8:30 a.m. to visit three striking plantations, each very different from the other, each representing one of the three styles of plantation architecture in the South prior to The War (the Civil War of course).

First will be Laura Plantation, a most colorful and insightful place to learn how the Creole class lived on the plantations. This tour is one of the more unusual and eye-opening along the River Road.

Then we travel further upriver to legendary Oak Alley, with its 300 yard long alley way of gigantic live oaks, one of the most dazzling sites in the world. We will have a tour of the grand mansion home (resplendent with period furniture) and lunch (included).

In the afternoon we will tour San Francisco Plantation, the best example of the last period of early Victorian design prior to the War. You are back in the city in time to enjoy dinner at one of New Orleans’ world class restaurants.

Multi-Day Plantation Tour Sampler

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

For those wanting more plantations to see in a one-day format, including dinner , we offer:

We will depart New Orleans at 8:30 am to visit five striking plantations, each very different from the other. In addition to the three listed above, we will tour

St. Joseph – which has opened up for view for the first time in its almost 200 year history. We will be escorted around by members of the owning family. St. Joseph is the birthplace of renowned 19th century architect Henry Hobson Richardson, popularizer of the Romanesque Revival of design.

The Hermitage where late afternoon will find us guests of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Judice at their private home which is in the midst of renovation. This hard hat tour will show you what all is involved in the maintenance and restoration of these grand plantation mansions.

Dinner will likely be a memorable experience of a lifetime, at the recently redone Houmas House Plantation . This icon of the River Road has been renovated to its original color scheme, which was discovered after many decades of being lost. The grounds and furnishings have been upgraded to a new level of grandeur. We will dine at the peak of antebellum elegance at Houmas House in a private setting with a mouthwatering gourmet meal from Chef Jeremy Langlois.

And of course, for those wanting to visit even more of these grand palaces, the tour of St. Francisville may be added on, or additional mansions of the Plantation Parade between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, in a multi-day itinerary .

Please Note

Our Town and Country tour offers a combination of plantation lore in both New Orleans and the River Road, for an understanding of the planters’ lives in urban and rural settings.

Copyright © 2009-2021 Heritage Tours LLC. All rights reserved.

Lakeport Plantation

Ten States. One River.

Three antebellum homes to see along the great river road.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Travelers along the southern portion of the Great River Road will find a bevy of historical sites and attractions, but antebellum homes—massive, ornate pre-Civil War properties that sit along the Mississippi River—are some of the South’s most interesting attractions. Here are three you shouldn’t miss.

Lakeport Plantation is the only remaining Arkansas antebellum plantation on the Mississippi River. The home now serves as a museum and educational center teaching visitors about the Johnson family (who occupied the home until 1927), as well as the cotton industry and other historical events that affected residents in the Lake Village area.

Dunleith Historic Inn, Natchez, Miss.

Before the Civil War, the river town of Natchez, Miss., was home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in the United States. Many of these wealthy residents’ impressive homes are now open to visitors for tours or even overnight stays, including the Dunleith Historic Inn. Dunleith, recently seen in the James Brown biopic “Get on Up”, was built in 1856 and sits on 40 beautifully landscaped acres. Several buildings on the property date back to the 1790s, including the carriage house and stables, and a dairy barn.

Nottoway Plantation, White Castle, La.

The largest remaining antebellum home in the South, the Nottaway Plantation House is a staggering 53,000 square feet and contains 64 rooms, seven staircases and five galleries. Built along the banks of the Mississippi River in 1858, the home also features an impressive ballroom painted in all white (including the floor). The plantation has recently undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation now features a resort with 40 overnight rooms, a restaurant, and more.

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antebellum homes to tour in natchez

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Year Round Tours

 Experience the grandeur of the South touring historic homes in Natchez. Immerse yourself in history, admire exquisite collections, and feel the warmth of southern hospitality. Guided tours with passionate hosts and homeowners await you in our richly historic town. Explore and discover its hidden treasures. 

