Windsor Ruins: Echoes of a Grand Past

Windsor Ruins stands as a poignant reminder of Mississippi's rich, complex history. Located near Port Gibson, the site features the majestic remains of the Windsor Plantation, a lavish mansion built in the late 1850s for Smith Coffee Daniell II. Constructed between 1859 and 1861, the mansion was one of the largest private residences in Mississippi before the Civil War. The five-story, 23-room mansion was designed in an eclectic mix of Greek, Italianate, and Gothic architectural styles. Its construction was primarily completed by enslaved people. The mansion featured twenty-nine Corinthian columns, a roof observatory, and intricate detailing. During the Civil War, the Windsor mansion was used by both Confederate and Union forces. Confederate troops initially used the cupola as an observation platform. Later, Union General Ulysses S. Grant took control of the mansion and used it as a hospital and observation station. The Daniell family was allowed to live on the third floor during the Union occupation. In 1890, a fire tragically destroyed the mansion, leaving only the columns, balustrades, and iron staircases. Today, twenty-three full columns and five partial columns remain. The Windsor Ruins site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has Mississippi Landmark status. Recent stabilization efforts have ensured the preservation of this iconic site, allowing visitors to safely explore the grounds and reflect on the stories of the past. The site is open from dawn until dusk.