Natchez Ms - the only thing cheaper than the body of a woman was the life of a man

First settled by the French in 1716, Natchez is steeped in slave trade, cotton plantation wealth, brothels and civil war history. 

An amazing amount of antebellum homes - many were occupied by the Union army and spared from destruction. 

Longwood was a particularly tragic story. A 30,000 square foot octagonal mansion with 4 stories and a basement. It was never finished when the wealthy cotton baron owner, Haller Nutt, died in his late 40’s. After loosing everything during the war, he left his wife and 11 children to live in the basement - the only finished space. Can you imagine 11 children? You can tell it was a planned basement because of the low ceiling.  You’re  not supposed to take pictures - but I am a bit of a southern rebel. 

Check out the servant powered ceiling fan. 

Beds in the basement- 

Other antebellum homes - owned by wealthy cotton plantation owners or cotton brokers. All in Greek revival style 

And on the opposite end is this little gem! That is a love of yard art - right there! 

For someone that won’t be buried- I am fascinated by old cemeteries. We visited the historic Natchez cemetery. In March of 1908 a gas explosion killed five young female workers at a drug company. The turning angel was placed to look over the modest graves. Legend says people have reported the angel turning to look at passing cars. 

Emerald Mound, built and used during the Mississippian period between 1250 and 1600 A.D.,was a ceremonial center for ancestors of the Natchez Indians. These ceremonial hills can be found all over the US. This is the second largest discovered. 

The Under the Hill area near the rivers edge where river boats would dock was known for bars and brothels. We stopped at a saloon that was built in the 1830’s. 

Our campsite at Natchez State Park-