Biloxi

Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library
224 Beach Blvd., Biloxi MS 39531
228-388-4400
 Road map 
   This was Jefferson Davis’ last home. He moved here in 1877.
   Note: The site was badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The house itself is due to reopen in June 3 2008, the 200th anniversary of Davis’ birth. The museum and library are being rebuilt. For the latest news, see Beauvoir’s website.

Woodville

Rosemont Plantation, Home of President Jefferson Davis
Located 1 mile east of Woodville on Route 24E
601-888-6809
   This was the family home of young Jefferson Davis. The future Confederate president spent time here after his parents established the plantation in 1810 and where, he said, “my memories began.” Open March-mid-December, Tuesday-Saturday 10 am–4:30 pm. $8/adult.

Gulfport

Fort Massachusetts
Located on West Ship Island, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, accessible only by private boat or passenger ferry (one hour, one way)
228-875-9057 extension 100
   This fort was begun in 1859 and completed in 1866. Confederates occupied the fort briefly, but Union forces regained control in late 1861. The fort became a staging area for the campaign against New Orleans and later Mobile. See the park website for information about commercial ferry service from Gulfport to the island (April–October).

Natchez

Famed worldwide for its collection of antebellum homes, Natchez offers visitors glimpses into the lives of mid-19th-century families, rich and poor, in this Mississippi River town. General visitor information and details about historic homes and tours: www.visitnatchez.com

Natchez National Historical Park
601-446-5790 or 601-446-7970 (Melrose)
   This park operates two historic homes. Melrose, a classic Southern mansion dating from the 1840s, sits on 80 acres and offers insights into pre-war plantation life. The William Johnson House in downtown Natchez was built by a free black barber in 1840 and features insights to that side of life in the city. Tours of Melrose are offered daily 8:30 am–5 pm and cost $8/adult. Tours of the Johnson House are free and are offered 9 am–4:30 pm daily (closed noon–1 pm).

Other historic homes open to the public include Rosalie and Longwood and Stanton Hall.

Okolona

Battle of Okolona
662-447-5913
    A series of interpretive markers describe the running battle fought near here Feb. 22, 1864. Confederate cavalry commander Gen. N.B. Forrest set a trap for a Union cavalry expedition cooperating with Gen. William T. Sherman’s campaign to take the railroad center at Meridian. The Northern cavalry was beaten soundly and chased back to Tennessee.
    A description of the battle and a map of the interpretive signs is available at the Okolona Chamber of Commerce, 219 Main St, during business hours.

Website links to Mississippi places: Mississippi Links