There are lots of antebellum mansions in Natchez. Many of the stately homes have been well-preserved and transformed into inns, while some are open periodically for tours. Then, there are others, like Arlington, which has been neglected for years and is slowly fading away. Take a look:
Natchez is filled with well known antebellum mansions – Arlington is not one of them.
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Arlington’s existence remains a mystery to many, which is surprising, considering it’s among the city’s oldest homes.
Ralph Clynne, Photographer/Wikimedia Though the exact year of construction is unknown, Arlington is believed to have been built around 1816. Its architect is also a mystery. John Hampton White, a native of Elizabethtown, New Jersey and the home’s first occupant, is often credited with its design; however, there is nothing to validate this theory.
It may be hard to believe now, but Arlington was once revered for its opulence.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History No expense was spared during Arlington’s construction. The massive estate boasted lavish features, such as rich carpet, wallpaper decorated with gold flowers, satin damask curtains, and French mirrors.
Throughout the years, Arlington has had several owners, most of whom worked hard to preserve the historic home.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History John Hampton White and his wife, Jane Surget, lived in the property until their deaths in 1819 and 1825 (respectively). During their short time in the home, the couple filled Arlington with an incredible collection of French antiques and artwork – most of which was transferred to the next owner, a Mississippi Supreme Court Judge named Samuel Stillman Boyd. Judge Boyd eventually left his own mark on the home – a legendary library. It’s said that with the addition of Judge Boyd’s literary collection, the library housed about 8,000 books, including numerous first editions and an array of Roman and Greek classics!
In the 1990s, Arlington began to fall into disrepair.
Jonathan Haeber/Flickr Things got even worse in 2002 when a fire ravaged the once opulent mansion.
Arlington is now just a graffiti-laden shell of what it once was, and sadly, it’s only getting worse as time goes on.
Jonathan Haeber/Flickr Not only is the building itself crumbling away, but the grounds are overgrown, as Mother Nature reclaims the property. Over the years, efforts have been made to save the historic home, but to no avail.
Watch the video below for a virtual tour of Arlington.
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Ralph Clynne, Photographer/Wikimedia
Though the exact year of construction is unknown, Arlington is believed to have been built around 1816. Its architect is also a mystery. John Hampton White, a native of Elizabethtown, New Jersey and the home’s first occupant, is often credited with its design; however, there is nothing to validate this theory.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
No expense was spared during Arlington’s construction. The massive estate boasted lavish features, such as rich carpet, wallpaper decorated with gold flowers, satin damask curtains, and French mirrors.
John Hampton White and his wife, Jane Surget, lived in the property until their deaths in 1819 and 1825 (respectively). During their short time in the home, the couple filled Arlington with an incredible collection of French antiques and artwork – most of which was transferred to the next owner, a Mississippi Supreme Court Judge named Samuel Stillman Boyd. Judge Boyd eventually left his own mark on the home – a legendary library. It’s said that with the addition of Judge Boyd’s literary collection, the library housed about 8,000 books, including numerous first editions and an array of Roman and Greek classics!
Jonathan Haeber/Flickr
Things got even worse in 2002 when a fire ravaged the once opulent mansion.
Not only is the building itself crumbling away, but the grounds are overgrown, as Mother Nature reclaims the property. Over the years, efforts have been made to save the historic home, but to no avail.
Want to stay up to date on what’s going on with Arlington? Check out the Save Arlington Facebook page.
So, did you know about Arlington? Ever visited? Tell us in the comments section.
This isn’t the only piece of history that’s fading away. Read about others here.
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Address: Natchez, MS 39120, USA
