Natchez Visitors Guide

Five Days of Exciting Musical Events in Honor of American Composer

William Grant StillNatchez Convention Center • November 18-22, 2009

Prominent music educators from all levels, music students, musicologists, historians and professionals from other fi elds throughout the United States and abroad will attend this important event to bring forth a resurgence of music and the arts in our communities as well as

to pay tribute to American classical composer, William Grant Still, the Dean of African-American Composers, born in Woodville, Mississippi.

Conference and Concert Open to the PublicConcert tickets $10.00 in advance, $12.00 at the door.

Advance tickets can be obtained through the Natchez Visitor Reception Center, 640 South Canal Street, (601) 446-6345.

Conference will include:• Opening reception and address by Aaron Dworkin, Founder and Director of the Sphinx Organization• Concert performance by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra - November 19, 8:00 p.m.• Presenter sessions focussing on music and the arts - November 19-21, 9:00 - 4:00 each day• Elegant banquet at the historic Natchez Eola Hotel - November 21, 6:00 p.m.• Natchez Little Theatre’s performance of “Mississippi Medicine Show” - November 18, 8:00 p.m.• Special visitor tour of Natchez’s Rosalie Mansion - November 20, 4:00 p.m.• Farewell brunch hosted by Still family members at High Cotton - November 22, 9:30 a.m.

For details, go to www.williamgrantstill.com, email [email protected] or call (928) 526-9355

William Grant Still Tribute Conference and Concert

LANDMARK CONCERT

The most performed American symphony in history, The Afro-American Symphony, will be performed in its

entirety for the fi rst time in Mississippi.

The program will include the professional world premiere of Still’s A Deserted Plantation.

This event will be the fi rst-ever performance by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in Natchez.

November 19 • 8:00 p.m. • Natchez City Auditorium

84 Homochitto Street Natchez, Mississippi 39120

1.800.433.2445 or dunleith.com

Serving mint juleps,

southern cuisine and living

history nightly.

During your visit enjoy fine dining

at The Castle and a view of the

Mississippi River at our classic

Bowie’s Tavern.

an historic Luxury hotel

Slip Away and

Let Us Be Your Home

Away From Home.

Ask About Our Weekday Escape

Package - $159$

Package

WWW.NATCHEZONTHERIVER.COM

"The site is very eye-catching. It was by far the best site regarding Natchez that I have found. I am president of our county's convention and visitor's bureau. We could take some pointers from you!"

— Mary Ann HartFranklin County, Indiana

Natchez's Premier Tourism Web Site

W W W. N ATC H E ZO N T H E R I V E R . C O M

D I N I N G • AT T R A C T I O N S • E V E N T SS H O P P I N G • TO U R I N F O • M O R E

MAKE THE NATCHEZ VISITOR CENTER YOUR FIRST STOP

NATCHEZ VISITOR CENTER SERVICES

Mississippi Welcome Center

Hotel and Bed and Breakfast Reservations

Natchez Ticket Shop

Natchez Pilgrimage Tours

Natchez Exhibits

Visitor Planning Staff

Natchez National Historic Park

Service Tour Information

Eastern National Book Store

20-minute Film “The Natchez Story”

Motorcoach Parking & Lift Station

24 Hour Restrooms & Vending

Visitor Parking

ADA Accessible

Administrative Offi ces:Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau

Natchez National Historic Park

Intersection of Highway 84 and Canal Street1-800-647-6724 601-446-6345

www.VisitNatchez.org [email protected]

Intersection ofHighway 84 and Canal Street

1-800-647-6724601-446-6345

[email protected]

It ,s What You Love About the South!November 2009 ~ Calendar of Events

As one of the oldest and most historic cities in the Deep South, Natchez is chock full of fascinating people, places and things.

November is beautiful in Natchez, usually a month of clear blue skies and hints of fall weather. It's pleasant for tour-ing some of Natchez's historic sites, and in Novemeber hints of the Christmas season begin to show. Come enjoy the exciting sites and sounds unmatched by any other small Deep South town.

WE

LC

OM

E

Calendar of events Pages 8-9

History Pages 10-12

Walking Tour Page 14-15

Attractions Pages 20-21

Accomodations Pages 22-25

Dining Pages 26-27

Nightlife Page 30

Come to

NATCH

EZN

atchez is located along the southwest-ern edge of Mississippi, overlooking the Mississippi River.

Natchez is built on high bluffs over-looking the river at an altitude of 195

feet above sea level. The City of Natchez is the county seat of Adams County and the county’s only incorporated city.

The area has excellent four-lane highway ac-cess in a number of di-rections.

U.S. highways 61, 84 and 98 intersect in Nat-chez, connecting the city to Baton Rouge, Monroe, Memphis, Jackson and Mobile — all cities with regional and interna-tional airports.

Interstate 55 is 60 miles east of Natchez via four-lane U.S. 84. The Natchez Trace Parkway, a 450-mile national park, origi-nates in Natchez and winds through Mississippi through Jackson and eventually Nashville, Tenn., where the Trace ends.

How far away?

Alexandria .......................... 70 milesBaton Rouge .................... 90 milesJackson ..............................115 milesNew Orleans ...................172 milesMemphis .........................290 miles Houston ............................308 milesBirmingham, Ala. ..........337 milesDallas ................................356 milesNashville, Tenn................484 miles

6 •November 2009

On the CoverThe Natchez City Cemetery will be lit up for the annual Angels on the Bluff .

150 miles

120 miles

90 miles

60 miles

30 miles

w w w. n a t c h e z o n t h e r i ve r. c o m

JUNE• Natchez Juneteenth

Celebration• Flag Day Celebrations• Pioneer Week at Jeff erson

College• Rosalie celebrates Weddings

JULY• Blessing of the Flotilla on Lake

St. John• Scrap N on the River

Scrapbook Festival• Isle of Capri Fireworks

Extravaganza

AUGUST• Rosalie Celebrates Childhood• Natchez Food and Wine

Festival• Food, Home and Health Show• St. Catherine Creek Wildlife

Expo

DECEMBER• Christmas in Natchez• Christmas Victorian Luncheon

at Magnolia Hall• Caroling in the Park• Library Tour of Homes• A Natchez Christmas Carol • Natchez Festival of Music’s

Christmas Concert• Children's Victorian Christmas

Trees at Jeff erson College

JANUARY• Eleventh Moon Storytelling

Festival• Martin Luther King Day

Celebrations• Natchez Little Theatre

presents Tom Stoppard's "Rough Crossing"

• Evangelization 2009

FEBRUARY• Black History Month

Celebrations• Mardi Gras Celebrations• Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration• River City Classic 10k, 5k and

Fun Run• Natchez Little Theatre

presents Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird"W

INTE

R

MARCH• Natchez Spring Pilgrimage• Historic Natchez Pageant• Southern Exposure• Southern Road to Freedom• Pow Wow at the Grand

Village• St. Patrick’s Day Parade

APRIL• Natchez Spring Pilgrimage• Historic Natchez Pageant• Southern Exposure• Southern Road to Freedom• Songs of the South• Dance for Preservation• Natchez Bluff Blues Fest• Delta Music Festival

MAY• Natchez Festival of Music,

celebrating opera, Broadway, jazz

• Rosalie's USS Mississippi Exhibit

• Arts in the Park• Crusin’ Natchez Classic Car

Show• Natchez Little Theatre

presents Sweeney Todd SPRI

NG

SUM

MER

SEASONWhere there is something for every

ASONNatchez is in full swing all year round. Whether your pleasure is touring historic homes, soaking in the sounds of

opera, blues or jazz, or just watching the sun set over the Mississippi, there is alway something to do in Natchez.

