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Natchez National Historical Park: A Journey Through Southern History

Discover the stories of Natchez, Mississippi, from European settlement to the Civil Rights struggle, at this immersive historical park.

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Explore the complex history of Natchez, Mississippi, at this National Park Service site. Delve into stories of European settlement, African enslavement, the cotton economy, and the Civil Rights struggle through preserved homes, historic sites, and exhibits.

A brief summary to Natchez National Historical Park

Local tips

  • Visit in the spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Check the National Park Service website for updated information on ranger-led tours and special events.
  • Allow ample time to explore all the sites, as they are located in different areas of Natchez.
  • The NPS museum at the William Johnson House is closed daily for lunch.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The William Johnson House is located at 210 State St in downtown Natchez. From the Natchez Visitor Center at 640 South Canal Street, head north on Canal Street, then turn right onto State Street. The William Johnson House will be on your right. This is a walk of about 10-15 minutes. There is no fee to visit the William Johnson House.

  • Public Transport

    Natchez Transit provides public transportation within the city limits. Call 601-445-7568 to schedule a ride. Pick-up and drop-off are available anywhere within the city. Fares and schedules can be obtained by calling 800-231-2222. Natchez Transit service operations are 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Saturday transportation services are 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday transportation is provided by pre-arranged subscription only.

  • Driving

    From Jackson, MS, take Highway 55 South to Highway 84 West, leading you into Natchez. Follow signs for Natchez National Historical Park. To reach Melrose from the Natchez Visitor Center, head back on Canal Street and take a left on Highway 84 west towards the Mississippi River Bridge and Louisiana. Turn right onto Canal Street and the visitor center is on the left. Then take a right on Melrose-Montebello Parkway. The park is located one mile on the right. Parking is available at the Melrose estate. There is no fee to visit the park. However, there is a $11 fee for Melrose Mansion tours for those 18 and older, and a $1 non-refundable reservation fee for those 17 and younger.

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Discover more about Natchez National Historical Park

Natchez National Historical Park commemorates the multifaceted history of Natchez, Mississippi, and the significant role the region played in the development of the American South. Managed by the National Park Service, the park comprises several key sites, each offering a unique perspective on the area's past. Visit the William Johnson House, home to a free African American barber whose detailed diary provides invaluable insights into the lives of free people of color in the antebellum South. Tour Melrose, a beautifully preserved estate that reveals the lives of a wealthy white planter family and the enslaved people who labored there. Explore the grounds of Fort Rosalie, where a French fortification once stood, marking the beginning of European settlement in the area. The park also includes Forks of the Road, the site of what was the second-busiest slave trading market in the Deep South between 1832 and 1863. Through its diverse sites and exhibits, Natchez National Historical Park offers a comprehensive exploration of the people, events, and economic forces that shaped Natchez and the broader Southern region.

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