Choctaw Hall

Daily Tours

11:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm

Friday 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm only

Tours available on 

Thursday - Saturday 11:00 am and 3:00 pm

Sunday 3:00 pm - only

Ellicott Hill

Thursday - Sunday 

11:00 am & 3:00 pm

Time and dates may vary during Pilgrimage

Saturday only

Magnolia Hall

Tuesday - Sunday 

10:00 am & 2:00 pm

Nov 1 - Feb 28, 9 am - 3 pm

March 1 - Oct 31, 9 am - 4 pm

Wednesday - Sunday

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

(closed Monday and Tuesday)

Friday - Sunday

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Tours begin every half-hour

Cherry Grove

Morning Tours - top of each hour

9:00 am - 11:00 am 

(Closed for Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm)

Afternoon Tours - top of each hour

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Time and dates are subject to change without notice

Tours are approximately 30-40 minutes duration

Sunday - Saturday

Requires advanced reservation and based on availability

Grounds tour with partial home tour

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Please state requested time on ticket information form.

Tours Natchez

6 Glenfield Ln, Suite B, Natchez, MS 39120

text 601.493.5777 or call 601.442.1002

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Historic Home Tours by appointment Year Round 

Visit Natchez

Natchez has thirteen National Historic Landmarks and over 1,000 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, and a large number of those historic homes and buildings can be seen right within our walkable downtown area. Let one of our many tour guide companies take you through the past and present of Natchez. With private escorted tours, horse drawn carriages, and a downtown double decker bus, you’ll be touring Natchez in style. Tour topics vary widely, covering food, literary locations, Civil Rights, ghost tours, and scavenger hunts.

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antebellum homes to tour in natchez

The Towers Historic House   &   Gardens

04.March.2008 Natchez 011.jpg

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

Where To Stop Along The Natchez Trace Parkway

  • Experience the fall charm of the Natchez Trace Parkway with stunning views and historic significance along the way.
  • Enjoy a trip to iconic landmarks like the Loveless Cafe, Double Arch Bridge, Timberland Park, and more for a memorable journey.
  • Learn about the area's history at stops like the Gordon House, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, and the Forks of the Road site.

The historic Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the most scenic road trips in America . The route from Natchez, Mississippi takes travelers through the Magnolia State to Nashville, Tennessee. This historic 444-mile route was under construction for 67 years and has been used for trade, travel, and communication for nearly 10,000 years , according to the National Park Service. It's regarded as one of the beloved highways of the South.

As a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road, those following this route can check out various wildlife species, gorgeous waterfalls, incredible historic sites, and other natural wonders. It's ideal to travel in the fall when the trees lining the road change color.

If you're planning to take a road trip on this route, here are seven must-see stops.

The Loveless Cafe, Nashville, Tennessee

Enjoy delicious biscuits and some history.

Before starting the journey, stop at Loveless Cafe and grab some biscuits and coffee on Highway 100, close to the parkway's entrance. After opening in 1951, people dubbed it as a Music City destination.

Guests here can watch the staff roll out the biscuits through a glass window. They come topped with jellies and assorted jams, but sorghum options are also available. Besides biscuits, visitors are welcome to try fried chicken, hashbrown casserole, and other Southern delicacies.

10 Must-Do Things Around Nashville

Double arch bridge, franklin, tennessee, take pictures of this iconic image on the parkway.

After a few minutes of driving from the home of Honky-Tonks , visitors cross over the often-photographed Double Arch Bridge . The bridge received the Presidential Award in 1995 for Design and Excellence, and those who see it attest.

Here, travelers can check out a view of a lush green valley filled with rolling hills from up above. Some people opt to stop at the Birdsong Hollow parking area to get a clear view of the view before they cross it. Another option is to drive to the other side, follow Highway 96, and exit down to the bridge's bottom to see it from below.

Regardless of where you check out the bridge, the views make it a worthwhile stop.

Timberland Park, Franklin, Tennessee

Hike the trails in this incredible park.

Timberland Park is a great stopover for travelers to stretch their legs and enjoy the scenery. Head to the park's interpretive center before starting the hike to get a handmade walking stick, then grab a map and head out. Most woodland trails have been cleared in this new park, and much more are on the way.

