Ailes, William, House
a.k.a. Bellevue
657 S. Canal St., Natchez, MSThe William Ailes House, or Bellevue, is a Greek Revival dwelling typical of the type residence constructed by the working middle class of antebellum Natchez. Although altered by conversion to commercial use, the house is extremely important as the only building documented as having been built by Natchez master carpenter Thomas Bowen. Also unique for Natchez architecture are the dormers which feature lighted beveled corners.
In 1852, William Ailes purchsed an eleven-acre tract of land from the heirs of John Girault (Adams Co. Deed Book II:113). This tract was part of the larger Belle-Vue [sic] estate that was earlier surveyed into building lots by Levin Wailes (Deed Book BB:428) and advertised for sale in 1845 (Mississippi Free Trader and Natchez Gazette, Mar. 4, 1845, p. 1). John Girault's Bellevue mansion, depicted in the Wailes survey, no longer survives, and the house constructed for Ailes now bears the name of the Girault estate. William Ailes died intestate in 1856, not long after his residence was completed, and a thorough accounting of the construction of the house by Thomas Bowen was filed among Ailes's probate papers with a balance owing of $204.66. The first charges were entered in November 1853 for lumber, and the house was completed in the fall of 1854 (Probate Box 161): Thomas Bowen is listed in the 1860 Adams Co. population schedules as a master carpenter who was born in Maryland. The probate papers also contain the information that Ailes was a drayman whose business was located on Silver Street in Natchez Under-theHill.
Documenting Bowen as the builder of Bellevue has almost certainly identified him as the builder of an important Natchez residence known as Sunnyside, or the Guidici House.The masons who worked on the Ailes residence were Reynolds and Brown (Probate Box 161), who were the masons for Stanton Hall (Mississippi Free Trader, Apr. 5, 1858, p. 1) and Institute Hall (Minutes, Board of Selectmen, Natchez Mississippi, May 5, 1852).
The house was sold in 1859 (Deed Book MM:330) to Charles Boyle, a prominent levy contractor (Population Schedules, Adams Co., Miss., 1860), and, again in 1876 (Deed Book UU:793) to John Quegles, prominent merchant and son of the Spaniard Joseph Quegles, one of the early citizens of Natchez. In the 1960's the house was purchased from the Lum family for use as a gift shop operating under the firm name of Brown-Barnett. The Lum family had previously altered the rear of the house, and Brown Barnett made additional rear alterations for commercial purposes.
Local significance of the building:
In 1852, William Ailes purchsed an eleven-acre tract of land from the heirs of John Girault (Adams Co. Deed Book II:113). This tract was part of the larger Belle-Vue [sic] estate that was earlier surveyed into building lots by Levin Wailes (Deed Book BB:428) and advertised for sale in 1845 (Mississippi Free Trader and Natchez Gazette, Mar. 4, 1845, p. 1). John Girault's Bellevue mansion, depicted in the Wailes survey, no longer survives, and the house constructed for Ailes now bears the name of the Girault estate. William Ailes died intestate in 1856, not long after his residence was completed, and a thorough accounting of the construction of the house by Thomas Bowen was filed among Ailes's probate papers with a balance owing of $204.66. The first charges were entered in November 1853 for lumber, and the house was completed in the fall of 1854 (Probate Box 161): Thomas Bowen is listed in the 1860 Adams Co. population schedules as a master carpenter who was born in Maryland. The probate papers also contain the information that Ailes was a drayman whose business was located on Silver Street in Natchez Under-theHill.
Documenting Bowen as the builder of Bellevue has almost certainly identified him as the builder of an important Natchez residence known as Sunnyside, or the Guidici House.The masons who worked on the Ailes residence were Reynolds and Brown (Probate Box 161), who were the masons for Stanton Hall (Mississippi Free Trader, Apr. 5, 1858, p. 1) and Institute Hall (Minutes, Board of Selectmen, Natchez Mississippi, May 5, 1852).
The house was sold in 1859 (Deed Book MM:330) to Charles Boyle, a prominent levy contractor (Population Schedules, Adams Co., Miss., 1860), and, again in 1876 (Deed Book UU:793) to John Quegles, prominent merchant and son of the Spaniard Joseph Quegles, one of the early citizens of Natchez. In the 1960's the house was purchased from the Lum family for use as a gift shop operating under the firm name of Brown-Barnett. The Lum family had previously altered the rear of the house, and Brown Barnett made additional rear alterations for commercial purposes.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
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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The Natchez Trace Parkway, which stretches from Natchez to Nashville, is a popular scenic drive that follows the historic Natchez Trace trail used by Native Americans and European settlers.
About Adams County
Adams County Timeline
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.
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.
Adams County Timeline
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.