Monmouth (Natchez, Mississippi) facts for kids
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Monmouth
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Monmouth in 1962
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1358 John A. Quitman Boulevard, Natchez, Mississippi |
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| Area | 26 acres (11 ha) |
| Built | 1818 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001001 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 26, 1973 |
| Designated NHL | June 7, 1988 |
Monmouth is a beautiful old house located in Natchez, Mississippi. It sits on a large piece of land, about 26 acres. The house was first built in 1818. Later, around 1853, it was updated by John A. Quitman. He was a famous person who used to be the Governor of Mississippi. He also played a big part in the Mexican–American War.
Monmouth is known as one of the most impressive Greek Revival mansions in Natchez. This means it was built in a style that looks like ancient Greek temples. Because of its history and beauty, it was named a Mississippi Landmark in 1986. Then, in 1988, it became a National Historic Landmark. Today, Monmouth is a special luxury hotel where people can stay.
Contents
History of Monmouth
Early Owners: The Hankinsons
The first owner of Monmouth was John Hankinson. He worked as a postmaster (someone who manages a post office) and a lawyer. He also started a business with steamboats. He built the house in 1818, during a tough economic time after the War of 1812. He named it Monmouth after his home area in Monmouth County, New Jersey.
The original house was a two-story brick building. It was built in the Federal style, which was popular back then. It had a wide hallway in the middle with four rooms on each floor. There was also a separate brick kitchen behind the house. John Hankinson and his wife passed away soon after the house was finished. The property was then sold at a public auction (a sale where things are sold to the highest bidder).
The Quitman Family's Time
John Anthony Quitman bought Monmouth in 1826. He was a successful lawyer from New York City. He married Eliza Turner, whose family was very important in Natchez. John Quitman bought Monmouth for his wife and their growing family. In 1853, the Quitmans made big changes to the house. They updated it to the popular Greek Revival style.
They covered the original brick with stucco, which made it look like stone. They also added a large portico (a porch with columns) to the front. This portico had four big square columns. The Quitmans also added a back porch and a new section to the house. They even added a second floor to the separate kitchen building.
Life During the Civil War
John Quitman passed away at Monmouth in 1858. His wife died a year later. Their five daughters and one son inherited the property. In 1862, during the American Civil War, the Union army attacked Natchez. Most of the enslaved people who worked on the plantation left. Many of Quitman's belongings were stolen in 1863 when Union soldiers stayed in the house.
Later, in 1865, Quitman's daughters had money problems. They had to sell many of his original items. However, the house itself was saved from being damaged during the war. This happened because the daughters became friends with a Union general. They promised to support the United States. By 1890, one daughter, Annie Rosalie, owned the whole house. After she passed away in 1914, her nieces inherited it. They sold Monmouth in 1924. For the next 50 years, the house was not taken care of. It became filled with trash, and the gardens grew wild.
Saving Monmouth: The Riches Family
In 1978, Ronald and Lani Riches from Los Angeles, California, bought Monmouth. They worked hard to bring the house back to its original beautiful condition. It took them three years to restore the main house and the old brick kitchen. In 1982, after studying the land, they found where two small houses for enslaved people used to be. These buildings were then rebuilt in their original spots.
Most of John Quitman's furniture was gone. But the Riches found a few pieces still in the house, like a sofa and some chairs. They searched for other items that belonged to Quitman. They found his desk, two four-poster beds, and the Quitman family Bible. Other special items now at Monmouth include a gold sword. This sword was given to Quitman by James K. Polk and the United States Congress for his service in the Mexican–American War. There is also a red handkerchief that Quitman used to encourage his soldiers.
Monmouth Today: The Reuthers
Today, Nancy and Warren Reuther are some of the owners of Monmouth Historic Inn. They work with other private investors. They have a lot of experience in hotels and tourism. They make sure that all 30 rooms and suites have modern comforts. These new features are added carefully so they don't spoil the historic look of the house.
Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens
Monmouth is now a special luxury hotel. It has 30 rooms and suites located in the main house and around the grounds. There is a fancy restaurant called Restaurant 1818. You can also find a more casual place to eat, The Quitman Lounge. Tours of the mansion are offered every day at 10 AM and 2 PM. There is also a gift shop open to everyone from 8 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week.
Many famous people have stayed at Monmouth. These guests include President and Hillary Clinton, Michael Eisner, Alec Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Sela Ward, James Woods, Rob Reiner, Connie Chung, Morley Safer, Debbie Gibson, Ruby Dee and Michael Damian.