Besides hiking, visitors can also watch birds and wildlife like deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, and squirrels. There's also a picnic area overlooking the pavilion. Guests are allowed to hike with their dogs, but they must always be on a leash and under physical restraint.

Additionally, the park has a butterfly garden where travelers can stop and admire nature. And those who like can use the restrooms before proceeding with the trip.

Hike The Natchez Trace: The Shortest National Scenic Trail

Gordon house, duck river, tennessee, take a guided tour and learn about this iconic site.

​​​​​​

The Gordon House is a historic structure that John Gordon, a ferry operator in the 1800s, owned. It's among one of the only buildings connected with the Old Trace that are still present. Visitors aren't allowed inside, but guests are allowed to take a 10-minute walk from the site leading to the part of the original Natchez Trace and Duck River Ferry Site, which operated until the end of the 1800s when a bridge was constructed.

This Is The Prettiest Part Of The Natchez Trace Parkway

Wichahpi commemorative stone wall, florence, alabama, admire the historic wall built in honor of the yuchi tribe.

Details of the Native American history and the Trail of Tears historic trail cannot be left out when talking about the Natchez Trace Parkway.

When growing up, Tom Hendrix, a resident in Florence, was told about how his ancestors from the Yuchi tribe were removed from their homes and forced to walk from Alabama to Oklahoma. Some people believe that his great-great-grandmother, Te-lah-nay, found her way back by following the sound of a singing river, known as the Tennessee River.

Hendrix spent 30 years building a wall to honor his people using local limestone rocks. The stones of this wall are of different sizes and shapes, and they take different heights, going up and down to represent Te-lah-nay's journey.

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Sheffield, Alabama

Take a fun tour and learn about musical history.

Found in Muscle Shoals, a hidden gem in Alabama, this is a must-stop for music lovers. The studio created some of the most iconic musicians worldwide. It worked with artists of different races in the 1960s, complementing their vocals with fantastic rhythm sections that developed into what is known as Muscle Shoals Sound .

Some artists who recorded songs here include Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Etta James, and Wilson Pickett. Renovations by the Beats by Dr. Dre Foundation and the documentary Muscle Shoals have developed a renewed interest in this studio. Modern artists like Alicia Keys also travel to this area for song recordings.

Forks of the Road, Natchez, Mississippi

Learn about the area's complicated history in relation to the slave trade.

Natchez sits on the Mississippi River’s bluffs and marks the end of the parkway at the Natchez National Historical Park . Here, travelers can view antebellum architecture on a driving tour of Civil War sites.

The Forks of the Road site marks the second-largest domestic slave market in the Deep South. Those stopping here can learn about the slave trade in Natchez through free-standing exhibits and an artistic depiction of slave manacles and chains, which serves as a reminder of this dark part of the country's history.

Where To Stop Along The Natchez Trace Parkway

Natchez Pilgrimage Tours

  • MUSEUM HOME!

YEAR-ROUND: ROSALIE MANSION AND GARDENS CIRCA 1823

Quick Details

  • Info IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Located on the Mississippi River bluff near the site of the massacre of the Natchez Indians, now a National Historic Landmark, this home was a Union headquarters during the Civil War.
  • Tags Category: Year-Round
  • Hour Glass Duration: Tour lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour
  • Users Ages: All ages welcome
  • Tag Available: Open daily
  • Clock Times: First tour starts at 9:00 AM *** Last tour starts at 4:00 PM *** Tours start at the TOP of each hour
  • Map Marker Location: 100 Orleans Street, Natchez, MS 39120
  • Wheelchair Access: No
  • Rosalie’s Year-Round tours start every hour at the TOP of each hour. The first tour begins at 9:00 AM and the last tour begins at 4:00 PM.

antebellum homes to tour in natchez

This historic home played a very significant role in American history, as a Union headquarters during the Civil War. Visit this home and discover all the features of this Historic Landmark.

  • Located on the Mississippi River bluff near the site of the massacre of the Natchez Indians
  • Union headquarters during the Civil War
  • National Historic Landmark
  • Owned, operated and maintained by the Mississippi State Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Related Tours

Stanton hall c. 1857.