FALL

SEPTEMBER• Bark in the Park• Copper Magnolia Festival• Jim Bowie Festival• Natchez Fall Pilgrimage • Natchez Little Theatre pres-

ents "Big River"• Amos Polk’s Voices of Hope

Gospel Concert• Frogmore Plantation's "Cot-

ton: Then & Now"

OCTOBER• Natchez Fall Pilgrimage• Natchez Little Theatre pres-

ents Big River• Amos Polk’s Voices of Hope

Gospel Concert• Phatwater Kayak Race• Great Mississippi River Bal-

loon Race• Ghost Tales Around the

Campfi re• Frogmore Plantation's "Cot-

ton: Then & Now"

NOVEMBER• Art & Soul Festival• Fall Arts and Crafts Show• Angels on the Bluff Cemetery

Tour• Civil War reenactment at His-

toric Jeff erson College• Natchez Little Theatre pres-

ents Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night"

November 2009 • 7w w w. n a t c h e z o n t h e r i ve r. c o m

UPCO

MIN

G EV

ENTS

8 •November 2009 w w w. n a t c h e z o n t h e r i ve r. c o m

November 6-7

Angels on the Bluff Historic Natchez Foundation601-446-6345800-647-6724This year marks the 10th anniversary of this ea-

gerly anticipated event.Our historic cemetery was established in 1822

and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Each year the tour features a variety of diff erent historic and colorful lives of persons buried within, who are portrayed by locals and often direct descendants. The tour is fi lled with romantic, mysterious, and astonishing tales of the people who shaped this area, a people of all nations, races and creeds.

For additional Cemetery information contact [email protected] or visit www.natchezci-tycemetery.com

November 6

First Friday Weekend601-442-2929www.natchezdowntown.blogspot.comEvery fi rst Friday evening from 6pm until 8pm,

Downtown Natchez sponsors an evening of art, shopping and refreshments. Wherever you see white lights and balloons, a par-ticipating merchant will welcome you with refreshments including wine or soft drinks. Downtown shops are hosting art exhibits including painting, photography, pottery, an-tiques, jewelry, culinary and performing arts.

A free movie will be shown at dusk at the cor-ner of Main and Commerce Streets. Bring your own lawnchair or rent one from DND.

November 7

Civil War Re-enactmentHistoric Jeff erson CollegeU.S. 61N., Washington MS(601) 442-2901 • Fax: (601)442-2902www.mdah.state.ms.usReenactors from around the south gather to

recreate Wirt Adams' raid into Natchez. "Yan-kees" and "Rebs" reenact the battle, followed by an evening dance and musical presenta-tion. Admission is free, and the event begins at 9 a.m.

November 12-15

'The Importance of Being Earnest'Natchez Little Theatre319 Linton Avenue601-442-2233877-440-2233This peculiarly Southern adaptation of Oscar

Wilde's famous comedy is adapted for the stage by Ted Swindley, famous for his hit musical, "Always...Patsy Cline". It's the familiar characters set in and around Charleston, South Carolina. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors 60+.

November 19

William Grant Still Tribute ConcertNatchez City Auditorium (601) 446-6345www.visitnatchez.orgThe Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will

perform the works of American Composer William Grant Still, conducted by Crafton Beck, at the Natchez City Auditorium. The performance begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Seating in the Auditorium is fi rst come, fi rst served.

Advance tickets can be obtained through the Natchez Visitor Reception Center

November 27- January 3

Christmas at Natchez Downtown Natchezwww.natchezatchristmas.com4 November 27: "Turning it On & Turning

It Out"

Turkey Gumbo Cook-Off at 4 p.m. The Lighting of the Tree at 6 p.m.Street Dance at 7 p.m.Downtown Shops Open Until 8 p.m.4November 28: "Shop Til You Drop"

Concert at the Tree 5-6 p.m. Local Choirs from Area Churches and other Natchez area art-ists will perform Christmas Songs at the City Christmas Tree at Main and Commerce Streets

Jeweled Christmas Tour of The Towers OpeningGhost Tours - Meet the Natchez version of

Charles Dickens' Jacob Marley on this en-chanting tour! 7 p.m.4November 29: Historic Natchez Christmas

Tour

Area historic homes will open their doors to locals and visitors to get an inside look at Christmas Antebellum Style!

Concert at the Tree - 5-6 p.m.4December 4: "First Friday Luminaria Art

Walk"

Putting the holiday twist on the monthly shop-ping/art exhibit event, First Friday Weekends, where you'll be able to fi nd unique gifts for your unique friends or family members. Shops will be open late for your convenience

4December 5: Natchez Christmas Parade

6 p.m. - Main and Franklin StreetsGhost Tour Rolls Again! 7 p.m.Free Christmas Movie on Commerce St. - Bring

your lawn chair and a blanket for an outdoor movie on a giant screen4December 6: Christmas Brunch with Santa

Christmas Brunch at The Castle restaurant 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Photos with Santa at Dunleith after brunch4December 6: Alcorn State Choir

Free Concert with the Alcorn State Univeristy Choir at St. Mary's Basilica - 7 p.m.4December 6: Library Tour of Homes

Tour these downtown houses from 2-5 pm: Riverview, The Hess House, The Coyle House, & The Benoist-Stier House

Ticket prices are $15/single, $25/pair and may be purchased at the door or in advance at the George W. Armstrong Library

November 2009 • 9

Upc

omin

g ev

ents


Historic Jeff erson College

Fall Pilgrimage

10 •November 2009

living H

ISTORY

Historic photos show steamboats piled high with cotton, docked at Un-der-the-Hill. Steamboats, at right, of a diff erent vari-ety now dock in Natchez.


Today’s visi-tors to Natchez come by car, r e c r e a t i o n a l vehicle or

motor coach. They cross the wide Mississippi River on a modern bridge or come from the north, south or east by four-lane highways.

Some ride aboard the steamboats Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen. Those visitors come to the same landing where some of the earliest visitors arrived at the beautiful Natchez region.

Natchez visitors come from all over the world in the 21st century, lured by the city’s reputation for a unique collection of houses representing architecture of the long-ago South.

They come to see how the cotton planters lived in the days when cot-ton was king and money flowed freely. They are not disappointed.

Tourists by the thou-sands visit Natchez on the Mississippi River each year, following in the footsteps of many genera-tions of travelers to the historic city.

Attractions were dif-ferent when the first

Europeans traveled down the river and past the high spot on the bluffs

of the Mississippi, where Natchez

now stands.F r e n c h

occupied the area

f i r s t ; t h e n

English; and, finally,

the Spanish, who relin-quished the Natchez area to the United States in 1798.

The Mississippi Territory included much of the area that today comprises the states of Mississippi and Alabama.

Territorial days saw the beginning of steam travel on the Mississippi River, as the first steam-

boat traveled down from Cincinnati in 1811, pulled into the Natchez land-ing in early 1812 and left with the first bale of cot-ton ever to be shipped by steamboat.

Mississippi became a state in 1817. The terri-torial Legislature met on the grounds of Historic Jefferson College, a few miles north of Natchez in Washington. Many intriguing visitors arrived at Natchez during these early days of state-hood. One of the most fas-cinating was John James Audubon.

The naturalist made his maiden voyage down the Mississippi River in 1820 and arrived in Natchez near the end of that year.

Traveling with young Joseph Mason, an art stu-dent, Audubon searched woods and bayous for all the birds he and his young

protégé could find.Some of his most

popular birds were painted during his years in the Natchez and St. Francisville, La., area. His famous wild turkeys are believed to have been painted in West Feliciana Parish. Other famous birds he found in the area

His

tory

November 2009 • 11

During the fall a n d s p r i n g, h o u s e s a r e opened to tour-ists, a tradition started by a group of local women in the 1930s.

Historic Jefferson College, below, was the site of the first Mississippi territorial legislature.

Prince Abdul-Rahman, at

left, was an Af-rican prince sold into slavery in Natchez. Forty years after his

enslavement, he returned to

Africa.


12 • November 2009

Parish. Other famous birds he found in the area were the cardinal, mockingbird, red-winged blackbird and many others.

Audubon’s wife and two sons joined him in New Orleans early in 1821, and the family moved to Natchez soon after. The two boys attended Jefferson College in the Washington area.

From time of statehood until the Civil War in the early 1860s, Natchez grew as a center of wealth and culture. Handsome man-sions were built. They were filled with the finest fur-nishings available.

