As part of Veteran’s Day observances on Friday, Nov. 11, Natchez National Historical Park will offer free Melrose house tours to everyone in honor of U.S. military veterans, current members of the U.S. armed forces and their families.
Melrose, considered by many to be one of the finest homes in the Natchez region, interprets the wealthy planter class through the lives of John and Mary Louisa McMurran, its first owners, and the enslaved people of African descent who lived and worked at the estate. Today Melrose represents one of the most completely preserved antebellum estates in Natchez with many original furnishings and outbuildings as well as acres of lovely gardens and orchard.
Visitors also learn about the thousands of enslaved people of African descent whose forced labor on plantations created the wealth that built places like Melrose, and how their talents were utilized at these estates. Their important contributions are recognized through slave cabin exhibits showing a furnished living space and interpreting slavery in this area.
Melrose, located at 1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway offers house tours at the top of the hour with the first tour beginning at 10am and the last tour beginning at 4pm. The William Johnson House, located at 210 State Street, is a free site open from 9am to 5pm daily.
For other activities and events at Natchez National Historical Park, including Melrose and the William Johnson House, please call 601-446-5790 or visit www.nps.gov/natc.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