This house is furnished with period antiques and original Stanton family china, crystal and the Stanton family Bible.   Stanton Hall, one of the most magnificent and palatial Greek Revival homes in America, occupies an entire city block in downtown Natchez.  This home stands 5 stories tall, was originally 14,000 square feet and has delicately arched millwork in the halls and parlors.  Stanton Hall boasts many original furnishings and beautiful antiques. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974, Stanton Hall is owned and beautifully maintained by The Pilgrimage Garden Club.

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  • Historic Old Town Alexandria Home and Garden Tour

Tour kicks off Garden Club of Virginia statewide tour

By Kim Davis

Thursday, April 18, 2024

A 91-year-old treasured Spring tradition returns this Saturday, April 20, when the Garden Club of Virginia hosts its Historic Old Town Home and Garden Tour. This year’s tour is a must see, showcasing five of the city’s most spectacular homes and gardens and one public property, Lee-Fendall House. 

The walking tour features a behind-the-scenes glimpse into centuries-old homes including four properties clustered in North Old Town on Queen, North Fairfax and Oronoco Streets as well as two a few blocks away on South Fairfax Street. 

The North Old Town section features a home first owned by an Irish whiskey distiller in 1815 on 213 North Fairfax Street. Current owners purchased the property in 2016, and embarked on a significant renovation and addition, resulting in 6,000 square feet of meticulously restored living space. A stunning new kitchen addition includes classic walnut cabinetry with a sophisticated backsplash of striking Persian green and white marble. Discrete built in cooler drawers provide easy access to beverage and snack options in numerous rooms. And a sitting room between the kitchen and living room features beautifully lacquered custom cabinetry in teal blue with gold handles. The kitchen addition overlooks a walled patio featuring a black half-moon fountain and tasteful but simple garden plantings. 

The home is fully automated with the most up-to-date technology. Featuring a total of 24 heating and air conditioning zones, most of the home’s flooring is heated. Touch panels provide state of the art technology access, including settings for privacy, security, television and streaming apps, whole house audio, whole house video intercom, heating, and cooling. 

Another home located around the corner at 611 Queen Street was purchased in 1803 and sold twice before it was acquired in 1807 for $250. In 1815, the property sold for $4,000 to the president of the Common Council of Alexandria who along with then Alexandria Mayor John Roberts met the Marquis de Lafayette during a visit to Alexandria in 1824. Current owners Dominique and Dorn Wenninger purchased the home in 2021 and undertook significant renovations. This charming home has an eclectic vibe and a significant collection of artwork and furnishings from the Wenningers’ travels in Asia, South America, and Africa. The beautiful garden has been replanted and the patio expanded to create “a whimsical secret garden with cozy spaces and quirky corners of interest, complete with Mexican stone carvings and an antique bench from Mexico,” Dominique said.

A block away sits 513 Queen Street, dating back 234 years. Records from 1789 describe a one-room, one-story log and frame structure. The property is a garden-only tour featuring a mature Kwanzan cherry and a majestic Natchez crepe myrtle which creates an intimate patio retreat in the heart of the city.

Owners describe an interesting anecdote about the home. “Apparently, as the story goes, in 1946 the homeowner permitted chickens inside the house in defiance of a new law banning farm animals within yards. As would be expected, this resulted in deplorable conditions at the time within the house,” he said. 

The current owners fell in love with the gardens, so they “bought the garden and took the house,” he said. The couple unearthed an old milk bottle in the garden, likely a gift from the former neighboring dairy bottling company. 

A featured property on the tour in North Old Town is Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden. This year marks the 50th anniversary of its opening as a museum and garden, providing insight into American history through the experiences of those who lived and worked on the property for two centuries. A newly designed garden incorporates the bones of a pleasure garden created in the 1850s, a Bicentennial Project of the Garden Clubs of Northern Virginia.

The properties situated on South Fairfax Street are both lovely and add historic interest. 410 South Fairfax Street was purchased in 1795 and the home was built in 1870 or earlier. Current owners Lauren and Christopher Bishop bought the property in 2016, also undertaking a renovation in 2019 that included a mudroom, kitchen, and family room in keeping with the character of the home. The living room features its original 12-foot ceilings and plaster moldings. In 2021, the couple excavated the basement and converted it into a finished space. The home features elegant furnishings, beautiful abstract art and a charming garden filled with spring flowers.

