Perched on the bluffs above the Mississippi River is the historically rich town of Natchez. The area was home to the Natchez Indians when the French arrived in 1716. Soon after, with the arrival of English and Spanish settlers, the inevitable territorial tug-of-war began.
In 1797, the first American flag was raised and the Mississippi Territory was established. Statehood followed in 1817.
Natchez is proud of its history and a great number homes and buildings date back to the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Its proximity to the Mississippi River and fertile, cotton producing land created great wealth for landowners in the early days. However, it’s important to remember the riches came at a great cost. Slavery allowed the landowners to become rich beyond their wildest dreams. By 1860, Natchez had more millionaires per capita than any other U.S. City. Life for most came to a screeching halt with the end of the Civil War. Fortunes were lost, plantations were returned to the banks and the cotton markets never completely recovered.
By chance, we arrived in Natchez during the annual Spring Pilgrimage month when many of the historic homes are open to the public. Above is Brandon Hall, dating back to 1856. This dapper gentleman on the right greeted us as we began our tour, filling us in on the history of what used to be a working plantation. The home currently operates as a bed and breakfast.
Below is a view of the pond from the front yard.
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