Natchez is a sleepy little town on the Mississippi.  We spent one day there, seeing the Visitor’s Center and then had a tour of the town.  We finished the day at Natchez National Historical Park where we had a tour of an antebellum home.

Some of the things we learned were that Natchez had been home to the richest of the rich during cotton days.  And, this was the party town; cotton fields were across the river.  It was also a major hub in the slave trade and Civil War.

Not all of the history is pretty, but the town certainly is.  There is so much more to do and see here.  We know we will return someday to see more.

Melrose Mansion, owned my rich plantation owner John McMurran.

 

The solid wood fan was attached to a rope.  It was the responsibility of a young slave to keep the family cool without putting out the candles.

Note all of the gold which was imported from Europe.  The walls and ceilings were hand painted to look like wallpaper and molded ceilings.

 

This tete-a-tete allowed dating couples to visit while mother kept an eye on them…and their hands.

Ladie’s sitting room.

The library was in the gentlemen’s sitting room, of course.

The flush toilet and running water tub were the envy of all the neighbors.

 

 

 

 

Live oak with Spanish Moss.

 

Last stop in Natchez, for some beer, onion rings and fried pickles.