Across the street is 417 Fairfax, purchased in 1796 by a cooper, a crafter of wooden containers. The back portion of the parcel possessed two dwellings that were homes to free black tenants as early as 1823. Current owners purchased the property in 2022 from the estate of Richard Simmons, former president of The Washington Post. Throughout the years, owners added a kitchen, baths, flooring, lighting, slate, stone, and brick patios as well as a stone wall. An early 19th-century carriage house is now a pool house. During renovations, beautiful interior brick work and exposed beams were revealed. In the garden, a beautiful, large magnolia and a crepe myrtle anchor the patios, where extensive new landscaping provides space for entertaining.

Tickets also include admission to six nearby public properties, including: Mount Vernon, River Farm, Carlyle House, Gunston Hall and Green Spring Gardens. Advance tickets are $55 online at  www.vagardenweek.org  and may be purchased tour day at the Alexandria Visitor’s Center located at 221 King Street.

The Garden Club of Virginia’s beloved statewide tour is the only one of its kind in the nation. It includes an eight-day statewide tour from April 20 to 27 including 170 private properties throughout Virginia, including stately manors, renovated farmhouses, private homes, and waterfront villas. Proceeds fund restoration and preservation of nearly 50 Virginia historic public gardens. The annual event also funds a historic landscape research fellowship program that is building a comprehensive library documenting the Commonwealth’s important gardens and landscapes. The tour draws approximately 25,000 tourists annually and dates to 1929.  

The Old Town Alexandria tour is hosted by the GCV’s two local garden clubs, Hunting Creek Garden Club and Garden Club of Alexandria. For more information, visit  www.vagardenweek.org , online, @historicgardenweekoldtownalexandria on Facebook 

and @historicgardenweekoldtown on Instagram. 

The event also features a special pop-up Marketplace Boutique located in the Atheneum at 201 Prince Street. The boutique features a curated collection of beautiful clothing, gifts, and jewelry. Offerings include soft cashmere scarves, linen dresses, and Scottish woven sweaters by Heidi Wynne; elegant personalized stationery, invitations and gifts from Georgetown Paperie; exquisitely handmade, timeless designs by Deo duPont Jewelry; hand painted art featuring flowers and animals by the talented and gifted artist Virginia Donelson; a beautiful selection of children’s clothing, toys and personalized gifts from Old Town’s Monday’s Child boutique; Indo-Chic women’s classic silk blouses, jackets, and skirts; Sarah Bray Bermuda Hats made of sea grass and palm leaf, adorned with beautiful vintage floral and grosgrain ribbon; A Shirt Story offering pre-loved 100% cotton men’s oxford shirts reworked for women; and, an extensive inventory of stunning peony bulbs from Peony’s Envy. The Marketplace is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Refreshments will be available for tourgoers throughout the day at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 228 South Pitt Street from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the historic church will be open for touring.                    

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IMAGES

  1. Natchez, Mississippi Antebellum Tour Homes

    antebellum homes to tour in natchez

  2. Natchez, Mississippi Antebellum Tour Homes

    antebellum homes to tour in natchez

  3. Why You Should Tour Antebellum Homes in Natchez

    antebellum homes to tour in natchez

  4. Why You Should Tour Antebellum Homes in Natchez

    antebellum homes to tour in natchez

  5. Pilgrimage to Antebellum Homes in Natchez, Mississippi

    antebellum homes to tour in natchez

  6. Natchez: Home of Many Antebellum Mansions

    antebellum homes to tour in natchez

VIDEO

  1. Beautiful Antebellum home in historical Eufaula Alabama!🏡🛁

  2. Americus, Georgia Driving Tour of Historic Homes and Buildings a "Traveling with Hubert" Video

  3. Ash Grove

  4. Primitive Colonial Home Tour/Prentis House/Shelburne Museum

  5. The Beautiful Antebellum Salter Home

  6. Dad's Slides from Christmas 1956

COMMENTS

  1. Natchez, Mississippi Antebellum Tour Homes

    The last great mansion built in downtown Natchez prior to the Civil War. Open Thursday - Sunday every hour 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Longwood. Built 1860 - 140 Lower Woodville Road. Outbreak of the Civil War stopped construction of this octagon shaped home. Open daily: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Photo Credit: Visit Natchez.

