So, did you know about Longwood? To this day, the upper floors remain incomplete, although a spire was added to the top of the onion dome in 1993. Only 9 of the 32 rooms were ever finished and those are all on the lower level/basement of the home. There are a gazillion books on Amazon about historic homes in LA and MS, toomany I never knew about until I purchased some of the books. Brace yourself, the outside completely betrays that which awaits within. WebLongwood 4.5 1,614 #8 of 56 things to do in Natchez Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks Closed now 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About Construction on this architectural gem, the largest octagonal house in the U.S., began in 1860, but was interrupted by the onset of war. Longwood, the largest octagonal house in the United States, is an historic antebellum mansion located in Natchez, Mississippi. Packing crates from that time period still remain inside the home. Big kisses. In 2010 the Longwood mansion was used in the HBO series, True Blood. By this time, I was feeling really creepy and jumped a mile when I came upon a student sitting on the floor copying the painting!!! Love touring historic homes as much as I do? 2023 Visit Natchez. Burning Prospects by Melissa Miles is a great historic novel based on the story and she is a direct descendant of plantation owner Isaac Ross. Longwood House, located at 140 Lower Woodville Road in Natchez, Mississippi LCCN2011632128.tif. Today, Longwood is one of Natchez' most popular attractions. With genuine Southern hospitality and over 300 years of fascinating history, fabulous food, & rich, diverse culture, Natchez is a premier travel destination like no other. Built in part by enslaved people,[4][5] the mansion is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and is a National Historic Landmark. Exxon on Bob Vila show and we are there in the next week touring. Only the basement was fully completed before the Pennsylvanian architect and his workers and craftsmen left to join the Union army and to fight for their ideals. A beautiful antebellum mansion hidden behind a few old and lush trees, and probably many stories that silently dwell in and around this precious piece of architecture. Maybe Ghost Hunters will visit one day. Several towns/cities in GA have Christmas home tours, also. Longwood has the distinction of being the largest octagonal-shaped house in America. The bricks used in the structurewere made on the premises, and lumber for the woodwork in the house was sent to Philadelphia to be carved and then returned to Mississippi. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. 601.492.3000 I cant imagine how Julia Nutt felt living the rest of her life out in the basement of the home, surrounded by their broken dreams overhead. Or at least build it somewhere else. Natchez. In the dreams, the dome roof is decaying and the central portion of house is succumbing to water damage. WebLongwood, also known as Nutt's Folly, is a historic antebellum octagonal mansion located at 140 Lower Woodville Road in Natchez, Mississippi, United States. by adding your comments (insightful, silly, but always respectful) and sharing important stories from your neck of the woods. Linda generously shared the photos she took that day with me and Im glad she did. The original plan for the rooms of the principal floor (never completed). The mansion was to contain 32 rooms, with every bedroom opening to its own outside balcony, and it was crowned by a large, onion-shaped dome. You can also visit the Natchez Pilgrimage Tours website or Facebook page. We had a similar experience, it may be because its mostly run by volunteers, I think. Please join us for our monthly clean up event. No ghosts were seen, but we were there in March and when we toured, we (six of us, me, my husband, son, daughter-in-law, daughter and son-in-law) were the only ones on the tour so we had lots of time to view. I have visited Longwood since I was a child, back when you could go as far up as you wanted. You'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions, Have a question not answered under the FAQ tab? Sign up for our Bucket List Newsletterto see must-visit destinations throughout the nation and inspire your travels, both near and far. The home was designed in the Oriental Villa style, with a unique onion-shaped dome on the highest of its six floors. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The house was built and designed by Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan for Haller Nutt , a successful cotton planter and plantation owner in Mississippi who made his fortune when he developed a commercial strain of cotton popular in the Deep South. The mansion is known for its octagonal design, byzantine onion-shaped dome and the contrast between the Don't subscribe Anyone else ever visited Longwood? Longwood Plantation was designed in a style known as Moorish Revival, an ornate and exotic architectural style popular at that time with architects in Europe and America due to their fascination with Oriental design. I have many of the same photos. Much of the interior woodwork and furnishings were at sea when the Civil Warbegan, and never reached Natchez due to the Union Blockade. Construction of the house started in 1858 by the extremely rich owner of several cotton plantations, Dr. Haller Nutt, on land bought as a gift for his wife. Back to Top. WebLongwood, the largest octagonal house in the United States, is an historic antebellum mansion located in Natchez, Mississippi. The Nation's Largest Octagonal House Is In Mississippi, And It Was Never Finished | Southern Living Watch on For more information on Longwood, call (601) 446-6631. Map of Texas and Loyal Colonies, sometimes referred to as the United States, 1880 Plan for U.S. Treasury Building on St. Paul Island, Alaska, Vintage Map of Columbia, Missouri from 1869, Vintage Property Map of Easton, Connecticut from 1867, Emptiness is a symptom that you are not living creatively, The eye through which I see God is the same eye through which, Vintage Map of Rochester, Minnesota from 1869, Vintage Map of Beverly, Massachusetts from 1886, Vintage map of Georgia, one page history dedicated to the Old Timers, 45 Patriotic Quotes from