These were days when cotton grew in the low river lands, stretching as far as the eye could see — par-ticularly in the lowlands of Louisiana across the river from Natchez.

Slaves toiled in the fields, and they labored to assist in construction of the fine mansions rising in the Natchez area. Others drove carriages and kept the sil-ver polished. Still others worked in kitchens of the great mansions preparing the delicious foods that have come to be known as Southern cuisine.

Natchez as a city survived the Civil War with little loss to property. The town was quietly occupied in the summer of 1863. Federal troops set up headquarters at Rosalie.

Economically depressed for a decade after the war, Natchez began to revive

in the late 1870s. A new merchant class dominated the economy of the town, and river trade picked up. Cotton grew once again.

The establishment of regular tours of Natchez mansions in 1932 by women of the city’s garden club, the discovery of oil in the early 1940s and the success-ful attraction of industries to the town in the 1930s and ’40s boosted the economy.

Natchez weathered the stormy 1960s, but did not escape the tragedy that marred so many Southern towns in the Civil Rights era. Efforts of many peace makers, both white and black, resulted in peaceful transition from the segre-gated to the desegrated way of life. Still struggling with racial issues, the city’s population nonetheless has come far in its attempts to right the ills of the past.

Black history has come to the forefront of recent efforts to bring African Americans into tourism.

With all its changes, Natchez remains the same in many ways. The hospi-table atmosphere and the people who demonstrate energy and entrepreneur-ship continue as tradition-al.

Visitors enjoy the part of Natchez preserved in its historic buildings and fine antiques. They enjoy equal-ly the progressive air found among the people they meet on the streets and in the restaurants and shops.

BONTURA was built for free black Robert Smith in 1851. Smith operated a hack business in pre-Civil War Natchez and also was sex-ton at First Presbyterian Church.

NAPAC MUSEUM, 301 Main St., is operated by the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture. Exhibits and programs focus on life of the African American in Natchez and the South. The museum is located in an old post office building, con-structed in 1905 and enlarged in later years. The building occupies the site of diarist William Johnson’s barber shop.

WILLIAM JOHNSON HOUSE, 210 State St., today is part of the Natchez National Historical Park and is open to the public. Check at the Visitor Reception Center for times. The house museum showcases the important diary left by Johnson, a barber, and to illustrate lifestyles of the free black population in Natchez in pre-Civil War years.

FORKS OF THE ROAD is the site of the second largest slave market in the Deep South during the early 1800s. No remnant of the market remains, but a historical marker denotes the place at St. Catherine Street and Liberty Road, and an attractive exhibit tells some of the history of the notorious market and the people who were brought there to be sold to plantation and other property owners.

Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1858 as the Second Presbyterian Church but sold in 1866 to the AME church, whose minister, Hiram Revels, became the first African-American to serve in the U.S. Congress. The church is at 15 St. Catherine St.

Holy Family Catholic Church and School, 8 Orange Ave., at corner of St. Catherine Street, was constructed in 1894, the oldest African-American Catholic church in Mississippi. With its Gothic Revival architecture, the church is a standout in the city.

John Banks House, 9 St. Catherine St., was home to the first African-American physician to practice medicine in Natchez. Mississippi granted Banks his license in 1885. He built his resi-dence soon after that. A famous visitor to the Banks residence was Booker T. Washington, who was an overnight guest of the Banks family when he came to deliver a lecture.

Frogmore Plantation, 11054 Highway 84, Frogmore, LA. Guided tour that relates thoroughly the African-American rural heritage from 1700s - 1960s, including: food, clothing, work ethics, relationships, emancipation flaws, education drawbacks, sharecropping joys and hardships. Nineteen historical buildings on site.

Dunleith, 84 Homochitto St., with its distinctive peristyle architec-ture, is one of the most photographed of the famous Natchez pre-Civil War mansions. The grand structure holds the fascinating story of an African-American boy who grew to be one of the most famous black men to emerge in the post-war era. He was John Roy Lynch, born in 1847 brought to Dunleith as a young man to work as a house slave.

Black HistoryTouring the sites that tell the story of African-Americans in the Natchez

area is a fascinating experience. Here are a few places to sample...

At top is an example of a poster telling of a re-ward for the return of a runaway slave. John R. Lynch, at bottom, was the first African-American speaker of the Mississippi House. He was a native of the Natchez-Vidalia area.

Audubon's famous panoramic view of Natchez.

Wh

ere to stay

Natchez Souvenirs

The Old South Trading Post200 North Broadway

Books • PralinesCivil War Collectibles

Pecans, Hats, Handmade Soap

Find out where to stay, where to eat and what to do in Natchez

www.natchezontheriver.com

we love having you here.

cozyHampton bed

Hampton Inn & Suites • 627 South Canal Street • Natchez Mississippiwww.natchezsuites.hamptoninn.com • 601-446-6770

freehot breakfast

Enjoy ourPromotional Rates

Starting At

$90*

©2009 Hilton Hotels Corporation

memories made here.Plan a trip that’s unforgettable. Then top it all off with a comfortable place to stay full of thoughtful amenities.Enjoy our Special Holiday Rates, which includes 15% off coupon for carriage ride and Hot Chocolate. Stay withus to start making memories.

Offer valid 10/20/09 - 11/31/09. Rates range from $90 - $119. Rate is for one night,subject to availability, may include blackout dates, and does not include taxes.Additional nights at best available rate. Advance booking is required. Additional chargesmay apply. Ask for promotional code PFK.

®

62nd Season proudly presents

Thursday, November 12 - Saturday, November 14

7:30 p.m.Sunday, November 15

2:00 p.m.

NATCHEZ LITTLE THEATRE

www.natcheztheatre.org

The Importanceof Bein’ Earnest

319 Linton Avenue at Maple StreetReservations: 601.442.2233 • Toll Free: 1.877.440.2233

Email: [email protected]:

$15 Adults • $12 Senior Citizens & Youth

Come Enjoy Our:Daily Happy HourComfortable LoungeCozy Fireside DiningFresh SeafoodPrime BeefWorld Famous PieFriendly ServiceResident Ghost

OLDEST BUILDING IN NATCHEZ

King’s TavernRestaurant and Lounge

619 Jeff erson • Natchez • 601-446-8845

An excellent way to become familiar with Natchez is by touring the historic down-town area on foot.

Most walking tours begin at the Bluff Park, the grassy promenade that skirts Broadway and overlooks the river.

Because of the importance of the Mississippi River to the development of Natchez, a few moments there at the gazebo — a 20th-cen-tury replica of a 19th-century structure — sets the mood for a tour of historic downtown. Nearby are markers to honor writer Richard Wright and to memorialize more than 200 black resi-dents who died in a night-club fi re in 1940.

Over the river, the low fl atlands of

Louisiana stretch as far as the eye can see, the same land where fortunes were made in cotton in antebellum days. Today, as in the 19th century, cotton grows in that rich land.

The oldest continuous settlement on the Mississippi River, Nat-chez was 200 years ago the destination of fl atboatmen and travelers who jour-neyed on the river and on the Natchez Trace.

In later years, travelers disembarked from steamboats at Natchez Under-the-Hill and climbed Silver Street to walk through the tree-lined streets and admire buildings, houses and manicured gardens.

Steamboat travelers took carriage rides into the suburbs, where they visited homes such as Dunleith, Monmouth and D’Evereux.

What the visitor saw as they visited the town has changed little since then, and that is part of the attraction that lures tourists to Natchez today.

On Silver Street along the historic riverfront is the Natchez Under-the-Hill Saloon famous for its musical jam sessions on the weekends and the giant rocking chairs that make river-looking a favorite pastime. Also on the riverfront is the Isle of Capri Casino, located in a replica of a big old-time Mississippi River steamboat.

Looking from the bluff toward the town, the visi-tor sees streets running to and from the river and parallel to the river.

These are the same streets, for the most part,

1 Broadway Street

Canal Street

Wall Street

Pearl Street

Union Street

Commerce Street

Rankin Street

Was

hing

ton

Stre

et

Stat

e St

reet

Mai

n St

reet

Canal Street

2

3

4

5

6

9

11

10

8

7

12

13

14

Fran

klin

Str

eet

Jeff e

rson

Str

eet

Hig

h St

reet

Mon

roe

Stre

et

M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r

STROLL

that were laid out by the Spaniards when they ruled Natchez in the late 18th century.

