Mississippi is full of wonderful historic attractions that’ll transport you straight to the past – and Mount Locust is definitely one of them. The former inn and plantation dates back to the 1700s, making it one of the oldest buildings in Mississippi. Having been around for hundreds of years, Mount Locust has a long and storied history that’s sure to fascinate you. Take a look:
Mount Locust is located at milepost 15.5 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Built around 1780, it’s one of the oldest structures in all of Mississippi.
National Park Planner Its location may seem a bit out of the way now but back when the home was built, the Natchez Trace was a well-travelled route and its popularity was steadily increasing. Seeing an opportunity to profit from the influx of travelers, the owners of Mount Locust transformed their home into a stand, which is basically an inn.
At the height of its popularity, there were more than 50 inns lining the Natchez Trace. As of today, Mount Locust is the only one still standing.
nps.gov The inns varied in size and services offered, with most providing meager accommodations and basic food. At Mount Locust, for example, guests slept on the porch or somewhere on the grounds and were fed a meal of corn mush and milk. Eventually, though, a four-room annex, which no longer exists, was added to the property.
By the 1820s, the steamboat and other roads pretty much brought an end to the Natchez Trace – but not to Mount Locust.
National Park Planner Paulina Ferguson, the owner of Mount Locust, refused to let business die down just because the amount of travelers did. So, in 1825, she re-branded the inn as a rural resort, attracting Natchez residents who “sought the rural solitude of Mount Locust.”
In 1954, Mount Locust was purchased by the National Park Service and restored to its 1820 appearance. The historic structure is now open for tours Thursday thru Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
EH6695/TripAdvisor
Start your tour off at the Visitors Center, where you’ll find information on Mount Locust, a knowledgeable staff, souvenir shop, and bookstore.
National Park Planner
The next stop is Mount Locust itself. Both guided and self-guided tours of the historic home are available.
National Park Planner
Sure to transport you to the past, the home is filled with furnishings from the 1800s.
National Park Planner
Although not very big, the 4-room dwelling is brimming with interesting period pieces, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
National Park Planner
The historic tour doesn’t end with the home, though.
National Park Planner
A short trail leads from the home to a slave cemetery and the Ferguson-Chamberlain cemetery.
National Park Planner
Mount Locust Address: Natchez Trace Parkway Milepost 15.5, Natchez, MS, 39120.
National Park Planner
Its location may seem a bit out of the way now but back when the home was built, the Natchez Trace was a well-travelled route and its popularity was steadily increasing. Seeing an opportunity to profit from the influx of travelers, the owners of Mount Locust transformed their home into a stand, which is basically an inn.
nps.gov
The inns varied in size and services offered, with most providing meager accommodations and basic food. At Mount Locust, for example, guests slept on the porch or somewhere on the grounds and were fed a meal of corn mush and milk. Eventually, though, a four-room annex, which no longer exists, was added to the property.
Paulina Ferguson, the owner of Mount Locust, refused to let business die down just because the amount of travelers did. So, in 1825, she re-branded the inn as a rural resort, attracting Natchez residents who “sought the rural solitude of Mount Locust.”
EH6695/TripAdvisor
For more information on Mount Locust, visit the National Park Service website.
This isn’t the only historic spot worth a visit. Read about another here.
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