Presidents of the United States, Vintage Map of Florida, a one page history dedicated to the Old Timers, 1951, Historic birds eye view of Belleville, Illinois in 1867. The mansion is known for its octagonal design, byzantine onion-shaped dome and the contrast between the lol. Longwood is open Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. I could almost imagine I was seeing faces staring back down. They make a house look so lovely and full of character. I see what youre talking about, I see the light switch, but thats not the light Im referring to. Longwood, also known as Nutts Folly, really needs no introduction. The Donut Shop #10 of 51 Restaurants in Natchez Nutt died of pneumonia in 1864, leaving the work incomplete. In a region of Mississippi rich with grandiose antebellum homes, one in particular stands out from the rest. I used to live in Natchez and Longwood was a favorite of mine. No family history there, that I know of. Longwood by Highsmith 01.jpg. The family suffered great financial losses during the war. I do paranormal research but did not bring any equipmentdidnt need it to feel that this location is highly haunted, the sadness was palpable, brought me to tears. Its true. . Longwood, also known as Nutts Folly, really needs no introduction. For more information on Longwood, call (601) 446-6631. We werent allowed to go up the stairs to the 2nd floor of Longwood so I wasnt able to take any photos upstairs. Admission Cost: $25.00 per person / kids 12 and under free, 500 Main Street, Suite 1. Maybe Im crazy, but Im remembering something. Im very curious about this unexpected familiarity with Longwood. Such a beautiful exterior! When youre visiting Mississippi for the first time, you might want to get all of the touristy, popular attractions out of the way first. The only area still habitable was the first floor gallery of rooms, and occupied by a loose-knit group, perhaps squatters. It was lovely and at the same time, quite sad. Today in the basement can be found the original furniture from the family, as well empty luggage and wooden packing crates. The Donut Shop #10 of 51 Restaurants in Natchez Such a heartbreaking story. Rosedown Plantation (gorgeous home and you could take all the pictures you wanted) and Oak Alleyagain could take all the photos you wanted. Thats amazing that your husband made it! The ghost do def make it more excitingmaybe a little too exciting. We assist individuals and groups of all sizes in planning a Natchez visit, including historic mansion tours, candlelight dinners, private guides, special events, and more. Longwood has always been a favorite spot and I am sad to learn that the tools have been moved they were still strewn about when I was there last. "Pilgrimage Historical Association Collection: Nutt Family Papers 1841-1911", "Bob Vila's Guide to Historic Homes of America", "Longwood, property of the Pilgrimage Garden Club", Longwood, Natchez vicinity, Adams County, MS, History of the National Register of Historic Places, List of U.S. National Historic Landmarks by state, List of jails and prisons on the National Register of Historic Places, University and college buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places portal, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Longwood_(Natchez,_Mississippi)&oldid=1090743835, Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in Mississippi, National Historic Landmarks in Mississippi, Historic American Buildings Survey in Mississippi, Moorish Revival architecture in Mississippi, National Register of Historic Places in Natchez, Mississippi, Individually listed contributing properties to historic districts on the National Register in Mississippi, Articles using NRISref without a reference number, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 140 Lower Woodville Road, Natchez, Mississippi, This page was last edited on 31 May 2022, at 03:56. Although that never became a reality for Dr. Nutt and his wife Julia, isn't to say that it can't become a reality for you. I am taking this week off so pretend I am not here! There are so many interesting stories around there, one of which is Prospect Hill Plantation. We toured this plantation as week as the others in Natchez. Not a good idea! Visitors on the guided tour will have an opportunity to go to the second level, where one can look above to see the massive inner shell of the rotunda. Loved your tour once again, Susan. Judy, check out this old post: https://betweennapsontheporch.net/historic-arlington-home-to-raccoons-now/. Haller Nutt's never-finished Natchez home, Longwood, was the last burst of Southern opulence before war and the federal ban on enslaving people brought the cotton barons' dominance to an end. After realizing that his broken dream wouldnt be finished during his lifetime, the once ambitious owner died in sadness, in 1864. who built the mansion and how the effects of The Civil War changed the plans to finish it. The tools and paint buckets left behind by the workmen remain in the mansion today, unmoved for more than 150 years. I visited Longwood in 1981. Photo: Robbie Caponetto In Natchez, Mississippi, even the surrounding landscape beckons you toward a storied past, with roads cutting canyons through red-dirt forests, eventually arriving at the city's famous bluffs. It lasted almost 140 years before it was replaced with the fiberglass replica currently in place. Just my guess. You would never guess when seeing these gorgeous windows outside. If so, whatd you think? I think Linda told me they used be on that level, too. So, are you ready to go inside? I love this place..been to a couple parties here.my husband george samrow rebuilt the finial.that was something to see.hes in the museum section putting it up.I have pic of him drawing it out and installing it.hes gone now but he left his mark all over natchez and la.. We stopped 2 days ago and toured the home and grounds. In 2010, Longwood was used in the HBO series True Blood. The floor plan is very exciting, I really like it. This racially troublesome eatery thought a new coat of paint could erase its offensive connotations. But, spooky as the unfinished interiors are, you can still see the genius of the plan behind the construction. He told of The Nutt family who built the mansion and how the effects of The Civil War changed the plans to finish it. in 6 reviews, This home is truly a piece of art and it's very unfortunate that construction was halted and the house left unfinished during the war. in 8 reviews, You go up a dirt road, pay for you ticket from the person in the booth, then continue up the road and park in the back of the mansion. in 8 reviews. 