Across from the gazebo on Broadway Street is BON-

TURA, the brick house that was built by Robert Smith, a free black man who owned a Natchez sta-ble and carriage company in the mid-19th century.

At the south end of the bluff is ROSALIE, the antebellum house built in the 1820s by Peter

Little, not far from the site of old Fort Rosalie.Established by the French in 1716, the fort site

stretches along the bluff s to the south of Rosalie and is included in the new Natchez National Historical Park. Plans for the site include exhibits

about the fort’s history. The park also includes antebellum Melrose, located on the outskirts of town, and the William Johnson House on State Street.

A walk along Broadway Street to Rosalie will lead past the THE PARSONAGE, built in 1852 on land donated to the Methodist Church by Peter Little.

A continued stroll across Canal Street and up Washington Street takes the visitor to what

is called the old Spanish section of town — the intersection of Washington and Wall streets, spe-cifi cally, where on one corner stands TEXADA, built by Manuel Texada and believed to be the fi rst

1

23

DOWNTOWN TOURHom

ochi

tto S

treet

✪

Natchez Visitor Reception Center

Canal

Stre

et

6584

w w w. n a t c h e z o n t h e r i ve r. c o m 14 •November 2009

brick house constructed in Natchez.Other important houses are on the other

three corners of Washington and Wall streets — GREENLEA, the GRIFFITH-

MCCOMAS HOUSE and HOLLY HEDG-

ES. Signs on these houses make them easily identifi able.

Just to the north of Greenlea is THE GOV-

ERNOR HOLMES HOUSE, which was built in 1794 and was home to David Holmes, who served as Mississippi Territory’s last governor and the state’s fi rst governor.

Continue down Washington Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Street to

stop by other unique and historic stops. MAGNOLIA HALL, at Pearl Street, was built in in the late 1850s and restored by the Natchez Garden Club. A block south on Pearl is PLEASANT HILL, the fi rst house to occupy the spot where Magnolia Hall was built. Pleasant Hill was moved to its present location to make way for the new Henderson mansion.

Trinity Episcopal Church, at Commerce Street, features rare art glass windows

designed and installed by Louis C. Tiff any. Across the street is Glen Auburn, circa 1875. The Victorian home is one of the fi nest exam-ples of French Second Empire architecture in the South. TEMPLE B’NAI ISRAEL was built in 1905, replacing the fi rst synagogue, which had been built in 1872 and burned in 1904.

As you make your way to Martin Luther King Jr. Street be sure to catch a glimpse of VAN

COURT TOWN HOUSE, at the corner of South Union Street; and GREEN LEAVES, at the cor-ner of South Rankin Street. Take a short side trip down Rankin Street to see historic homes new to the annual Spring Pilgrimage tours, RIP RAP and OAK HILL INN.

On the corner of Washington and Martin Luther King Jr. Street amid

spacious grounds stands THE ELMS, where early Natchez residents included John Henderson, who wrote the fi rst book printed in the Natchez territory.

The walker may continue down Martin Luther King Jr. Street past The Elms for one block and then back toward the river on State Street.

A half-block turn up Rankin will lead to an entrance into MEMORIAL

PARK, located along Rankin, Main and Union giving the walking tourists an op-portunity to view the impressive ST. MARY

BASILICA along Main Street.Main Street in Natchez is a lovingly preserved

set of buildings dating, for the most part, from the early 1800s to the late 19th century. Most of the commercial buildings were built during the post-Civil War years, when a large merchant class moved to Natchez to take advantage of a revival in river trade along the Mississippi.

At the corner of Main and Commerce streets is the former BRITTON &

KOONTZ FIRST NATIONAL BANK, built as a bank in 1835, the fi rst Greek Revival building built in Mississippi.

From the intersection of Commerce and Main streets, walk half a block south to THE NAT-

CHEZ INSTITUTE, built in 1901 as a public school and now home to the Historic Natchez Foundation.

At South Pearl and State streets is the FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,

built about 1828, which houses a photo-graphic history of Natchez by photographer Henry Norman and restored by Natchez resi-dent Dr. Thomas Gandy. The photos are on display at Stratton Chapel behind the church with entrance on State Street.

Across Pearl Street from the church is NAT-

CHEZ CITY HALL and, behind it, facing Wall Street, the ADAMS COUNTY COURT-

HOUSE, built in the 1820s and renovated in the 1920s.

Turning down State Street from the Presbyterian Church, walking tour-

ists will pass on the left, across from the courthouse, the red brick former ADAMS

COUNTY JAIL built in the 1890s, now coun-ty offi ces. A rare Queen Anne style building, the old jail is one of only a few remaining in the country built to resemble a house but to serve as a jail. It was renovated in 1994 and now serves as the county administration

building. Just past the intersection is the house owned by William

Johnson. Johnson, a freed black man who worked as a barber, wrote a diary describ-

ing Natchez life in the pre-Civil War days. The WILLIAM JOHNSON HOUSE is now incorporated as part of the Natchez National Historical Park.

To see the north side of town, walk down Canal Street to Main Street. From here the tourist can walk down Franklin Street and then past Ellicott Hill, corner of Canal and Jeff erson streets.

THE HOUSE ON ELLICOTT HILL was one of the fi rst restoration projects in

the city, undertaken in the 1930s and also was the site of the raising of the fi rst Ameri-can Flag over the Natchez Territory in 1797.

Up Jeff erson Street one block is Wall Street again, where a turn to the left will take the visitor by CHOCTAW on the left. The 1830s house has been restored recently.

Across Wall Street is WHITE WINGS

and, on the hill, across High Street, is CHEROKEE, with its lofty setting and beauti-ful gardens. A turn down High Street to the east again will lead to Stanton Hall, Pearl and High streets.

STANTON HALL, built in the 1850s and now owned and preserved by

the Pilgrimage Garden Club, is considered by many to be the grandest of the Natchez mansions.

On the grounds of Stanton Hall is the famous Carriage House Restaurant, known for its fried chicken and tiny Southern-style bis-cuits. From the Pearl Street side of Stanton Hall, look across to MYRTLE BANK, corner of Pearl and Monroe, built about 1835 and embellished in the 1870s.

Also at Pearl and High streets are two other important and architecturally interesting houses — MYRTLE TERRACE and DR.

DUBS TOWN HOUSE.Continue up Pearl Street to Main Street and

turn west to go three blocks to return to the Bluff Park.

5

104

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14W

alki

ng

tou

r

GRAND HOUSES TOUR

Take a walking tour of Natchez to see many sights including, from top, the Tif-fany glass windows of Trinity Church, the historic fountain at Memorial Park and the beautifully restored interior of St. Mary Basilica.

w w w. n a t c h e z o n t h e r i ve r. c o m November 2009 • 15

16 •November 2009

HOMES

Visiting historic homes in Natchez is like stepping back in time. Many of the most splendid of the Natchez houses are open year around. When

you stop at the Natchez Visitors Reception Center on South Canal Street, you will find all of the information you need to make your choices.

There’s no place like our

Melrose


Auburn400 Duncan Ave.

Tuesday -Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Last tour 2:30 p.m. - tours upon arrival

601-442-5981 • www.natchez.ms.us

The Briars31 Irving Lane

7 days a week: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Last tour 4 p.m. - self guided

www.thebriarsinn.com

Dunleith84 Homochitto St.

Open daily: 9:00 a.m to noon • Last tour 11:30 a.m.Tours every 30 minutes

800-433-2445 • 601-446-8500

Linden1 Linden Place

Tours by appointment601-446-6631 • 601-445-5472

Longwood140 Lower Woodville Road

Open daily: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Last tour 4:30 p.m.Tours every 30 minutes

601-4425193 • www.natchezpilgrimage.com

Magnolia Hall215 South Pearl St.

Friday - Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Last tour 4 p.m.601-442-6672 • www.natchezpilgrimage.com

Melrose1 Melrose-Montebello Pkwy.

