Natchez National Historical Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Natchez National Historical Park
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Melrose, one of the sites preserved in the park
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Location | Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi, USA |
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| Area | 108.07 acres (0.4373 km2) |
| Visitation | 206,624 (2011) |
| Website | Natchez National Historical Park |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000276 |
| Added to NRHP | October 7, 1988 |
The Natchez National Historical Park helps us remember important parts of history in Natchez, Mississippi. The National Park Service takes care of this special park. It teaches visitors about the people and events that shaped this area, especially before and during the American Civil War.
The park is made up of four different places, each with its own unique story. These sites help us understand what life was like in Natchez long ago.
Contents
Exploring Natchez History
Fort Rosalie: An Old French Fort
Fort Rosalie is the location of an old fort from the 1700s. The French built it first. Later, it was called Fort Panmure and was controlled by Great Britain, Spain, and then the United States. You can visit the fort site today and imagine what it was like to live there centuries ago.
William Johnson House: A Barber's Story
The William Johnson House was the home of William Johnson. He was a free African American barber in the 1800s. William Johnson kept a detailed diary about his life in Natchez. This diary helps us learn about daily life and important events from his time.
Melrose: A Grand Estate
Melrose was a large estate. It belonged to John T. McMurran, a lawyer and politician. He lived in Natchez before the American Civil War. The main house is a two-story Greek Revival mansion. It shows how wealthy families lived in the antebellum period.
What You Can See at Melrose
Melrose has many original items from the 1800s. You can see fancy furniture like mahogany pieces and special parlor chairs. There are also old books from the 1700s. These items help visitors understand the lifestyle of the McMurran family and others in Natchez. The estate also includes buildings where enslaved people lived and worked.
Forks of the Road: Remembering a Difficult Past
Forks of the Road is a very important part of the park. It marks a place where enslaved people were bought and sold between 1832 and 1863. This market was one of the busiest of its kind in the southern United States. The park unit officially opened on June 18, 2021. It helps us remember this difficult part of history and learn from it.
How the Park Was Created
The Natchez National Historical Park became official on October 7, 1988. This meant it was recognized as a special place to protect history. The William Johnson House was added to the park a few years later, on September 28, 1990. Like other historic places managed by the National Park Service, the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This listing helps protect its important historical value.
