Natchez offers relaxing, educational journey rich in history

• By ROXANNE C. HARE
• Special sections editor
• Published: Apr 26, 2009

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Nestled right beside the curves of the Mighty Mississippi River lies a town so rich in history it’s like a living textbook. Natchez, Miss., only a few hours’ drive from Baton Rouge, offers visitors a way to get away from it all and learn something along the way.

Considered the oldest settlement along the Mississippi, the town was once controlled by Indians and later by the French. Its antebellum homes date back to the early to mid-1800s.

“That’s the crux of what draws people here are the antebellum homes,” said Sally Durkin, media liaison at the Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It’s really a magical place. Everywhere you look, just about every structure pre-dates the Civil War.

“It’s like getting into a time capsule and going backwards, with all the modern-day amenities.”

Two antebellum homes in particular were recommended by Walter Tipton, general manager of the Natchez Convention Center. Those are the mansion Rosalie, which overlooks the Mississippi River, and Melrose, which is part of Natchez National Historical Park.

Rosalie phone: (601) 446-5676

Melrose phone: (601) 446-5790

Some other sites of historic significance include the following:

Natchez Trace

Nearly 450 miles of trails were used by Indians to travel from Nashville, Tenn., to Natchez, Miss. The two-lane Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates the trail.

Phone: (800) 305-7417

William Johnson house

William Johnson was a free black man who acquired several buildings and about 2,000 acres of land. As with most other homes, tours are available. This house is operated by the National Park Service.