  2. Visiting Natchez Historic Homes and Plantations

    Other Natchez Houses to Tour. In addition to the grand antebellum homes and plantations, Natchez also has other historic homes open for tours. The House on Ellicott's Hill was one of the first homes built in Natchez in 1797. Featuring Federal style elements, the house was purchased through a Spanish land grant.

  3. Tour Historic Homes of Natchez

    Tour Historic Homes of Natchez. Natchez is steeped in over 300 years of rich history. Nowhere is the city's history more evident than in its large array of antebellum homes. Prior to the Civil War, Natchez had more million­aires than any other city in the country. Building mansions became a competition producing stunning homes, many of which ...

  4. Exploring the Antebellum Homes of Natchez, Mississippi

    In the 1800s, Natchez was home to the largest number of millionaires in the U.S. Natchez became a center of culture and wealth for the east coast elite. Rich in history and southern hospitality, Natchez has a lot to offer travelers. Pilgrimage Tours. Twice yearly, Natchez hosts pilgrimage tours of the town's antebellum homes.

  5. Natchez Pilgrimage Tours

    We assist individuals and groups of all sizes in planning a Natchez visit, including historic mansion tours, candlelight dinners, private guides, special events, and more. Natchez Pilgrimage Tours — an arm of the Pilgrimage Garden Club — is the only full-service receptive tour operator in Natchez. We customize your trip, free of mark-ups or ...

  6. Historic Home Tours

    Oak Hill Inn is located in the historic garden district of Natchez. It was built in 1835 and was meant to be both a residence and a showplace for guests. The property's garden boasts beautiful moss draped oak trees and artistic fountains. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. TOURS Daily: 1pm & 2pm. $20 Adults (13+)

  7. 5 Awe-Inspiring Historical Homes To Visit In Natchez, Mississippi

    1. Longwood. Longwood is the grandest and most unique of the historical homes. If your travels are limited in Natchez, this one should be at the top of your list. Built on 87 acres of land, this five-story mansion is the largest octagonal house in the United States. The design alone, featuring an octagonal design and a large byzantine dome ...

  8. The 27 best antebellum homes in Natchez

    The hotel is located in Natchez, Mississippi, known for its beautiful views and historical significance. It is situated along the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, a two-lane road managed by the National Park Service that stretches from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez. Did online reservations check in is at 4pm.

  9. Should You Tour Antebellum Homes in Natchez?

    But, the outside of this home should leave you with the idea that it is completely amazing and worth going on this tour when you visit antebellum homes in Natchez. Rosalie Mansion is located at 100 Orleans St, Natchez, MS 39120. It is open daily from nine to five, and tickets cost $20. Rosalie Mansion.

  10. Year-Round Tours in Mississippi

    The Burn: Home, Piano, Garden, & Wine Tour. Come before dinner and relax in a historic private residence for a Home, Piano, Garden, & Wine Tour in one of Natchez's most significant purely Greek Revival homes. This special tour is available on Thursday and Friday evenings year-round from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Book Now.

  11. Longwood Circa 1860

    Clock. Times: First tour starts at 9:00 AM *** Last tour starts at 3:00 PM. Map Marker. Location: 140 Lower Woodville Rd. Wheelchair. Access: First floor only. Year-Round tours begin every 30 minutes. Tourists may arrive anytime between the first tour at 9:00 AM and the last tour at 3:00 PM. Come explore the largest octagonal Mansion in America ...

  12. Little Easy Tours

    Discover the history and beauty of downtown Natchez on an unforgettable horse-drawn carriage tour. Our tours offer an intimate and unique way to explore the antebellum homes, stunning gardens, and charming streets of this southern city. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience - reserve your spot now! Book Now.

