National Register Listing

Baynton, John, House

821 Main St., Natchez, MS
The John Baynton House is an excellent example of the Federal Style cottage of the Natchez region. The house possesses an unusual number of regional characteristics as well as some especially fine architectural details. Among the regional characteristics are the exterior paneled dado, the fireplace cabinets, the vaulted ceilings, and the plan of the open back porch recessed between two small rooms. These elements combine with the fine details of the dormers and the mantelpieces and other refined embellishments to give an air of elegance to the otherwise plain and neat, well-proportioned, small house. The house was probably built shortly after 1830. Sale prices indicate that it was not standing in 1830 when John Baynton bought the house lot and adjoining lots. However, when Baynton mortgaged the property in 1840, the lots are mentioned as "in the occupation of M. Lindo," and are referred to in 1844 as "with the appurtenances as the lands and tenements of the above named defendant, Virginia C. Lindo."

While in Natchez, John Baynton engaged in land speculation as a member of the firm, Griffith and Baynton, and sold stock in the Planter's Bank as one of seven superintendents appointed to do so. After suffering financial losses in the panic of 1837, he and his wife, Cornelia, daughter of the wealthy and influential Joseph Sessions of Adams County, moved to Philadelphia, the native home of most of Baynton's Natchez associates.

Later in the nineteenth century, the house assumed a significant place in local history as the first home of a member of the Junkin family, James Junkin, a native of Ireland who bought the house in 1859 and, as he acquired wealth, brought other members of the family to Natchez. The family has been influential in the economic and political life of the area and includes among its members, John R. Junkin, presently Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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Mississippi is also known for its literary history. Several Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Tennessee Williams, hailed from the state.
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Adams County, Mississippi, has a rich and intriguing history that dates back to the early 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by different Native American tribes, including the Natchez and Choctaw. In 1716, it was settled by the French, who established Fort Rosalie as a trading post. Eventually, the territory came under Spanish control in 1779, and in 1798, the United States acquired the region through the Treaty of San Lorenzo.

During the early 19th century, Adams County experienced significant growth and development, driven by the establishment of the city of Natchez as a major trading center. Natchez became known for its prosperous cotton plantations and the large number of wealthy plantation owners who resided in the area. The county's economy thrived mainly due to the labor-intensive cultivation of cotton, which relied heavily on enslaved African Americans.

However, the dark legacy of slavery and the Civil War also left a lasting impact on Adams County. Prior to the war, Natchez was considered one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. With the onset of the conflict, the county faced immense hardships, including destruction, economic decline, and loss of life. Many historic buildings were damaged or destroyed during the war, but some survived, giving Adams County a rich architectural heritage that attracts visitors to this day.

In the years following the Civil War, Adams County and Natchez slowly recovered and adapted to the changing times. The agricultural economy shifted to other crops, such as tobacco and corn, while industries like lumber mills and shipyards emerged. Additionally, tourism began to play an essential role in the local economy, with visitors drawn to the historical significance and cultural heritage of the area.

Today, Adams County continues to be a place of historical and cultural significance, preserving its past while embracing the opportunities of the present. Visitors can explore the beautiful antebellum homes, visit museums and art galleries, and experience the unique southern charm that sets this historic county apart.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Adams County, Mississippi.

  • 1799: Adams County is formed from parts of Pickering and Washington counties.
  • 1802: Natchez becomes the county seat of Adams County.
  • 1809: The construction of forks of the road begins, linking Natchez to Nashville.
  • 1812: Adams County's population reaches 8,119.
  • 1817: Mississippi becomes a state, and Adams County is part of the new state.
  • 1824: The State Bank of Mississippi is established in Natchez.
  • 1833: Bellevue, the oldest building in Natchez, is constructed.
  • 1841: The Great Natchez Tornado strikes, killing hundreds and causing significant damage.
  • 1861: The American Civil War begins, and Adams County plays a significant role in the conflict.
  • 1876: Southern Christian Institute, now known as Alcorn State University, is founded in Lorman.
  • 1890: The Adams County Courthouse, known for its impressive architecture, is completed.
  • 1966: The Natchez National Historical Park is established, preserving the area's history.
  • 2010: Adams County's population is recorded at 32,297.