National Register Listing

Bedford Plantation

NE of Natchez off U.S. 61, Natchez, MS
Combining construction techniques and features more commonly associated with the Creole building tradition in Louisiana, the residence at Bedford Plantation is a well-preserved example of a vernacular architectural form indigenous to the Tower Mississippi Valley but rarely constructed in Mississippi. It is one of the few documented structures in the state employing brick-nogged, heavy-frame construction. The house, which stylistically dates from the late 1820s or early 1830s, was the seat of planter Thomas Hall's 6,318-acre Bedford Plantation, which he began assembling in 1831. The property was the site of a Civil War skirmish on October 2, 1864, involving Colonel Embury D. Osband's troops as they moved from Vicksburg to Natchez.

Thomas Hall, first mentioned in Adams County in the T830 census, was born in Mississippi and died in 1856, leaving an impressive estate of over 5,500 acres to be divided among his four heirs. The house and "dower" tract of 1,431.95 acres were left to his wife. In 1880 the acreage surrounding the house was reduced to an 81.75 acre "homestead tract" to satisfy the creditors of Hall's daughter and son-in-law, Sallie T. and Edmund Ogden (Deed Book XX:748-50). The 1880 homestead tract remains intact today under single ownership except for .73 acre on the opposite side of the public roads.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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 is the birthplace of many famous authors, including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Richard Wright.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.