National Register Listing

Beechland

S. of Natchez off US 61, Natchez, MS
Beechland is a significant example of vernacular Greek Revival plantation architecture. The house exhibits the typical Mississippi, mid-nineteenth century, plantation form of a one and-a-half story, five-bay, frame house with undercut gallery, molded box columns, and brick foundation piers. Frequently, the front wall of such houses was finished in horizontal matched boards, and occasionally, like Beechland, in stucco on lath that is scored and penciled in imitation of stone. "Beechland derives added significance from this facade treatment, which is also repeated on the rear elevation, because it retains its original peach-colored tint and white penciling. In addition, the interior decorative scheme of the house is also intact and includes white plaster walls, grained doors, black baseboards, and mantel pieces with fake black marbling. A probably unique and well executed architectural feature of the house is the stairway which features a wooden doughnut at the union between the turned newel post and the turned handrail. Unusual features of the house are the matching galleries of the front and rear elevations, the division of the upper half story into four bedrooms, the original closets of the two, downstairs rear rooms and the four second-story bedrooms, and the magnolia leaf centerpiece of the westerly front parlor. Beechland was recently purchased by Gene Radzewicz who plans to restore the house as a residence. Although the original columns and railings of the front and rear galleries were removed by a former owner, the present owner has located them in a storage building and plans to repair and restore them to the house. The outstanding interior integrity of the house will be preserved.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

The Mississippi River, which forms the western border of the state, is the longest river in North America.
Mississippi random facts
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.