FP update 2/11-2/16 Historic Antebellum

FP update 2/11-2/16 Historic Antebellum Homes Natchez, MS

In the 1800s (pre-civil war ~ Antebellum Period) Natchez was a city with many millionaires. Some say it is the largest amount in the US, but right up there with New York City. This was due mainly to 3 things: Cotton, Location- right on the Mississippi River, and enslaved people (cheap labor)

With this period, came a boom of mansions, which they called “townhomes” because they were located in “town”.. About 18 are still standing and they are historic sites you can visit. We visited the following: Rosalie, Stanton Hall, Melrose, and Longwood.

There are many common themes with the original owners of the mansions. RAGS to RICHES to RAGS (pre-to-post civil war) due to the Civil War that freed the enslaved people. Also, most of the initial owners died either before the homes were completed or shortly thereafter. The homes still have the majority of the original furnishings like drapes, dining tables, beds, and chairs. For that reason, a few places did not allow pictures.

There is a really interesting contraption in a few of the houses called a Punkah. It’s a large fancy piece of carved wood that hangs from the ceiling above the dining table. Someone would have stood and pulled a rope to swing the wood back and forth keeping the dinner guests cool. This was the South and pre-air conditioning so very much needed.

We enjoyed the stories of the family and the history told by the guides. Amazing building with some not-so-secret and colorful history. It's important these stories are told and heard.Læs mere