Longwood (Natchez, Mississippi) facts for kids
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Longwood
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Location | 140 Lower Woodville Road, Natchez, Mississippi |
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| Built | 1859-ca. 1864 |
| Architect | Samuel Sloan |
| Architectural style | Octagon Mode, Italian Villa |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000079 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 16, 1969 |
| Designated NHL | December 16, 1969 |
Longwood, also known as Nutt's Folly, is a very old and unique house in Natchez, Mississippi, United States. It's called a historic antebellum mansion, which means it was built before the American Civil War. Longwood is special because it has eight sides, making it an octagonal shape.
This amazing house is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. It's also the biggest octagonal house in the entire United States!
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What Makes Longwood Special?
Longwood is famous for its unusual eight-sided design. It also has a cool, round, onion-shaped roof, like something you might see in a storybook. Inside, the first floor is beautifully finished with fancy details. But the floors above are still unfinished, which makes for a striking contrast.
Who Designed Longwood?
A talented architect named Samuel Sloan from Philadelphia designed Longwood. He started planning the house in 1859 for a wealthy cotton farmer named Haller Nutt.
Why Was Longwood Never Finished?
Building work on Longwood stopped suddenly in 1861. This was because the American Civil War began. Haller Nutt passed away in 1864, and the house was left incomplete. Out of the 32 rooms that were planned, only nine rooms on the basement floor were ever finished.
Longwood was one of the last grand homes built in the Southern United States before the war changed everything. Even though it was never fully completed, Longwood survived many years of being neglected. Today, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Natchez.
Visiting Longwood Today
Longwood is now a historic house museum. This means you can visit it and learn about its history. The Pilgrimage Garden Club owns and takes care of the mansion. You can also rent parts of Longwood for special events.
See Also