7 days a week 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Last tour 4 p.m.Tours every hour • 601-446-5790

Monmouth36 Melrose Avenue

One tour daily at 10 a.m. • Garden Tour 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.800-828-4531 • 601-442-5852

www.monmouthplantation.com

RosalieEntrance D.A. Biglane Street off Canal StreetOpen daily: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Last tour 4 p.m.

Tours every hour • 601-445-4555 • 601-446-5676www.rosaliemansion.com

Stanton Hall401 High St. at Pearl St.

Open Daily: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Last tour 4:30 p.m.Tours every 30 minutes

601-442-6282 • www.natchez pilgrimage.com

The House on Ellicot Hill211 N. Canal St.

Friday - Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Last tour 4 p.m.Tours every hour

The Towers801 Myrtle Ave.

Tours by appointment601-446-6890

William Johnson HouseOpen Daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed 1 to 1:45 p.m. each day

His

tori

c h

omes


Dunleith

Magnolia Hall

The House on Ellicot Hill

William Johnson House

Rosalie

Auburn

Stanton Hall

Longwood

Monmouth

The Towers



Take theTRACE


A beautiful place to spend an afternoon is the Natchez Trace, a parkway winding through forests and

across creeks once traversed by fl atboatmen on their way home to the North and by rogues and thieves who lurked in the shad-ows ready to attack unsuspecting travelers.

A federal parkway operated by the National Park Service, the Trace offers not only scenic beauty but many historic markers to lead the visitor through some of the earliest history of the old Southwest Territory.

Extending almost 450 miles be-tween Natchez and Nashville, Tenn., the Trace begins for Nat-chez visitors a few miles north of the city. The Trace goes through some of the areas most important to Indian history as well as to ear-ly European and early American settlement of the area.

The course follows as nearly as possible the same route as the old Trace. In places, signs will direct visitors to the old road, and it is worth a stop and a walk through the old rutted byways to get a feel for what it must have been like in the 18th century, when many fl at-boatment fl oated down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, sold their boats in places such as Natchez and New Orleans and then began the six-month trek back up to their homes in the Northeast.

Whether it is for recreation, nature or history, the Natchez Trace provides a multitude of opportuni-ties for tourists.

Split rail fenc-es, cypress bogs and area wildlife are scenic high-lights of the Natchez Trace. Take a leisure-ly drive down the trace to Natchez.

From Indian mounds to

Civil War grave sites,

the Natchez Trace is fi lled with historic

sites.

The Natchez Trace began centuries ago as a footpath, used by Indians for move-ments between the southern and central areas of the continent.

Parties of the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Nat-chez and other Southern tribes followed this route on their way to Middle Tennes-see, Kentucky and the territory of the pres-ent North Central states.

As development ensued in the Old South-west, as the Natchez area was known then, the Trace was used by many who migrated to the area from other parts of the coun-try to take advantage of the opportunities abounding in the rich, fertile land of the great river.

For many years the Trace was known as a dangerous place to travel. Robbers and rogues waited in hiding to attack unpro-tected small parties. Trav-elers learned to band togeth-er for protec-tion, but even that did not al-ways provide the necessary safety.

All along the Trace were small inns, where travel-ers could stay for the night. One of those is Mount Locust, a good stop for visitors, even if the house is not open for tours.

There are exhibits and signs to tell something of the experiences of travelers in the old days, and there are nature trails, as well.

One of the most impressive stops on the Trace in the Natchez area is Emerald Mound, built in about 1400 by Indians who lived in the area then.

The mound is the second largest of its kind in the United States and is reached by turning a couple of miles off the Trace and following signs.

It is a designated bike route. A good desti-nation for a picnic might be Rocky Springs, if the visitor plans to return to Natchez for the evening.

Located at milepost 54.8, the site com-memorates a community that once stood at Rocky Springs.

Nat

chez

Tra

ce


A one and 1/2 hour driving tour of

Historic Natchez

Tickets $20 • Call 601-445-4515 for Times & ReservationsTickets $20 • Call 601-445-4515 for Times & Reservations

Tickets Available at the Natchez Visitor’s CenterContact Eric for more info 601-445-4515

The best and most informative motor tour in Natchez shows you great historic sites, restaurants, places to shop, where to stay and

where to have fun. It’s your best tour for the money! Tour conducted in a limo or shuttle bus.

with Eric

The darker side of the jewel of the

Mississippi will be exposed.

Cameras suggeted!

10% Discount when you book with Eric

DO

BIKINGNatchez State Park 601-442-2658

Natchez Trace Parkway 601-842-1572

CEMETERIESHistoric Natchez City Cemetery2 Cemetery RoadEstablished in 1821 Open 7 days a week, 7a.m. - dusk 601-445-5051

Natchez National Cemetery41 Cemetery RoadOpen 7 days, dawn-dusk.601-445-4981

CONVENTION FACILITIESNatchez Convention Center211 Main Street601-442-5880888-647-9144

FISHINGNatchez State ParkHighway 61 North601-442-2658

St. Catherine Creek Wildlife Refuge

601-442-6696

GOLFDuncan ParkLocated in the heart of the city601-442-5955


Natchez City Cemetery


601-445-0728

Natchez in Historic Photographs405 State St., Stratton Chapel 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Sat Closed Sun 601-442-2581

NATURE TRAILSGrand Village of the Natchez

Indians601-446-6502

Historic Jeff erson College601-442-2901

Natchez State Park601-442-2658


St. Catherine Creek Wildlife Refuge

601-442-6696

PARKS & SCENIC VIEWSDuncan ParkLocated in the heart of the city601-442-5955

Memorial ParkDowtown Natchez at the

intesection of Rankin and Main Streets.

Mississippi River Bluff Majestic views from atop the

bluff s and downtown Natchez along Broadway Street

Natchez Trace ParkwayScenic by-way from Natchez to

Nashville, Tenn. 800-305-7417/662-680-4027www.nps.gov/natr

Natchez State ParkHighway 61 North601-442-2658

PLANTATION TOURSFrogmore Plantation11054 Hwy 84Frogmore, LA 71334318-757-2453 • 757-3333

TOURS - CITYNatchez History Tour601-446-6345

Natchez Ghost Tours601-445-4515

Southern Belle Custom Tours225-245-2068

VISITOR SERVICES Judge George W. Armstrong

Public Library220 S. Commerce Street601-445-8862

Natchez Chamber of Commerce601-445-4611 • 211 Main St.

Natchez Downtown Development Association

108 S. Commerce Street601-442-2500

Natchez Visitor Reception Center

640 South Canal St.800-647-6724601-446-6345 www.visitnatchez.comExperience the Natchez Orienta-

tion through exhibits, maps, brochures, displays and trained staff ready to assist you in plan-ning your visit to our historic city.

• Staff to assist you in planning your visit• Natchez Pilgrimage Tours tick-

ets and information• The Natchez Story, fi lm on

Natchez• City, State and National Park Service Information• Departure Point for Historic City Bus Tour• Departure Point for Natchez Transit System


Wh

at to

do

HISTORIC HOMESSee page 16 for more information

HISTORIC PARKSEmerald Mound Large Indian Mound off the Natchez

Trace at marker

Forks of the RoadLiberty Rd. at St. Catherine St. and

D'Evereux Dr. Natchez ,601-442-7049

Grand Village of the Natchez Indians

400 Jeff erson Davis Blvd. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon-Sat 1:30 p.m. -5 p.m. Sun 601-446-6502 www.mdah.state.ms.us

Historic Jeff erson CollegeU.S. Highway 61NorthP.O. Box 700Washington, MS

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon-Sat 1 p.m. -5 p.m. Sun 601-442-2901 www.mdah.state.ms.us

Natchez National Historical Park 640 South Canal St.601-442-7047 • Melrose: 1 Melrose-Montebello Pkwy. • The William Johnson House: 212

State St. • National Park Headquarters: 640

South Canal St. www.nps.gov/natc

HUNTINGSt. Catherine Creek Wildlife Refuge 601-442-6696

MUSEUMSNatchez Association for the

Preservation of Afro-American Culture (NAPAC)

301 Main St. 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tues-Sat

FROGMORE COTTON PLANTATION & GINS Cotton...then & now. 1800 acre historical and modern working

cotton plantation with the only completely computerized gin in the U.S.

