Arlington, An Incredible Antebellum Landmark In Mississippi, Is Slowly Fading Away

Though the exact year of construction is unknown, Arlington is believed to have been built around 1816. Its architect is also a mystery. John Hampton White, a native of Elizabethtown, New Jersey and the home’s first occupant, is often credited with its design; however, there is nothing to validate this theory.

No expense was spared during Arlington’s construction. The massive estate boasted lavish features, such as rich carpet, wallpaper decorated with gold flowers, satin damask curtains, and French mirrors.

John Hampton White and his wife, Jane Surget, lived in the property until their deaths in 1819 and 1825 (respectively). During their short time in the home, the couple filled Arlington with an incredible collection of French antiques and artwork – most of which was transferred to the next owner, a Mississippi Supreme Court Judge named Samuel Stillman Boyd. Judge Boyd eventually left his own mark on the home – a legendary library. It’s said that with the addition of Judge Boyd’s literary collection, the library housed about 8,000 books, including numerous first editions and an array of Roman and Greek classics!

Things got even worse in 2002 when a fire ravaged the once opulent mansion.

Not only is the building itself crumbling away, but the grounds are overgrown, as Mother Nature reclaims the property. Over the years, efforts have been made to save the historic home, but to no avail.