It’s no secret that Mississippi is home to some impressive antebellum mansions. But did you know it’s where you’ll find one of the nation’s most unique homes? It’s true. Longwood in Mississippi is touted as America’s largest octagonal house. The massive mansion is also likely to be the most intriguing since a majority of the home remains unfinished. Read on to learn more about this notorious abode and make sure to watch the video at the end of the article.

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Longwood is located in Natchez, which isn’t surprising since Natchez is most known for the stately antebellum mansions that fill it.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr
However, of all the historic homes in Natchez, none quite compare to Longwood. Not only unique, but the massive mansion is likely one of the most opulent.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr
In fact, it’s the home’s opulence that led to historians dubbing it Nutt’s Folly. The name came about because the palatial estate was dreamed up by Haller Nutt, a cotton magnate.
Ray Mikell/Flickr
Aiming to outdo his cotton colleagues, Nutt’s plans for Longwood included six levels, 32 rooms, and an exotic Asian-inspired dome.
Samuel Sloan/Wikimedia

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Furthermore, each bedroom would open to its own balcony, ensuring great views from every corner of the home.
Andy Sumpter/Google
Unfortunately for Nutt, he lost his money in the Civil War and subsequently died of pneumonia during Longwood’s construction.
Altairisfar/Wikimedia
Even more unfortunate, construction on a majority of the home was never completed. The men tasked with building Longwood were from Philadelphia, and once the war broke out, they ceased work on the home to head back north.
Abhishek Tripathi/Google
Following the war, construction on the home never resumed due to a lack of labor and funds. Though the Nutt family resided in the home after the war, only the exterior and basement levels were completed.
donnalynn829/TripAdvisor
Longwood is open daily for tours. During the tour, a guide will tell you all about the home’s history. You’ll even get to see the home’s original plans.
David H/TripAdvisor

Watch the video below to learn more about Longwood in Mississippi.

For more information on Longwood, call (601) 446-6631. You can also visit the Natchez Pilgrimage Tours website or Facebook page.

So, did you know about Longwood? Ever toured it? If so, what’d you think? Know of another unique house in the Magnolia State? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the only unique site in Mississippi. Read about another here.

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More to Explore

Longwood In Mississippi

Marisa Roman | January 08, 2021

What is the most popular historic site in Mississippi?

There are quite a few historic sites in Mississippi that are worth exploring outside of Longwood in Mississippi. In fact, there are so many in the state that we have made an entire road trip out of visiting! History in Mississippi is bursting at the seams, which is why this historical site's road trip through the state is worth having. It will take you through some of the most popular historic sites available, from Windsor Ruins to Vicksburg National Military Park. A few other fascinating historical spots throughout the state on this trip include Mississippi’s oldest restaurant Weidmann’s, plus the Dentzel Carousel at Highland Park.

What is the scenic town in Mississippi?

Perhaps one of the most scenic towns in Mississippi, one that is bursting with plenty to see and do is the state’s oldest city, Natchez. Natchez, Mississippi was established in 1716 and has quite a fascinating history. Plus, there are tons of things to see in Natchez, Mississippi, from the Texada capitol building to the St. Mary Basilica church. Also, did you know that Natchez is considered the Biscuit Capital of the World? How about that for a tasty title?!

What are the best little known attractions in Mississippi?

When you’re visiting Mississippi for the first time, you might want to get all of the touristy, popular attractions out of the way first. But the second time you visit, it might be more about those Mississippi hidden gems. Mississippi is flush with small hidden attractions throughout the state that many locals have kept secret. For instance, this list of 10 hidden gems you have to see in Mississippi before you die is filled with fun stops. Meanwhile, these 10 hidden attractions are some of the state’s best-kept secrets.

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140 Lower Woodville Rd, Natchez, MS 39120, USA