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lundi 4 juillet 2016

Discovering The Historic Waverly Mansion

By Peter Powell


There is a historic plantation near West Point, Mississippi now open to visitors. As Mississippi is one of the original slave states, this historic location has a rather bleak history as it pertains to the establishment of the country. For, construction only began on the Waverly mansion in the 1840s. After which, the project was not complete until 1852.

Many believe the interior and exterior to be amazing works of utilitarian art. One reason this is the case is the unique aspects not found anywhere else in the United States. For example, the octagonal rotunda, the cantilevering staircase and the cupola in the ceiling are all one of a kind. Built in accordance with Jefferson building standards and traditions, the entire property reflects the themes and tones of early Americanism.

The 4 story cantilevered stairs, hallway and cupola is considered one of a kind in the United States. Features that can be seen by taking a tour of the property. Now considered a National Historic Landmark, these tours are offered on a regular basis with a minimal admission fee.

In the late 1800s, the original owner George Hampton Young, a colonel from Georgia passed down the property to descendants. During early days at the mansion, the plantation was self sufficient. At that time, the owners grew or made everything which was considered necessary. Some of which included energy, textiles, meat, produce and other items such as clothing and home decor.

Later, just after 1913 and the end of the Young family line, the mansion and property fell into disrepair. Sadly, the home and property remained stagnant until 1962 when a young man by the name of Robert Snow purchased and restored the location. After which, the Snows continued to remodel the interior and clear out overgrowth on the plantation.

West Point is a rather small town covering only 20 square miles. In addition, the water supply is quite limited, so many of those still operating plantations must own wells or order water from outside sources. Most often, these owners will stock high capacity water tanks or install expensive irrigation systems so as to have enough water to grow produce and livestock.

Being that the area is also home to Howlin Wolf, whom many believe to be one of the great blues musicians of all time, there is also a museum dedicated to this artist. In fact, there is a blues festival which occurs every Friday night of each Labor Day weekend to honor Howlin Wolf. After which, the blues festival is followed by a Prairie Arts festival in which a number of local artists show off and sell various art work and other items.

Visitors and residents alike love these two festivals over the course of one holiday weekend. In addition, its one of the only family friendly events to take place in the area. As such, it is often quite popular with the local teenage crowd, music lovers and those with small children. It should be noted that mosquitoes and other insects can be plentiful in this area. As such, it is always advised that people bring sun hats, sunscreen, bug repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to protect against bites.




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