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Read Reviews of Longwood. Longwood would have been awe-inspiring inside if it had ever been completed. No purchase necessary. I would feel so let down touring the interior after seeing the wonderful exterior. I really love seeing the combination of bricks, wood, and glass in these old homes. The article Stepping Stones In Time. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Longwood. The massive mansion is also likely to be the most intriguing since a majority of the home remains unfinished. In a region of Mississippi rich with grandiose antebellum homes, one in particular stands out from the rest. Go straight up from that and beside the black thing in the rafters (which I think is a light where the bulb has burned out) is a white orb. We toured Longwood in March of 1984 while on our honeymoon in Natchez. Pipe dreams, I know! If only the house was completed, it would have been such a wonder to behold haunted or not. This home is truly a piece of art and it's very unfortunate that. A visit to Natchez, the jewel of the Mississippi River, will truly feel like coming home. Especially after hearing stories of how the home is haunted. So probably the insurance was outrageous also. For more information including tickets, see: www.natchezpilgrimage.com, Natchez Trace Travel: Home- Facebook- So hauntingso lovelyso lonely. Longwood by Highsmith 01.jpg. I went with my parent (now both passed) and spent 3 days in Natchez for the Garden Tour. Yet, Longwood is still the most extravagant structure ever constructed in Mississippis history. I just noticed, this is the only photo I saw in my photos and in Lindas where an orb is presentand its kind of near the steps. Thank you so much for sharing this post and photos of Longwood. It is the largest octagonal house in the United States, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark. Such a pretty cathedral window over the front door. Im not the suspicious type and I dont believe in ghosts, but I thought it was interesting since all these ghosts shows always make a big deal about orbs. When we made it upstairs it was quite a different feeling from downstairs talk about giving you the chills. It is the largest octagonal house in the United States, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark. Never creepy always beautiful.. Im 62 now and still my favorite Mississippi antebellum home.. still visit it. Change). The house slave quarters are closed, locked, and off limits. WebLongwood, Natchez (1860-62) ( National Historic Landmark ). It was also a restaurant in the 70s. In a region of Mississippi rich with grandiose antebellum homes, one in particular stands out from the rest. We were marched in, told a brief description of the room, and marched out. I just wanted to share with you that I live an hour from Natchez! I was 14 yrs old. Plus, there are tons of, When youre visiting Mississippi for the first time, you might want to get all of the touristy, popular attractions out of the way first. But did you know its where youll find one of the nations most unique homes? Mary, is Elmwood in one of the pictures shown in this search: https://www.google.com/search?q=elmwood+plantation&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=397FU8CYHdCSyATriILgAw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&biw=1360&bih=643#imgdii=_ 2008-2022, Between Naps on the Porch | All Rights Reserved. The mansion is known for its octagonal design, byzantine onion-shaped dome and the contrast between the finished first floor and the unfinished upper floors. Even though Haller Nutt was a union sympathizer, he lost his fortune as a result of the war. Dr. Nutt had much of his wealth stolen and his lands burned, leaving the family unable to find the money to finish the building work on the main floor and the two floors above. All the photos in this post were taken on this level, the main level of the home. Warning: Dont do that late in the evening before going to bed. I live in Jackson and have made frequent trips to Natchez. The original spire, installed in 1861. Longwood, also known as Nutts Folly, really needs no introduction. Its no secret that Mississippi is home to some impressive antebellum mansions. We really have it good today! You can also visit the Natchez Pilgrimage Tours website or Facebook page. One of the sadest parts of touring plantation homes is listening to docents name all the folks who died of yellow fever and illnesses like pneumonia that are so curable today. I have a photo of the exact same spot and there is indeed a light bulb, you can see the light switch if you look straight down the wall in your photo as well. Gros bisous . It truly is unlike any other historic home youre ever likely to tour. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. You can also visit the Natchez Pilgrimage Tours website or Facebook page. I do think it is historically important to actually see how the Civil War affected families. WebLongwood House, located at 140 Lower Woodville Road in Natchez, Mississippi House, Pacific Northwest Quiet scene at Longwood, called the Unfinished Symphony of American historic restoration, Natchez, Mississippi Straight-on view of the Aladdin mining tipple, which carried coal down a mountainside to waiting freight cars, Aladdin, Wyoming Cheers! Perhaps one of the most scenic towns in Mississippi, one that is bursting with plenty to see and do is the states oldest city, Natchez. As though I was there. Natchez, Mississippi was established in 1716 and has quite a fascinating history. I recommend going in early spring or in the fall when its not so hot and muggy. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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Is open Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat Sun! Much as i do linda generously shared the photos in this post photos!