November 7, 2023

Natchez is named after the Indian tribe that lived in the area, when French settlers arrived and established the then village on a bluff overlooking the river. Because of its location it prospered and was occupied, by the Spanish and British. Land grants to British soldiers led to plantations being established and crops primarily cotton were shipped via the river first down river and then upriver when steamboats were introduced making Natchez an important hub for commerce and gateway to the expansion in the west. Natchez, became the second largest slave market, next to New Orleans as cotton farming became one of the biggest wealth generators in the country. Natchez thrived, but when steamships were replaced by railroads, and cotton became a commodity and slavery was abolished the city declined.

We docked at the foot of the bluff and after a short walk boarded our bus to tour the city. The first stop is the “Proud to Take a Stand” monument, which is dedicated to the cities citizens who stood up for the Natchez residence who where wrongly incarcerated during the Civil Rights Movement. The monument is located in front of the municipal auditorium.

Our next stop is Magnolia Hall which was built in 1858 by Thomas Henderson a wealthy merchant, planter and cotton broker. He prized he property where his sisters house was located and moved her house so he could occupy what is now known as the “Top of the Hill” historic district. This mansion is a classic example of the Greek Revival style.

We then proceeded to St. Mary’s Basilica which is recognized as a architectural master piece among Catholic churches in the south which was built in 1842. In the rear of the church there is a monument to the confederate soldiers that served in the Civil War.