7 Historic Plantations In Mississippi That Are Being Reclaimed By Nature
By Daniella DiRienzo|Updated on December 10, 2022(Originally published December 05, 2022)
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Just like any other state, Mississippi has a rich history, and one way that history lives on is through historic sites such as battlefields, churches, and old plantations. Luckily, the state is home to loads of perfectly preserved sites from yesteryear. However, there are some that haven’t been so well taken care of, and sadly, these seven old Mississippi plantations are among them. Take a look! Have you ever visited one of these eerie, abandoned plantations? Let us know!
Construction on Melmont began in 1850 and was completed in 1854. It was built for a lawyer named Henry Basil Shaw and his wife Mary Elizabeth. The Shaw’s descendants lived in the home until 1912, at which time it was sold. Eventually, it seemed as if Melmont was forgotten about; left to slowly deteriorate. The state of Melmont hasn’t gone unnoticed, and it’s listed as one of the 10 most endangered historic places in Mississippi.
2. Mount Holly (Lake Washington)
1835 Eastside Lake Washington Rd, Hollandale, MS 38748, USA
Completed in 1856, Mount Holly was built for Margaret Johnson. The Italianate antebellum mansion included 30 rooms, 14' ceilings, and 2' thick walls. In 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and has sadly been deserted for almost just as long. Only adding to its demise, Mount Holly caught fire in 2015, leaving behind a skeleton of the beautiful home that once was. You can always visit Mount Holly in Mississippi to better experience what used to be, though it isn't like it used to be anymore.
Arlington has fallen into disrepair due to years of neglect, exposure to the elements, and vandals. Though you can't tell from its current state, it was once considered one of the most architecturally significant homes in Mississippi. This stunning old home is a perfect example of the majesty of the abandoned plantation homes in Mississippi.
The Prospect Hill Plantation is without a doubt one of the most historically significant sites in the state. It once belonged to Captain Isaac Ross, who freed his slaves at the time of his death. After years of trials and tribulations, a group of 300 of Ross’ slaves were transported to Africa, where they founded Liberia. Eventually, Prospect Hill was abandoned and considered one of the most endangered properties in Mississippi. Luckily, the Archaeological Conservancy purchased the property a few years ago and is now in the process of restoring it.
5. Saragossa (Natchez)
Saragossa Road, Saragossa Rd, Mississippi 39120, USA
The Saragossa Plantation is located just a few miles outside of Natchez. It was built in 1823 for Stephen Duncan, the wealthiest cotton planter in the antebellum south. According to records, it was just one of several plantations Duncan owned. In the 1850s, the property was sold to the Smith family, who occupied Saragossa until the 1980s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Saragossa has been abandoned for decades and will soon be lost to time if nothing is done.
Located on the banks of Deer Creek, the Georgianna Plantation was constructed circa 1840. Though the Delta is often associated with antebellum homes, it actually doesn’t have that many, so Georgiana is especially important. Considered "Mississippi’s most ignored historic house," the home has long been abandoned, falling victim to weather and neglect. Luckily, efforts are currently underway to find an owner who is willing to restore the home. For more information on Georgianna and the efforts to restore her to her former beauty, check out the official Mississippi Preservation website.
7. Susie B. Law House (Lake Washington)
Susie B Law Road, Susie B Law Rd, Mississippi 38748, USA
Overlooking Lake Washington, the Susie B. Law House is believed to have been built from a Sears home kit. Covered in vines and overgrowth, the deteriorating home is rapidly returning to nature. Though the state of the home is heartbreaking, it’s actually drawn some attention. Two movies, "Haunted" and "Dark House," have been filmed at the Susie B. Law House. There are many reasons to love this amazing abandoned plantation in MS. Come see why we're so obsessed!
So, did you know about these historic homes? Or maybe you have another to add to this list? Which old, abandoned plantations in Mississippi capture your imagination the most? Let us know in the comments!
For more amazing abandoned spots in Mississippi, be sure to check out these epic abandoned places in MS that are sure to give you the chills! Interested in visiting some of the amazing historical places in Mississippi that are open to visitors? You might want to do this totally awesome historical sites of Mississippi road trip!
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More to Explore
Mississippi Plantations
Tori Jane|December 10, 2022
Can I tour old plantations in Mississippi?
Absolutely! Touring old plantations in Mississippi is an amazing way to get in touch with American history – dark parts and all – and there are numerous plantations in MS that offer tours like:
2. How many abandoned plantation homes in Mississippi are there?
Though an exact number is difficult to say for sure, there are at least a dozen abandoned plantation homes in Mississippi worthy of visiting and/or exploring. Some of the best ones are:
3. What are some other interesting, abandoned places in Mississippi?
Of course, the list of interesting, abandoned places in Mississippi doesn’t end with the above entries. Other fascinating abandoned places in MS include spots such as:
