Nature is Reclaiming This Forgotten Mississippi Landmark And It's Heartbreaking
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published May 01, 2016
×
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.
There are so many exquisitely preserved historic sites and structures in Mississippi; unfortunately, Natchez’s Arlington is not one of them. Not only stunning, the significant home set somewhat of an architectural precedence for the grand homes for which the city has become known. Today, Arlington sits in shambles, further deteriorating due to being exposed to the elements.
Arlington is a Federal style home that was built by John Hampton White and his wife, Jane Surget White. Although the actual year of construction is unknown, it is believed the home was built around 1816. Sadly, Mr. White didn’t get to enjoy the home for long as he died in 1819 from yellow fever. Mrs. White died several years later in 1825.
Before Arlington fell into disrepair, it was considered to be extremely significant. According to the National Park Service, the home is "one of four important Federal Style villas, which established the basic form for the later antebellum houses of Natchez."
In September of 2002, Arlington was extensively damaged due to a fire that broke out. Shortly after the fire, the Historic Natchez Foundation replaced the home’s roof. Many residents believed that was the beginning of the home’s much-needed restoration; however, that wasn’t the case, and by 2009, Arlington was listed as the second most endangered historic property in the state by the Mississippi Heritage Trust.
Throughout the years, the one-time stunning home has fallen victim to the elements as well as vandals, who have broken in and defaced much of the interior and exterior.
Even though Arlington is in such disarray, its beauty is undeniable. It’s hard to believe this is the fate of what was once one of the grandest homes in Natchez. Did you know Arlington existed?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
