Natchez National Historic Park
Natchez National Historic Park
Natchez is located in Southwestern Mississippi
Explore historic Natchez National Historical Park on your next family vacation and learn how the Deep South helped to settle the old southwest. The diverse countries that occupied the area helped to form a unique heritage. Special emphasis is given to pre-Civil War times. Continue to read for further information about Natchez National Historic Park.
Uniqueness
Natchez National Historical Park celebrates the rich cultural history of Natchez, Mississippi and interprets the pivotal role the city played in the settlement of the old southwest, the Cotton Kingdom and the Antebellum South. The Park is made up of three units; Fort Rosalie is the location of an 18th Century fortification built by the French and later occupied by the British, Spanish and Americans. The William Johnson House was a house owned by William Johnson, a free African American businessman, whose diary tells the story of everyday life in antebellum Natchez. Melrose was the estate of John T. McMurran, a northerner who rose from being a middle class lawyer to a position of wealth and power in antebellum Natchez. Melrose and the William Johnson House are the only units currently open to the public.
Natchez Visitor Reception Center is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hours may be extended in the summer.
Melrose is open year round 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is located at 1 Melrose Montebello Parkway Natchez, Mississippi, 39120. (601) 446-5790. Guided tours of the Mansion are presented hourly 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is a fee for the tour. The outbuildings and grounds are free and are open to the public during visiting hours. Stop by the Melrose Visitor Center for a map of the site. The William Johnson House is also open year round 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is located at 210 State Street Natchez, Mississippi, 39120. The William Johnson House is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays. It is self guided, but rangers are available for talks, and to answer questions. The William Johnson House has an exhibit area with interactive programs, and furnished family quarters. The area totals 105 acres and entertained 236,289 visitors in 2004.
The guided tour of Melrose helps visitors understand what life was like for all of the people who lived on the estate. The William Johnson House interprets the life and home of free black barber and diarist, William Johnson. The site includes exhibits and the furnished family quarters. Walking tours and living history events are scheduled throughout the year.
The winters are mild, however summers are very hot. Wear light-weight, light-colored clothing and be sure to wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.
There is no charge for visiting the William Johnson House. There is a user fee of $8.00 to take a ranger guided tour of the Melrose mansion. All access to the mansion is by ranger guided tour.
There are four airports within a 3 hour drive of Natchez; Alexandria, LA 70 miles Baton Rouge, LA 80 miles Jackson, MS 120 miles New Orleans, LA 180 miles.
The city of Natchez is located in Southwestern Mississippi, and is easily accessed form Interstate 55, highway 61, and highway 84.
Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to National Historical Park:
By Car:
Jackson, MS – 115.92 miles
Baton Rouge, LA – 88.43 miles
Alexandria, LA – 75.68 miles
Vicksburg, MS – 72.50 miles
New Orleans, LA – 170.70 miles
Monticello, MS – 81.15 miles
Natchez National Historical Park, 640 South Canal Street, Box E, Natchez, MS 39120
Headquarters (601) 442-7047
Visitor Information (601) 446-5790
Fax (601) 442-8845
