| What is it? |
The Melrose Plantation is the most intact antebellum plantation in Mississippi! |
| What makes it historical? |
In 1825, Mr. John T. McMurran moved from Ohio to Natchez, where he met his wife, Mary, and they had three children, Mary Elizabeth, John Thompson McMurran, Jr., and, after the first Mary Elizabeth died, another Mary Elizabeth. So I guess that’s two children. Anyway, Mr. McMurran was a successful lawyer and either owned or held interest in five plantations in the area. That gave him the resources to have a grand Greek Revival home designed for his family by architect, Jacob Byers.
Their plantation was run largely by slaves, and the Melrose Plantation still has the last intact slave quarters in Natchez. Because of their reliance on slavery, the McMurrans were hit hard by the Civil War and the collapse of the Confederate economy in 1865. They sold their land to a woman named Elizabeth Davis and moved to Maryland. Mr. McMurran died in a steamboat accident before the move was complete, and John, Jr. ended up as a clerk for the Union Army! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? |
HERE’S HOW:
- 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! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
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| Where is this place? |
1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway
Natchez, MS 39120
From Greenville: ~157mi (253km) — 2.7hrs
From Hattiesburg: ~138mi (223km) — 2.3hrs
From Jackson: ~103mi (166km) — 1.8hrs
From Tupelo: ~286mi (461km) — 4.8hrs |
| When should I go? |
The grounds are open daily rom 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM! You can also take a tour at 10:00, 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 PM! |
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