National Register Listing

Arlington

Main St., Natchez, MS
Arlington is one of four important Federal Style villas which established the basic form for the later antebellum houses of the Natchez area. Of the four, Arlington is unequaled in the integrity of its setting and outbuildings and is unsurpassed in the retention of its mid-nineteenth century | interior decoration. The setting, including several trees | listed with the National Live Oak Society and azaleas of a variety known as the "Arlington Pink," retains the visual character of a nineteenth century, landscaped park. The house is finished with elaborate and especially fine exterior trim, similar to the 1806 designs of Asher Benjamin. The interior trim, especially the doorway architraves and the over-door panels, is marked by a similarly-high degree of design and execution. In addition to the carpets, draperies, furniture and lighting fixtures original to the house and dating from the Federal through the Rococo Revival Periods, the building houses an extensive collection of American and European decorative and fine arts documenting the antiquarian taste of a twentieth century collector.

According to tradition, the house was designed by John Hampton White, a native of New Jersey, and was constructed in 1816-1821 for his wife, Jane Surget White. The style of the house, however, allows a date of construction between 1806 and 1831. Therefore, it is possible that Arlington was built for Lewis Evans, a leading planter and a wealthy supporter of the Natchez Theatrical Association. Evans arrived in the Natchez area in 1788-90. acquiring the land on which Arlington stands for his plantation in 1806. In 1814 Evans sold the portion of the plantation containing his house to Jonathan Thompson, a land speculator, who in turn sold a portion containing extensive improvements (probably the house) to Mrs. Jane Surget White in December, 1818. Mrs. White was the daughter of Pierre Surget, a French emigrant who had founded one of the leading families of the area.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

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.

Mississippi was the 20th state to join the Union, admitted on December 10, 1817.
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 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.