Mississippi is home to a rich tapestry of architectural wonders, blending historical significance with modern design.
From Gothic cathedrals to contemporary masterpieces, the state’s buildings tell a fascinating story of cultural evolution and artistic prowess.
Visitors and architecture enthusiasts alike will find an abundance of impressive structures that highlight the unique charm of Mississippi.
What are the best architectural buildings in Mississippi that you must visit?
This article will explore some of the most renowned and visually striking buildings that exemplify the state’s architectural heritage.
Through this guide, readers will discover must-see sites that showcase a variety of styles, from grand state capitols to charming historical homes.
1. Beauvoir Estate
Beauvoir Estate, located in Biloxi, Mississippi, was the post-war home of Jefferson Davis, the former President of the Confederate States of America.
This estate, built along the Gulf of Mexico, was constructed in 1855. It sits on a 166-acre plot that was originally developed by James Brown, a cotton planter from Madison County.
The property includes the main house, several outbuildings, and the Mississippi Confederate Soldiers Home. It has been restored and now houses the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library.
More details can be found here.
2. Longwood Mansion
Longwood Mansion, also known as Nutt’s Folly, is a historic antebellum mansion in Natchez, Mississippi. It is the largest octagonal house in the United States.
The mansion was designed by Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan for Dr. Haller Nutt, a wealthy cotton planter.
Construction began in 1860 but was interrupted by the Civil War.
Longwood remains unfinished, with only the basement completed.
It is a National Historic Landmark and listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, standing as a symbol of the impact of the Civil War on the South.
Learn more at Longwood, Wikipedia.
3. Eudora Welty House
The Eudora Welty House is located at 1119 Pinehurst Street in Jackson, Mississippi.
Built in 1925, this Tudor Revival home features dark textured brick and a half-timbered second story.
Eudora Welty, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, lived here for nearly 80 years.
The house has been a National Historic Landmark since 2004.
Visitors can explore the home and its well-tended garden, where Welty spent much of her time.
House tours are available Tuesday through Saturday, providing a glimpse into the life and legacy of this esteemed writer.
4. The Old Capitol
The Old Capitol is one of Mississippi’s most historic buildings. Built in 1839, it served as the statehouse until 1903.
Several important events took place here, including the passage of the 1839 Married Women’s Property Act and Mississippi’s secession from the Union in 1861.
In 1969, the Old Capitol was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
It became a Mississippi Landmark in 1986 and a National Historic Landmark in 1990.
The building has undergone various restorations to preserve its historical and architectural significance.
5. Winterville Mounds
Winterville Mounds is an important archaeological site in Washington County, Mississippi, north of Greenville.
Ancient Native American civilizations built these mounds between AD 1000 and 1450.
The site originally had more than 20 mounds. Today, 18 of these mounds remain, making it one of the best-preserved earthwork complexes in the eastern United States.
This location was used for sacred ceremonies and served as a gathering place.
Mound A, the center of the site, stands about 55 feet high and is a large rectangular platform.
Discover more at Winterville Mounds on the Mississippi Department of Archives & History website.
6. Falkner House
Falkner House, better known as Rowan Oak, was the home of famed writer William Faulkner.
This Greek Revival style house is located in Oxford, Mississippi. It served as Faulkner’s residence and source of inspiration for over 40 years.
The house features a preserved interior, offering a glimpse into Faulkner’s life.
The surrounding 33-acre grounds include a cottage Faulkner built himself.
Today, it stands as a historical museum, welcoming visitors year-round.
7. Roosevelt State Park Observation Tower
The Roosevelt State Park Observation Tower in Morton, Mississippi, offers a stunning view of Bienville National Forest.
Overlooking Shadow Lake, the tower provides visitors a scenic spot to enjoy nature.
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the tower’s rustic design reflects its 1930s origins.
It is a notable feature in the park, adding to its historical significance.
For more details, visit Roosevelt State Park.
8. The University of Mississippi Museum
The University of Mississippi Museum is situated in Oxford, Mississippi. It hosts various artifacts, including Greek and Roman sculptures dating back to 1500 BCE.
The museum also features telescopes, large machine models, and other devices used to teach natural philosophy, physics, and astronomy to students.
This museum appeals to both general visitors and scholars, offering collections that focus on objects of regional significance.
For more information, you can visit the University of Mississippi Museum.
9. Charnley-Norwood House
The Charnley-Norwood House is located at 509 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS.
