Junius R. Ward House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Junius R. Ward House
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The house in 2014
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Location | Old Hwy. 1, Erwin, Mississippi |
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| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Built | 1830 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001060 |
The Junius R. Ward House, also known as the Erwin House, is a very old and important home in Erwin, Mississippi. It was once the main house on a large farm called a plantation. This house is a great example of historic homes in the Southern United States.
Contents
Where is the Junius R. Ward House?
The house is located in Erwin, a town in Washington County, Mississippi. You can find it on Old Highway 1.
History of the Junius R. Ward House
Building the House
The Junius R. Ward House was built between 1827 and 1830. This makes it the oldest house still standing in Washington County, Mississippi! Before this grand house, a simpler log cabin stood in the same spot. You can still see some of those original logs in the attic of the house today.
In 1830, a man named Junius R. Ward built this house. He was a "planter," which means he owned and managed a very large farm in Kentucky. He moved to Mississippi and built this impressive home.
Family Life and Changes
In 1877, the house became the property of Junius R. Ward's daughter, Matilda Ward. She was married to John Erwin, who was also a well-known farmer and landowner. A famous painter named George Caleb Bingham even painted a picture of Matilda Ward. This painting still hangs inside the house today.
Later, the house was passed down to Matilda and John's son, Victor Erwin. He lived there with his wife, Margaret Preston McNeilly. Her father, J. S. McNeilly, was a newspaper publisher and a veteran who fought for the Southern states during the American Civil War.
Additions to the House
Over the years, some parts were added to the house. In 1910, a covered porch area called a loggia was built at the back of the house. A small room, or cabinet, was added to the rear in 1925. During this time, a famous author named William Alexander Percy, who wrote the book Lanterns on the Levee, often visited the house.
In 1940, Victor and Margaret's daughter, Margaret Erwin Shutt, inherited the house. She and her husband, William Shutt, worked to restore the house, making sure it stayed in good condition for future generations.
Why is the Junius R. Ward House Important?
The Junius R. Ward House is considered a very important historical site. Because of its age and history, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 28, 1975. This means it is recognized by the United States government as a place worth preserving for its historical value.