Selected as Rand NcNally's Must See Site in the Southeast. Extensive southern history and slave culture. 19 historical buildings on site include National Register antique steam gin.

318-757-2453www.frogmoreplantation.com

Guided Plantation Tours

Natchez Pilgrimage Tours

Ask about our special

holiday tours, dinners

and packages!

Natchez Pilgrimage Tours is your city-wide concierge.

Let our knowledgeable staff help you with tours, ticket sales, educated-guides, and bed and breakfast reservations.

640 S. Canal StreetNatchez Visitors Center 800-647-6742601-446-6631

www.natchezpilgrimage.

com

HOTELS

Best Western River Inn10 Grand Soleil Boulevard, Natchez 601-442-19061-800-780-7234

Comfort Suites on the Riverfront100 Front St., Vidalia318-336-16551-800-4choice

Deluxe Inn218 John R. Junkin Drive 601-442-0221

Grand Soleil Hotel130 John R. Junkin Drive 601-442-9976888-946-4727

Hampton Inn627 South Canal St.601-446-6770 • 800-HAMPTON

Isle of Capri Casino Hotel645 South Canal St.800-722-5825 • 601-445-0605Fax 601-442-9823

Natchez Grand Hotel111 Broadway St., Downtown

Natchez 601-446-9994800-455-3417

Passport Inn & SuitesHighway 61 South601-442-1691

Red Carpet Inn271 D’Evereux DriveHighway 61 North601-442-3686800-251-1962

Travel Inn271-A D’Evereux DriveHighway 61 North800-224-8704 601-446-8799

The Natchez Eola Hotel131 rooms, free cable and HBO, restaurant, room service,

lounge, meeting and ban-quet facilities, gift shop.

110 N. Pearl St. 866-445-3652 601-445-6000 E-mail: [email protected]

STAY Natchez offers a full range of hotels, motels and inns for your

stay. Many offer all the conveniences of home, and much more!


hW

here to Days Inn121 rooms, free high speed

internet, gift shop, pool, free cable and HBO. Pet Friendly!

109 Highway 61 South800-325-2525 601-445-82911-800-4choice


Quality InnLocated in the historic city of

Natchez, only minutes from world renowned antebel-lum homes, antique shops, Under-the-Hill Silver Street, riverboat casino and easily accessible to the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Bed & Breakfasts

1835 Oak Hill Inn409 South Rankin St.601-446-2500 • 601-445-8641

1888 Wensel House206 Washington St.888-775-8577 • 601-445-8577Fax: 601-442-2525

Another Padres' Inn19 Homochitto St.601-446-5963

Antebellum Music Room Bed & Breakfast

804 Washington St.601-445-7466

Bailey’s Carriage House400 South Commerce St.601-445-3761

Bisland House Bed & Breakfast404 South Commerce St.601-304-5806 / 504-913-7498

Bluff Top Bed & Breakfast205 Clifton Ave.800-211-6420 • 601-304-1002

The Briars Inn 31 Irving Lane800-634-1818 • 601-446-9654 Fax: 601-445-6037

Cedar Grove Plantation617 Kingston Road601-445-9304 • 601-807-3273

Choctaw Bed & Breakfast310 North Wall St.601-446-7905

Clifton View Guest House324 Clifton Ave.601-392-9046 or 917-805-4552

Darby’s Guest House208 South Canal St. 800-332-9062 • 601-446-9737

Wh

ere

to s

tay


1835 Oak Hill Inn is the perfect Natchez bed and breakfast. A restoration award winner. Three suites available, one private 2 bedroom suite with 3 beds. Two private suites with queen beds. Full gourmet breakfast served in main dining room. Secluded, yet in the heart of historic garden district. Trip Advisor.com rated #1 bed and breakfast out of 26 in Natchez.

409 South Rankin St. • 601-446-2500www.historicoakhill.com

The BurnEach rooms is lovingly,

painstakingly created to match the home at the height of its splendor. All come with the latest in 21st century comfort. Full baths. Heating and air condition-ing. Flat screen TVs.

712 North Union St.800-654-8859601-445-0606 - Fax601-442-1344 - Phonewww.burnbnb.com

The Dr’s Inn 507 Washington St. 601-442-3561

Dunbar CottageDunbar Road 800-647-6742 • 601-446-6631

Dunleith 84 Homochitto St.800-433-2445 • 601-446-8500Fax 601-446-8554

Dunleith/The Cotton Warehouse4 deluxe river view rooms with

balcony.Corner of Main & Broadway 800-433-2445 • 601-446-8500Fax: 601-446-8554

Elephant Ear205 North Rankin2 Suites888-846-6556 • 601-445-0338

Elgin Plantation3 bedroom dependency. U.S. 61 South 800-647-6742 • 601-446-6631 www.natchezpilgrimage.com

The Gatekeeper's Cottageon the Mississippi River29 Learned's Mill Road601-807-2021

Giles Island 9400 acres877-944-5374www.gilesisland.com

The ElmsCome for a weekend; come

for a week. We at The Elms will make your stay one to remember. From our newly renovated sapcious bedrooms, to our inviting beds and pristine bedrooms, your comfort is our goal. High defi nition television, radios and alarm clocks. All guests enjoy free local calls and Internet access. A delicious Southern-style breakfast is served every morning in the dining room or on the veranda, weather permitting.

801 Washington Street601-445-5979www.theelms-natchez.com

Devereaux Shields HouseEscape to quiet times,

comfort and history in a Queen Anne Victorian BnB c1893 located in beautiful Natchez and just a few blocks from town center or stunning views of the Mississippi River.

709 N. Union St. 601-304-5378www.dshieldsusa.com

Visitor’s Guide Readers: Save 25% off standard rates by mentioning CODE: ND09

The Gatekeeper's Cottageon the Mississippi River29 Learned's Mill Road601-807-2021

Giles Island 9400 acres877-944-5374www.gilesisland.com

Glenfi eldGoverment Fleet Rd.601-442-1002

The Gov. Holmes House207 South Wall Street800-647-6742 601-446-6631

The Guest House601-442-8848 Fax 601-442-3323

Highpoint215 Linton Ave.800-283-4099 601-442-6963

Hope Farm147 Homochitto St.601-445-4848

Locust Alley511 Main St.(601) 392-9046 or (917) 805-

4552

Magnolia Cottage35 Homochitto Street601-807-5227 • 601-807-5260

Wh

ere to stay


Linden All bedrooms are furnished

with antiques and cano-pied beds. Conner-Feltus family home for six genera-tions.

1 Linden Place1-800-2-LINDEN601-445-5472www.natchezms.com/linden

Everything you would expect in a luxury bed and breakfast.

www.magnolia-vale.com • [email protected] Learned’s Mill Road • Natchez, MS 39120 • 601-807-2021

ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVERON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

• Wi-Fi• Coffee, Teas, Juice, Hot Cereal, Assorted Pasteries• Complimentary Wine

• Robes and Hair Dryer• Cookies for bedtime• Fully equipt kitchen

Marcia's CottagesLaurel Cottage was built

in 1904 and is located in a quiet neighborhood in the Historic District at 910 Washington Street. Acco-modations for 4 people.

Elmsley Cottage, built in 1852, accomodates 8 peo-ple and is located at 411 S. Pearl Street. A fully stocked kitchen and breakfast are included. Queen and twin size beds available. All the amenities of home include daily maid service, satellite TV, fi replace, central air, high speed Internet and off -street parking.

Savannah Cottage, 412 S. Pearl Street is located in the heart of downtown. Full breakfast served every morning and daily house-keeping service. Accomo-dations for 8 people with 4 rooms.