Designed by Louis Sullivan in the early 1890s, it served as a summer cottage for his friend, James Charnley.
In 1896, Fred and Lizzie Norwood bought the property.
A fire destroyed the house in 1897, but the Norwoods quickly rebuilt it using Sullivan’s design plans.
This historic home was restored in the 1980s but faced severe damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Today, it is managed by the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area and can be visited by appointment.
10. Biloxi Lighthouse
Built in 1848, the Biloxi Lighthouse stands as one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South.
It is uniquely located in the center median of U.S. Highway 90.
The lighthouse is a key landmark of Biloxi, known for its resilience.
It has weathered many storms, including Hurricane Camille and Hurricane Katrina.
This structure is also notable for being maintained by female keepers for more years than any other lighthouse in the U.S.
11. Brice’s Cross Roads National Battlefield
Brice’s Cross Roads National Battlefield, located near Baldwyn, Mississippi, marks a pivotal Civil War site.
Here, a June 10, 1864 battle saw Confederate forces, led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, secure a significant victory.
Visitors can explore preserved landscapes and learn about this historic event.
The battlefield, established in 1929, is maintained by the National Park Service, featuring monuments and interpretive panels.
This site provides a unique glimpse into American history and Civil War strategies.
12. Rowan Oak
Rowan Oak is an important architectural site in Oxford, Mississippi.
Built in the 1840s by Colonel Robert Sheegog, this Greek Revival house was later home to novelist William Faulkner.
The two-story wooden house features a neoclassical revival style. Its center-hall plan and two-story portico reflect a modest yet significant design.
Rowan Oak served as Faulkner’s home and inspiration for over 40 years.
This historic house is open to the public year-round, allowing visitors to explore both the building and its grounds.
Learn more about Rowan Oak here.
13. Vicksburg National Military Park
Vicksburg National Military Park spans over 2,522 acres near the Mississippi River. It features 1,325 historic monuments and markers.
Visitors can explore 20 miles of trenches and earthworks.
The park includes a 16-mile tour road and a 12.5-mile walking trail. It houses 144 cannons and two antebellum homes.
A notable feature is the restored gunboat USS Cairo, which was sunk in 1862.
Learn more about the park here.
14. William Faulkner’s Gravehouse
William Faulkner’s Gravehouse can be found at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Oxford, Mississippi.
This final resting place of the famed author is a simple yet meaningful site.
Visitors often leave bottles of bourbon, Faulkner’s favorite drink, as a tribute. The grave is marked by a plain headstone, reflecting Faulkner’s modesty.
Oxford, known for its Southern charm, is also home to Rowan Oak, Faulkner’s residence for over 40 years.
Fans of his work often visit both the grave and his home to feel closer to the literary legend.
15. Gulfport Centennial Museum
The Gulfport Centennial Museum is nestled in the heart of Gulfport, Mississippi.
Established to celebrate the centennial of the state, the museum holds key artifacts and exhibits that reflect the rich history of the region.
This historic site originally formed part of the Mississippi Centennial Exposition.
The museum offers visitors a glimpse into Mississippi’s storied past through its unique collections and presentations.
To learn more about the rich history and exhibits housed in the Gulfport Centennial Museum, visit the Historical Society of Gulfport.
16. Jefferson College
Jefferson College, located in Washington, Mississippi, was chartered in 1802 but began operating in 1811.
Named in honor of Thomas Jefferson, it started as an all-male institution. The college gained notable fame when it admitted a young Jefferson Davis, who would later become the president of the Confederate States of America.
Jefferson College initially opened with only 15 students but expanded over time.
Financial support from Congress, the state legislature, and private citizens allowed the institution to thrive.
By 1817, it had grown into a full-fledged institution.
The campus features significant architectural elements including the East Wing, designed in 1817 by Levi Weeks, known for his work in the Natchez area.
17. Shearwater Pottery
Shearwater Pottery, founded in 1928 by Peter Anderson and his parents, is nestled in the coastal woods of Mississippi.
This studio is known for its unique ceramic pieces, which range from figurines to dishware.
The Anderson family, including the famous Mississippi artist Walter Inglis Anderson, played a significant role in its development.
The property faced a difficult time after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which destroyed many of its buildings.
Despite this, Shearwater Pottery remains an important cultural landmark.
Read more about its history here.
18. L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum
The L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum, located in Oxford, Mississippi, is a historic gem.
Built by Lucius and Virginia Lamar in 1869-70, it originally sat on 30 acres and now spreads across three acres between N. 14th and N. 16th Streets.
