Natchez: Part II – The Houses

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Natchez is known for its Antebellum homes. Many of the architectural styles featured are Federal, Greek Revival, and Italian Revival. I have not toured all of the homes – you have to leave something for a later trip – but I have toured six.
I am going to give you two “must see” houses. One is Longwood. It has an amazing story that really tells you so much about what the people of Natchez endured during and after the Civil War. The home is very memorable.

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Sitting on 91 acres, there are a few out buildings and stories of many more that no longer exist. I don’t want to give away all the details of this jewel, but I will tell you that part of what you will be touring is a 10,000 square foot basement. Wow!
The other home that I want to point out is Auburn. When you drive up, you will see a home in disrepair. You may think about leaving, but you have to stay. For one, the City owns the house, and it is leased to a group of dedicated and hard working volunteers who are trying to bring it back to its days of grandeur. Too bad the City is not doing anything to make the outside as appealing. If you are an Alderman for Natchez, please consider investing in your biggest industry…tourism. Auburn needs some preventative maintenance. Surely there are grants and donors out there which would come to the aid of this glorious property. The wooden, free standing staircase alone makes this house worthy of the investment.

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Auburn originally had 420 acres, but it was finally donated to the City with 210 acres. The 210 acres are now a park in memory of the man and woman who had Auburn built.
There are so many other great houses to tour. Some are open all year long, and some only open their doors for the twice a year Pilgrimage. More on that later.
Another place you must stop is at the Natchez Visitor Center on Canal. This should actually be your first stop. You can get all of your tickets, maps and basic history here before you hit the town. And, out back you will see the mighty Mississippi River.

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