11 Historical Homes in Mississippi That Everyone Should Visit
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Learning about the past is always interesting; and with Mississippi’s rich history, the past is closer than you think. So if you’re ready to take a trip back in time, check out the list below for some of the best historical homes in the state.
The octagonal, Oriental-Revival style home, which was constructed in the 1860’s, was extremely different from other homes at the time. Due to the break out of the Civil War, only 9 of the home’s 32 rooms were actually completed – making only the first floor of the home livable.
Beauvoir, which is French for "beautiful view," was constructed in 1848 by a wealthy plantation owner. After several years, Jefferson Davis acquired the home where he remained until his death in 1889.
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Constructed in 1844, Rowan Oak was home to the legendary writer William Faulkner and his family for over 40 years.
Designated as a historic site, the two room home was constructed by Elvis’ father. The King not only lived in the home but was actually born in the house as well.
Built in 1880 by Horace H. Walton, this Victorian-style home is now a registered Mississippi Landmark. After Horace’s death, his wife Lydia boarded university students in the home as a way to make money.
The most intact Antebellum estate in the country, Melrose was the home of John McMurran and his family. The successful lawyer was originally from Pennsylvania but moved to Natchez in the 1820’s. Melrose was just one of the several plantations owned by McMurran.
After being freed from slavery, William Johnson became a well-known barber and successful businessman. Over the course of 16 years, Johnson kept a diary which offered an inside look at what life was like in Natchez for a free man of color during the 1800’s.
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This Greek-Revival style home was built in 1852 and was home to Dr. James Priestley – a Canton physician who was also the town’s first postmaster. The home remained in the Priestley family until the 1990’s.
Designed by famed architect Calvert Vaux, the Italianate villa was constructed in 1859 and, by 1974, named a National Historic Landmark. Even though parts of the home were never finished because of the Civil War, Ammadelle was one of Vaux’s favorite works.
One of the oldest buildings in the city of Oxford, Isom Place has quite the history – the University of Mississippi’s charter was signed here. Constructed in 1843, there are disputes as to whether or not Dr. Thomas Dudley Isom built the home or just acquired it after construction.
Originally home to Lucius and Virginia Lamar, this home was constructed in 1870. After being defeated in the Civil War, Lamar focused on reconciliation between the north and south. Eventually, Lamar became a notable statesman being one of only two men to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, as a member of the President’s Cabinet, and as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
From dozens upon dozens of antebellum homes to numerous national historic landmarks, Mississippi has it all. These 11 homes are just a small portion of what the state has to offer. What are your favorite historical homes in Mississippi?
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