This house was Lucius Lamar’s retreat and later became a museum dedicated to his life and career.
Visitors can explore the hand-painted frescoes in the main hallway and enjoy the park-like setting of the property.
Learn more about the L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum.
19. Shaifer House
The Shaifer House, located near Port Gibson, Mississippi, is a significant historical landmark.
Built in 1826, this two-story cypress structure showcases early 19th-century architecture.
The house played a crucial role during the Civil War. It bore witness to the opening shots of the Battle of Port Gibson on May 1, 1863.
Bullet marks are still visible on its walls.
The Shaifer House also served as Union General John McClernand’s headquarters and a hospital for wounded soldiers.
Its connection to such a pivotal moment in history makes it a must-see for visitors interested in American history.
20. Liberty Hall Plantation
Liberty Hall Plantation, located in Lowndes County, Mississippi, near Columbus, dates back to 1835.
William Ethelbert Ervin, born in 1809 in Sumter District, South Carolina, moved with his family to Lowndes County around 1832 and owned this plantation.
The historical significance of Liberty Hall Plantation stands out in Mississippi’s rich architectural landscape.
The plantation provides insight into the antebellum period and the personalities involved in its development.
Further information can be found on the RootsWeb site.
Historical Significance of Mississippi’s Architecture
Mississippi’s architecture offers a window into its history, reflecting cultural shifts and historical events.
Two key periods significantly shaped the state’s architectural landscape: the Antebellum era and the Civil Rights Movement.
Influence of Antebellum Architecture
The Antebellum period greatly influenced Mississippi’s architectural style.
Buildings from this time often feature Greek Revival design elements, such as tall columns and grand porticos.
This style was popular among the wealthy plantation owners who wanted to showcase their prosperity.
Natchez and Vicksburg are two cities where this influence is strongly felt.
Many mansions, like the Stanton Hall and Longwood, still stand today.
These structures symbolize the economic and social history of the era, offering insights into the lives of their original inhabitants.
Antebellum architecture also includes simpler structures like log cabins built by less affluent residents.
These buildings provide a different perspective on life during this period, highlighting the contrast between the wealthy and the working class.
Impact of Civil Rights Movement on Design
The Civil Rights Movement left a lasting mark on Mississippi’s architectural landscape.
Public buildings, schools, and churches became sites of significant historical events.
Many structures from this time combine modernist elements with practical design to accommodate large gatherings for meetings and rallies.
The COFO Civil Rights Education Center in Jackson is an example.
It served as a hub for organizing efforts and continues to be a symbol of resilience and progress.
Churches, like the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Selma, also played crucial roles in the movement.
These buildings were more than places of worship; they were centers for strategy and planning.
The architectural design of these buildings often reflects a commitment to function and community, making them enduring symbols of a pivotal time in Mississippi’s history.
Prominent Architectural Styles
Mississippi is home to a variety of architectural masterpieces that reflect its rich history and diverse influences.
These styles include Colonial Revival, Gothic Revival, and Modernist structures.
Colonial Revival
Colonial Revival architecture is characterized by its symmetrical facades and gabled roofs.
This style became popular in Mississippi during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Features often include classical columned porches, which give a grand entrance to many homes and buildings.
Materials like brick and wood are commonly used. Windows are usually double-hung with shutters.
This style sought to celebrate the American colonial past, echoing the architecture of early settlers.
One of the most notable examples in Mississippi is the Governor’s Mansion, showcasing its elegant design.
Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival architecture is best known for its pointed arches, steep gables, and intricate stone or woodwork.
This style gained traction in Mississippi in the 19th century.
Churches and public buildings often feature these elements.
St. Rose de Lima, built in 1868, is a striking example.
This building and others like it reflect a fascination with medieval European architecture.
Tall spires and detailed stained glass windows are common, adding to the dramatic and spiritual feeling these buildings evoke.
St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Jackson is another fine representation with its imposing structure.
Modernist Structures
Modernist structures emphasize simplicity, functionalism, and the use of new materials like glass, steel, and concrete.
This style became prominent in the mid-20th century and is visible in several Mississippi buildings.
Clean lines and open spaces are hallmarks of Modernist architecture.
Frank Gehry’s works, found in cities like Jackson, embody these principles.
Modernist buildings stand out for their innovative designs, rejecting historical styles for something entirely new.
Their focus is on utility and form, creating a sleek and professional appearance that defines contemporary urban landscapes.