1-877-442-1103601-442-1100601-334-0928www.marciascottages.com

KNOW?Did you

Going green — The antebellum house Longwood was using environmentally friendly technology long before "going green" was popular. Dr. Haller Rush Nutt used solar panels (strategically placed mirrors) to re-flect the sun's rays for the purpose of heating water in the house. The historic building is the largest remaining octagonal house in the United States. It was under construction before the Civil War. When the war started the workmen who were from the north, abandoned saws and hammers and returned home. Dr. Nutt, also a northerner, lost his wealth and plantations across the river in Louisiana and died a broken man. Longwood remains unfinished today, but that is part of its charm. A visit will take you through the rooms and corridors of this most unusual house where you will find the workmen's tools left where they were dropped, aban-doned in their haste to quit the South.

How old are you? — Natchez, was first settled by the French in 1716, two years before New Orleans, Louisiana, and is the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River. The city once boasted over 500 millionaires, more than any other city in the United States, ex-cept New York. Natchez also has the largest concentration of ante-bellum, or pre-Civil War, structures in the country. Each year these homes are opened for touring during Spring and Fall Pilgrimages and many remain open to the public year-round.

Drinking with the Devil — The "Devil's Punch Bowl," located near Natchez is one of nature's freak occurrences. It is a gigantic, semi-circular pit, somewhat cone-shaped. Connected with this uncanny spot are countless traditions of river pirates, runaway slaves, buried treasures, and other involvements with adventure and romance.

Native sons — Between 1682 and 1729, the Grand Village was the center of activities for the Natchez Indians. In 1730, the Nat-chez Indians attacked Fort Rosalie, in Natchez, killing the French settlers. In retaliation, the French attacked the Natchez Indians. Those that were not killed, escaped and were absorbed by other tribes of the region. According to A History of Mississippi, by Rob-ert Lowery, the Natchez indian nation was one of Mississippi's ear-ly tribes, that could be traced to Mexico where they aided Cortez in the conquest of the country and the overthrow of Montezuma. Mr. Lowery contends that the Natchez were of a light mahogany complexion, with jet black hair and eyes; their expression was intelligent, open and noble..., they were tall in statue, very few be-ing under six feet. Unfortunately, the Natchez Indians have joined the ranks of the extinct so that we cannot know, first hand, what they were like.

Interesting facts about Natchez and the surrounding area

Mark Twain Guesthouse25 Silver St.601-446-8023

Miss Lucy’s Cottage707 State St.800-647-6742601-446-6631

Monmouth Corner of Melrose Avenue and John A. Quitman Pkwy. 800-828-4531 • 601-442-5852Fax: 601-446-7762

Mulberry Cottage102 Linton Ave.1-888-846-6556601-445-0338

Natchez Manor600 Franklin Street601-442-4441

Oakland PlantationHighway 61 S.800-824-0355 • 601-445-5101Fax: 601-442-6058

Oakwood PlantationUpper Kingston Road800-699-4755 • 800-936-4424

ext. 110 Fax 334-636-7118

Pleasant Hill310 South Pearl St.866-442-7674 601-442-7674 Fax: 601-442-6335

RavennaCottage8 Ravenna Lane601-431-1153 • 601-653-4796

Riverside211 Clifton Ave.601-446-5730

Shields Town House701 North Union St.601-442-7680 • Fax: 601-445-0843

Sunrise Cottage24 Cemetery Road601-870-2662

Sunset View Guest Cottage26 Cemetery Road601-870-2662

The Towers801 Myrtle Avenue601-446-6890

Twin Oaks71 Homochitto St.888-846-6556 • 601-445-0338

Weymouth Hall1 Cemetery Road601-445-2304 • Fax: 601-445-0602

Wilkins TownhouseCorner of Jeff erson & N. Com-

merce streets601-442-9935 601-807-0551

CAMPINGNatchez State Park 601-442-2658


RV PARKSNatchez State ParkHighway 61 North, 230 B Wickcliff Road601-442-2658

Plantation Park Highway 61 South, 601-442-5222

Pond Store Cabin182 Fort Adams, Pond Road,

Woodville 601-888-4426

River View RV Park and Resort•192 Sites• Primitive Tent Camping• Mississippi River Front Sites• 20/30/50 amp At All Sites• Water and Sewer At All Sites• Free WiFi• Hot Tub & Swimming Pool Open

Year Around• Private Showers and Restrooms• Clubhouse• Rally Room (Accommodates Up

To 400 People With a Commer-cial Kitchen)

• Meeting Room (Accommodates Up To 100 People)

• 24 Hour Modern Laundry Room• Store, Supplies, LP Pumping

Station• Playground, Picnic Tables, and

Fire Rings• Security• RV Storage Available

100 Riverview ParkwayVidalia, La. 91373866-336-1402318-336-1400

Natchez Manor“Hottest New Spot in Town”

• 14 Room Bed & Breakfast• Dining Room - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner• Lounge - Happy Hour 4-7 pm Open Tuesday thru Saturday• Sunday Brunch - 11 am -2 pm

For more information on Social Event pricing, call (601) 442-4441www.natchezmanor.com 600 Franklin Street • Natchez, MS 39120

In the mood for a quick bite...or would you like a true, leisurely taste of the Deep South? The diverserestaurants of

Natchez are sure to satisfy.

Restaurants

181836 Melrose Avenue601-442-5852

Berry’s Seafood175 Highway 61 South 601-446-9518

Biscuit’s & Blues315 Main St.601-446-9922

BoBo's Seafood Restaurant

25 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive601-304-5802

Breaud's Seafood & Steaks511 Main St.601-445-8502

Calypso’sIsle of Capri Casino70 Silver St.800-722-5825601-445-0605

The Castle Restaurant & Pub84 Homochitto St.800-433-2445601-446-8500

Center City Bistro125 Commerce St.601-442-1222

Country Cooking196 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive601-442-9943

East China Restaurant335 D’Evereux Drive601-442-6875

Edna's Cake Creations483 John R. Junkin Drive601-443-9000

El Potro105 Northgate, Suite A601-446-8828

Fat Mama’s Tamales303 South Canal St.601-442-4548

Isle LaCarteIsle of Capri Casino70 Silver St.800-722-5825 • 601-445-0605

Julep’s RestaurantNatchez Eola110 North Pearl St.601-445-6000

King’s Tavern 619 Jeff erson St.601-446-8845

La Fiesta Grande288 John R. Junkin Drive601-445-0720

La Fiesta Grande II339 D'Evereux Drive601-442-2333

Lil' Dagos' Cafe29 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive 601-304-2221

Magnolia Grill29 Silver St.601-446-7670

Mammy’s Cupboard555 Highway 61 S.601-445-8957

Mighty Martini Bistro201 N. Pearl Street601-304-9600

Monmouth Plantation36 Melrose Ave.800-828-4531 • 601-442-5852

Natchez Coff ee Co.509 Franklin St.601-304-1415

Cafe LaSalleEola Hotel110 N. Pearl St.601-445-6000

Carriage House401 High St.601-445-5151

The Carriage House

EAT


Where to


Taste of Chicago301 Martin Luther King Jr. St.601-442-1322

Uptown Grocery531 S. Canal Street601-445-9111

The Wok350 John R. Junkin DriveNatchez Mall601-446-9467

VUE130 John R. Junkin Drive601-442-9976

Fast & Friendly

Bellemont Shake Shop175 Hwy. 61 South601-445-4581.

