Auburn (Natchez, Mississippi) facts for kids
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Auburn
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Auburn mansion in April 2011
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Location | Duncan Park, Natchez, Mississippi |
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| Area | 4.2 acres (1.7 ha) |
| Built | 1812 |
| Architect | Levi Weeks |
| Architectural style | Federal style |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001047 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 30, 1974 |
| Designated NHL | May 30, 1974 |
Auburn is a beautiful old house, also known as a mansion, located in Duncan Park in Natchez, Mississippi. It was designed and built by an architect named Levi Weeks in 1812. This house was special because it brought a new style of building, called "Federal style" or "Classical order architecture," to the Mississippi area.
Auburn's large, two-story front porch, called a portico, became a popular design. Many other important mansions in the area and across the country copied its look. Because of its historical importance, Auburn was named a National Historic Landmark in 1974. It also became a Mississippi Landmark in 1984.
Contents
What Auburn Looks Like
Auburn is a two-story building made of brick. It has a classic design with a main center part and two matching sections on either side. The front of the house has a grand entrance with four tall columns. These columns hold up a triangular roof section called a pediment.
The pediment has decorative edges and an oval window in the middle. The main front door is set inside a curved opening. It has narrow windows on the sides and a window above the door, letting in lots of light. Above the main entrance, on the second floor, there is a balcony. You can reach this balcony through a large window with three sliding panes, which was one of the first of its kind in Natchez.
The Story of Auburn
Building the Mansion
In 1811, a man named Lyman Harding wanted a magnificent house. He was the first top lawyer, or Attorney General, for Mississippi. He hired Levi Weeks, a young architect, to design and build it.
The original house was about 60 feet long and 45 feet wide. It had a two-story front porch with four columns. Inside, there was a unique spiral staircase that seemed to float between the first and second floors. Levi Weeks wanted Auburn to be, in his own words, the "most magnificent building in the state."
New Owners and Changes
Lyman Harding passed away in 1820. After that, a doctor named Stephen Duncan bought Auburn. Dr. Duncan made the house even bigger. He added two matching sections to the sides, which greatly increased the space inside.
Later, before the American Civil War, Dr. Duncan left the house. This was because of growing tensions about states leaving the United States. His family members then took care of the house.
Auburn Becomes a Park
In 1911, Dr. Duncan's family generously gave Auburn and about 203 acres of land to the city of Natchez. Today, Auburn is a historic house museum located in a public park. The park is now known as Duncan Park.
When the family donated the house, they also included their furniture. However, the city unfortunately sold the furniture soon after.
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