National Register Listing

Buie House

a.k.a. Ezell House

NE of Natchez, Natchez, MS
The Buie House is one of Mississippi's unique residential essays in the vernacular Greek Revival Style. Constructed ca. 1855, the house is a good example of the typical mid-nineteenth-century, Mississippi plantation house that is characterized as a story-and-a-half frame residence set upon brick foundation piers with cabled roof and undercut gallery. However, the house achieves distinction from its vernacular architectural details and from its integrity. The most unusual feature of the house is its front gallery construction which features box columns extending almost to the ground to rest upon brick foundation piers and a gallery floor which is recessed on all three sides for protection from the weather. This gallery treatment seems to be peculiar in the southwestern area of the state to Jefferson and Franklin Counties, where approximately a half dozen antebellum examples have survived. At least two of these residences, the Scott House and the Buie House of Jefferson County, were apparently constructed by the same local builder as evidenced by similarities in gallery construction, mill-work, floor plan, second-story arrangement, and walls of wallpapered rough-sawn boards rather than matched boards or plaster. Abandoned and threatened by demolition by owners who would not preserve the house or sell it for restoration on site, the Buie House was rescued by Adams County preservationist Leicester R. McGehee. The house was subsequently moved approximately forty-five miles from Jefferson County to a plantation site in Adams County near the Jefferson County line. The historic character of the original plantation site has been maintained in the new setting, and the house is being sympathetically restored as residential rental property.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
The state has a diverse population that includes Native American tribes such as the Choctaw and Chickasaw, as well as African Americans, European Americans, and Hispanic Americans.
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.