The Oaks House Museum: A Glimpse into 19th-Century Jackson
Explore 19th-century Southern life at The Oaks House Museum, a Greek Revival home in Jackson, Mississippi, that survived the Civil War.
Step back in time at The Oaks House Museum, a beautifully preserved historic home located in the Belhaven neighborhood of Jackson, Mississippi. Built circa 1853, this Greek Revival-style house was the home of James H. Boyd, a four-time mayor of Jackson, and his family. The Oaks offers a glimpse into 19th-century Southern life, showcasing the architecture, furnishings, and stories of a prominent family. The house itself is a modest, yet elegant, structure featuring a central hall and four rooms. It is one of the few buildings in Jackson to survive the burning of the city during the Civil War. Some believe it was spared due to Boyd's status as an alderman or possibly because General Sherman, who was also a Mason, respected the fraternal bond. For over a century, three generations of the Boyd family resided at The Oaks, from 1853 until 1960. The house is furnished with original and period pieces, offering visitors a sense of the domestic life of the time. The surrounding Victorian gardens feature camellias, roses, fruit trees, and heirloom plant varieties. Today, The Oaks House Museum is owned by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Mississippi (NSCDA-MS) and managed by the Oaks House Museum Corporation. Knowledgeable guides lead tours of the house, sharing stories of the Boyd family and providing historical context. The museum also hosts various events and educational programs throughout the year.
Local tips
- Check the museum's website for hours of operation, as it is only open on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history of the house and the Boyd family.
- Take a stroll around the Belhaven neighborhood to admire the beautiful architecture.
A brief summary to The Oaks House Museum
- 823 N Jefferson St, Jackson, Belhaven, Mississippi, 39202, US
- +1601-353-9339
Getting There
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Walking
The Oaks House Museum is located in the Belhaven neighborhood. From the corner of Fondren and North State Street, head north on North State Street for about 0.5 miles until you reach the intersection with North Jefferson Street. Turn left onto North Jefferson Street and continue for about 0.3 miles. The Oaks House Museum will be on your right at 823 N Jefferson St.
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Public Transport
JTRAN, Jackson's public transportation, provides bus service throughout the city. Check the JTRAN website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules to determine the closest bus stop to The Oaks House Museum. A single ride fare is $1.25.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Jackson. A short taxi or ride-share trip from downtown Jackson to The Oaks House Museum will typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand.