Burger King• Trace Towne Shopping Center 601-442-6711• 421 Highway 61 North 601-446-5008

Dairy Queen/Brazier245 John R. Junkin Drive601-442-3200

Domino’s Pizza421 Highway 61 North601-445-6006

The Fish House414 Highway 61 North601-442-2955

Kentucky Fried Chicken24 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive601-442-0992

K Cafe710 Highway 61 North601-446-7364

Malt Shop4 Homochitto St.601-445-4843

McDonalds• Tracetown Shopping Center 601-442-4787• Wal-Mart Supercenter 601-446-7015• 515 Highway 61 North 601-442-1118 Natchez Best BBQ &

Hot Wings4 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive601-446-8588

Pizza Hut• Highway 61 South 601-446-8421• D’Evereaux Dr. 601-442-2221• Delivery 601-445-9700

Popeye’s Famous Fried ChickenMagnolia Mall601-445-9482

Sonic Drive-In294 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive601-446-8351

Subway500 John R. Junkin Drive601-442-5679

Taco Bell34 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive601-445-7494

Taco CasaNatchez Mall 350 John R. Junkin Drive601-446-6046

Wendy’s349 D’Evereux Drive601-442-1726

Din

ing

Pearl Street Pasta105 South Pearl St.601-442-9284

Pig Out inn116 S. Canal Street601-442-8050

Planet Thailand116 N. Commerce601-442-4220

Ruby Tuesday55 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive 601-445-4463

Ryan’s Steak House355 D’Evereaux Drive601-445-0730

Sandbar106 Carter St., Vidalia318-336-5173

Shoney’s26 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive601-442-3761

South China495 John R. Junkin Drive601-442-8548

Soul HeavenSouthern Cooking at its best109 N. Pearl Street (Across from the Eola Hotel)601-442-8301cell: 601-807-9301Closed MondaysTues.-Sun. 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.Catering available for all

occasions


Open 11:00am - 2:00pm • Closed Monday & Tuesday601-445-5151 or 601-445-5153

401 High Street • Natchez

On The Grounds of Stanton Hall

The Carriage HouseRestaurant

November Garden DinnersThursday, November 12 and

Thursday, November 27$35 per person • Reservations Required

28 • November 2009 w w w. n a t c h e z o n t h e r i ve r. c o m

WORSH

IPCom

e let us

Houses of worship in Natchez are as splendid in architectural style as the historic houses visitors flock to the city to tour. Many of the churches, particularly in the downtown, are

open to the public on a daily basis. Some are open at limited times, but visitors interested in seeing them are welcome to call to ask for a peek inside.

ZION CHAPEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH is at Martin Luther King Jr. Street at Jeff erson Street. Built in 1858 as Second Presbyterian Church, it was sold to the AME church in 1866. Hiram R. Revels became the fi rst minister. Revels went on to become the fi rst black man to serve in either house of the U.S. Congress when he fi lled the unexpired Senate term of Jeff erson Davis in 1870. Revels also went on to become the fi rst president of Alcorn A&M College, now Alcorn State University, in Lorman.

WASHINGTON METHODIST CHURCH is in the village of Washington a few miles north of Natchez on U.S. 61. The church is considered the birthplace of Methodism for the state of Mississippi, as it is the fi rst Methodist church organized in the Mississippi Territory. The present church, located across the highway from Historic Jeff erson College, was built in 1828 of hand-made, sun-dried bricks.

TEMPLE B’NAI ISRAEL, South Commerce and Washington streets, is the Jewish house of worship built in 1905 to replace the 1872 structure that stood on the same site. The temple has a congregation of only a few remaining Jewish families. In the 19th century, however, many prosperous Jewish merchants lived in Natchez and enhanced the city’s social, cultural and business vitality.

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH, across Washington Street from the temple, is the oldest church building in Natchez. The congregation is the second oldest of the denomination in the state. Founded in 1822, the church was completed soon after, built in the Federal style with a gilded dome. A remodeling of the church gave it its present handsome Greek Revival appearance.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, South Pearl and State streets, is one of the fi nest examples of a Federal-style church in Mississippi. Constructed in 1828-29 on the site of an earlier church, the church is home to a congregation organized early in the 19th century. Stratton Chapel, added to the rear of the church in about 1900 and entered on State Street, is named for Joseph B. Stratton, pastor at the church from 1843-1893 and emeritus for 10 more years until his death.

JEFFERSON STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, located on Jeff erson Street at North Union, is a handsome building constructed in 1872 on the site of two earlier churches. The congregation, one of the earliest in the state, built its fi rst church in 1807. A large family life center was added recently on the west of the main building.

PINE RIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH on Martin Luther King Jr. Road is Mississippi’s oldest Presbyterian congregation, having celebrated its 197th anniversary early in 2004. The church, a simple brick structure with beautiful details, withstood a tornado in the early 20th century but was rebuilt and continues to be church home to an active congregation.

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH, St. Catherine Street at Orange Avenue, was build about 1894, the fi rst Catholic church for a black congregation in the state of Mississippi. The church includes a school for children from preschool age through fourth grade. The Holy Family Catholic Church Gospel Choir performs “Southern Road to Freedom” at First Presbyterian during Spring Pilgrimage.

ROSE HILL BAPTIST CHURCH was organized before the Civil War and is the oldest organized black Baptist congregation in Mississippi. The church is located on Madison Street between Rankin and Martin Luther King Jr. streets. The present brick church building,

constructed in 1908, stands on the site of an earlier frame building that burned in 1907.

CLARMOUNT BAPTIST CHURCH traces its beginnings to 1857, when the congregation purchased land in Giles Bottom. The church moved from the low river lands to its present site a few years afterwards. The picturesque frame church sits on a knoll at 114 Cemetery Road.

ST. JOHN’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH is one of the oldest African-American church buildings in Natchez. Set near the street on Martin Luther King Jr. at the intersection of High Street, the brick church has served as a place of worship for its congregation since about 1886.

November 2009 • 9

Hou

ses

of w

orsh

ip


BARS/ TAVERNS

Andrew’s325 Main St.601-445-0702

The Antique BarIsle of Capri Casino70 Silver St.601-445-0605

Biscuit’s & Blues315 Main St.601-446-9922

The Corner Bar Canal Street at State Street601-442-2546

Doc Biglove's408 Main St.601-445-5300

Dimples324 Main St.601-445-9464

King’s Tavern Lounge619 Jeff erson St.601-446-8845

The Stone HouseClassical Concert Social804 Washington St.601-445-7466

Under-the-Hill Saloon25 Silver St.601-446-8023

VUE Lounge130 John R. Junkin Drive601-442-9976

CASINO

THEATER/OPERA

Natchez Little Theatre 319 Linton Ave.601-442-2233

NIG

HTLIFE

Bowie’s Tavern Located in The Cotton

Warehouse, Corner of Main and Broadway streets601-445-6627

Dunleith Plantation Pub84 Homochitto St.601-446-8500

Isle of Capri Casino70 Silver St.601-445-0605

Peacock Bar & Grill The Natchez Eola Hotel110 North Pearl St. 866-445-3652601-445-6000

Peacockb a r & g r i l l

When the day’s activities wind down — but you are not quite ready to — Natchez after dark offers endless

fun. Whether you are tripping the light fantastic or would like to sit back in a relaxed setting, Natchez at night is fun for all!


Where to find

Where to find

Experience your most memorable event at theExperience your most memorable event at the

112 Front Street • Vidalia, Louisiana • 318-336-9934

seevidalia.com

Trolley transportation to and from area hotels as well as parking lot and Vidalia Conference & Convention Center

To discuss your next event, contact H.L. Irvin,

at 318-336-9934

Our technologically advanced facility makes us your venue of choice for events!The Vidalia Conference and Convention Center is the most attractive center in the Miss-Lou and features more than

37,000 square feet of multipurpose meeting and exhibit space. We can accommodate any function including conferences, conventions, exhibitions, family reunions, banquets, meetings and weddings. Our audio/video system is

state-of-the-art in every respect and is unparalleled to any other in this area. The Center overlooks the Mississippi River, providing a breath-taking panoramic view. We are completely devoted to the success of your event.

Our goal is to exceed your expectations.

Pecans ◊ Candies ◊ Pies ◊ Southern Gourmet ◊ Coffee ◊ Gifts

Since 1906, Bass Pecan Company has been providing the very best pecans and pecan products all over the world. We only offer the freshest pecan crop and

most delicious candies that can be produced with pecans. We are so sure you will be satisfied with our product that we offer a 100% guarantee.

515 Main Street in Natchez Also in Jackson, Lumberton, Raymond and Madison

515 Main Street 1-800-PECANS-1www.basspecan.com

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Email

10% OffYour next Bass Pecan Company purchase

Information below must be completed to validate coupon.

Documents

Natchez Visitors Guide