  13. The Antebellum Homes of Natchez, Mississippi

    The house's back porch on the 2nd floor. Looking out over the back porch. Needless to say, after seeing the opulence of Stanton Hall and the exterior of this house, the unfinished upper floors are a decidedly sobering experience. The house is open for tours every 30 minutes from 9-4, and costs $15 per person.

  14. Historic antebellum homes

    Review of Natchez Pilgrimage Tours. Reviewed June 20, 2014. Throughout the year, visiting many of Natchez antebellum (before the Civil War) homes is a possible. Purchase tickets at discounted rates at the Natchez Visitor Center. Three homes were recommended by a local Bed & Breakfast owner: Stanton Hall, Rosalie Mansion and Longwood.

  15. Natchez

    Day 3 - Frogmore Plantation - Depart for home . After breakfast, tour Frogmore Plantation, the only cotton plantation in the South offering a comprehensive guided tour that fully explains the causes and effects of change on a working cotton plantation from the 1700's through today. Frogmore is a one-of-a-kind tour since the owners are the ...

  16. Plantation Tours

    San Francisco Plantation-Quintessential Steamboat Gothic. Heritage Tours began in 1992 specializing in touring the fantastic antebellum plantation homes of the Lower Mississippi River Valley, the area stretching from Natchez to south of New Orleans. In this field we are proud to claim that we are well known specialists, and over the years we ...

  17. Three antebellum homes to see along the Great River Road

    Dunleith Historic Inn, Natchez, Miss. Before the Civil War, the river town of Natchez, Miss., was home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in the United States. Many of these wealthy residents' impressive homes are now open to visitors for tours or even overnight stays, including the Dunleith Historic Inn.

  18. Year Round Tours

    Experience the grandeur of the South touring historic homes in Natchez. Immerse yourself in history, admire exquisite collections, and feel the warmth of southern hospitality. ... Grounds tour with partial home tour. 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Please state requested time on ticket information form. Book Now. ... 6 Glenfield Ln, Suite B, Natchez, MS ...

  19. Welcome to Lansdowne

    Circa 1853 | Natchez, MS Historic Home Tours by appointment Year Round . ... Tours from 1:30 to 5 pm September 23 & 27, October 1, 5, 9, 13 and 17 SPRING PILGRIMAGE 2024 MARCH 9 - APRIL 9. More Information ©2016 Lansdowne Plantation | Contact Website Creation and Design by Chris Adams.

  20. Plan Unforgettable Tours in Natchez

    Tours. Natchez has thirteen National Historic Landmarks and over 1,000 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, and a large number of those historic homes and buildings can be seen right within our walkable downtown area. Let one of our many tour guide companies take you through the past and present of Natchez.

  21. 3 House Package Tour

    Visitors can tour the three homes on different days if needed, and you will use the same ticket for entry for each home. TOUR TIMES: Rosalie: First Tour 9:00 AM - Last Tour 4:00 PM. Tours begin on the hour. Stanton Hall: First Tour 9:00 AM - Last Tour 4:30 PM. Tours begin on the hour AND half hour. Longwood: First Tour 9:00 AM - Last Tour ...

  22. Home

    Discover the fascinating story of The Towers, a historic mansion in Natchez that blends colonial, Victorian and art deco styles. Visit thetowersofnatchez.com and book a tour today.

  23. Where To Stop Along The Natchez Trace Parkway

    The historic Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the most scenic road trips in America. The route from Natchez, Mississippi takes travelers through the Magnolia State to Nashville, Tennessee. This ...

  24. Rosalie Mansion and Gardens Circa 1823

    Available: Open daily. Clock. Times: First tour starts at 9:00 AM *** Last tour starts at 4:00 PM *** Tours start at the TOP of each hour. Map Marker. Location: 100 Orleans Street, Natchez, MS 39120. Wheelchair. Access: No. Rosalie's Year-Round tours start every hour at the TOP of each hour. The first tour begins at 9:00 AM and the last tour ...

  25. Historic Old Town Alexandria Home and Garden Tour

    A 91-year-old treasured Spring tradition returns this Saturday, April 20, when the Garden Club of Virginia hosts its Historic Old Town Home and Garden Tour. This year's tour is a must see ...