Natchez - Day2
Downpour
I was able to make dinner, do dishes and get things repacked before the rain started. It was a light rain for an hour until about 7:00 pm when the sky opened. I tried to stay in the tent, but I was counting the seconds from the time I saw lightning until I heard the thunder. Initially, it was 30 seconds, but over the next 30 minutes it was down to five seconds. The storm was tracking northwards and would soon be overhead. I moved myself to the car with a book and a headlamp. I hung out in the car until about 10:00 pm.
It continued to rain for hours and a large puddle formed under the tent. I had taken everything off the tent floor that could get wet. My mattress system has a rubber air mattress component that kept me dry. I slept very well, but things were very soggy in the morning. The morning was about drying everything out.
Longwood / Nutt House
The Longwood Octagonal House, also known as Nutt's Folly, is a fascinating architectural gem located in Natchez, Mississippi. It is a unique and striking example of a style of architecture known as "oriental" or "Moorish," characterized by its eight-sided shape, onion-shaped dome, and decorative, intricate detailing. Designed by Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan, construction on the house began in 1860, intended to be a grand, four-story mansion for wealthy cotton planter Dr. Haller Nutt and his family.
However, the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 halted construction on Longwood, leaving only the first floor and basement completed. The Nutt family, like many wealthy Southerners, suffered significant financial losses during the war, and Dr. Nutt died in 1864. His widow, Julia Nutt, and their children moved into the partially constructed house, living in the basement while the upper floors remained unfinished.
The unfinished state of the Longwood House has become an interesting and poignant reminder of the impact the war had on the lives of those who lived in the antebellum South. In many ways, the unfinished house stands as a symbol of the ruin and devastation wrought by the conflict. Visitors to Longwood today can see the stark contrast between the ornate, decorated basement and the bare, unfinished upper floors. The Nutt family's efforts to create a grand, opulent mansion are evident in the intricate plasterwork, fine marble fireplaces, and decorative ceiling medallions in the basement, which stand in stark contrast to the bare, unfinished wooden framing above.
The Longwood is a popular tourist attraction. I was really struck by the openness of the tour guide when she said to me, “Mississippi is last in every category but one, it is number one in charitable giving.” I didn’t check the facts, but I also realize that in many ways the civil war has left a scar on this state. The Nutt family's unfinished mansion has become a symbol of the resilience and perseverance of the people of the South during a difficult and transformative period in American history.
Touring Nachez
I had coffee at the Nachez Coffee Shop and then drove around town. I could have spent a few days photographing, people, buildings and monuments.
Proud To Take A Stand Memorial
I drove to the Proud To Take A Stand Memorial and a few others from out-of-state came by while I was parked reading the plaques. I wasn’t aware of what is called The Parchman Ordeal. There was a series of events that occurred in Natchez, Mississippi in the summer of 1965, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. A group of black children attempted to integrate a local public swimming pool. They were arrested and sent to Parchman Farm, a notorious state penitentiary known for its harsh conditions and history of abuse. The children, along with several other activists, were held at Parchman for over a month and subjected to physical and emotional abuse. The incident drew national attention and was a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights in the United States.
Proud To Take A Stand Memorial
Things By The River
Mississippi Sunset
The Mississippi River is a wide and majestic waterway that flows under the bridge crossing from Natchez. I realized the sun would be setting directly behind the bridge. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the sky is painted with brilliant hues of orange, red, and purple, creating a an interesting silhouette of the bridge.
The colors of the sunset reflect off the surface of the Mississippi River, creating a shimmering, golden light that dances across the water. As the sun continues to set, the sky slowly darkens, but the colors remain vibrant for a few more moments, casting a warm glow over the bridge and the surrounding landscape.
I was hoping to capture the lights of the bridge at twilight. For some reason they didn’t light the bridge and there were too many clouds to capture stars.
The Camp Restaurant
I found The Camp Restaurant by the river and took a seat at the bar. They had a large selection of beers on tap. I ordered a coffee stout and a burger with coleslaw.
I struck up a conversation with the two woman beside me. They told me some of the history of this area of Natchez. There had been a mudslide that destroyed the buildings in the area where we were. They also told me about Nellie, “The Madam”, who ran a brothel nearby until the 1990s. We talked about travel and where we all wanted to visit someday. I told them I wanted to visit New Orleans and one of them has a son that lives there and has an AirBnB rental. I’ll be calling him. It was fun talking to both of them.
Later, I met Lawrence sitting at the other end of the bar. The bartender had told him she’s not crazy about IPAs and that she prefers stouts or porters. I said I agree with you on that and we started chatting. He was a salesman, originally from Michigan and moved to Mississippi with his wife. He had picked up hunting and does his own slauter and cooking. He showed me some of the meals he had prepared. He told me he enjoys cooking. He had traveled a lot and we compared notes. We had a fascinating conversation about so many topics.
I drove back to the campground. The night was warmer and the skies were very clear. It didn’t take me long to fall asleep.