What Is Natchez National Historical Park?
Natchez National Historical park preserves three sites that illustrate the European and American settlements along the Mississippi River before and after the Civil War!
What Makes It Historical?
The story of this park is told in three parts! The first part is Fort Rosalie, founded by the French in 1716 to secure their hold over the Mississippi River! From this fort, they kicked the Natchez tribe from their ancestral homeland, only to be in turn kicked out by the British, who were replaced by the Spanish, who were replaced by the United States!
The second part, the Melrose Plantation, tells the story of the McMurran family and the importance of cotton plantations in Natchez and beyond! The McMurrans, like many plantation owners, had twenty great years of prosperity before the Civil War wiped out their fortunes!
The final part, the William Johnson home, tells the story of freed African-American barber, William Johnson, who kept a detailed sixteen-year diary! Though he, himself, met a tragic end, his diary paints a remarkable picture of African-American life in Natchez, where political involvement by former slaves was remarkably high!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at Natchez National Historical Park!
- Donate to Eastern National!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
Fort Rosalie:
- 528 S Canal St
Natchez, MS 39120
Melrose Estate:
- 1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway
Natchez, MS 39120
William Johnson House:
- 210 State Street
Natchez, MS 39120
When Should I Visit the Park?
The visitor center is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM and Sundays from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM! From there, you can learn about the schedules of the other sites!
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