We spent Tuesday, another touring-perfect day, in Natchez, Mississippi. Prior to the Civil War, Natchez had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the United States, due in large part to the prolific cotton fields. The antebellum mansions are stunning, especially at this time of year with their Christmas decorations. We took the hop on hop off bus to three of Natchez’s magnificent homes for guided tours: Stanton Hall, which later became a school; Rosalie, which housed the headquarters of the Union troops during the Civil War; and Longwood Plantation, the largest octagonal residence in the U.S. These three mansions had distinctly different architectural styles.
Stanton Hall, built in 1857 Rosalie, built in 1823
Longwood Plantation, construction begun in 1860
Longwood was the most unusual, not only for its design but also because to this day it remains unfinished. Only the 10,000 square foot basement was completed before the war, so the family, which included 8 children, lived down there. (Don’t let the term ‘basement’ fool you. It was very elaborate!) Tragedy struck when the husband died during the war, and the family’s holdings were lost. The home is designated a National Historic Landmark, so the upper floors will never be completed. The tour included a visit to the first floor, where our guide pointed out the beginnings of the fireplace in one room. The brickwork was to be covered with plaster. A display of blueprints helped us picture how the home was to be laid out. This blueprint of the Second Floor shows 4 bedchambers, each measuring 18’ x 24’ - plus balcony!
Walking through these homes, then returning to the steamboat, seemed to transport us back in time. When we reboarded the boat we were treated to Christmas carolers. What a nice way to end the day!
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