Stanton Hall — Attraction in Natchez

I really have a mixed review for Stanton Hall, because some of it is more for the Pilgrimage group who maintains it. This was my 3rd visit to Natchez, but the first in about 19 years. I was sad to see some of the favorites being neglected. Our first order of business on this trip was the carriage ride to see the layout of the city and give my kids an overview of Natchez. I was shocked when we passed alongside Stanton. I know that Stanton is the most iconic Natchez Antebellum home and one of the most extravagant. So it really struck me to see not only badly peeling stucco/paint on a street-facing wall, but also one shutter completely falling apart. I am well aware that the upkeep of these places is astronomical and time consuming. But when you're talking about arguably the biggest draw of the Pilgrimage tours, this is really unacceptable. What really blew my mind, though, was when I went into the Pilgrimage Tours office to purchase the 3-house tour package, I mentioned to the lady at the front desk that I was dismayed at Stanton being in bad shape on the outside. A woman in a back office called out, "STANTON?" She came out of the office and declared that "Stanton is NOT in bad shape!" Umm...ok. I have uploaded pictures of the outside. I was clear that it wasn't ALL in bad shape, but considering the property in question, what I see here is "bad shape." Of course, most of the house is still magnificent and awe-inspiring. (I will say, though, that I'm sure we did not see everything we saw when we toured years ago.) The issues in these pictures are not hard to remedy. I would think that such highly visible damage would be first priority of repair. Again, I will clarify that I understand overall the place is in fantastic shape for its age and magnitude. It's probably in better shape than my house. But I don't live in a major...

Stanton Hall was lovely! Extra special being Christmastime when we chose to visit, last week! We wanted to see how it was decorated for the holidays. The antique furnishings were amazing. Upon entering the foyer, one can not help but be in awe of that extra-special lovely "wallpaper"! The bedroom that was featured in the mini-series "NORTH AND SOUTH" (the honeymoon scene w/ Patrick Swayze) had extra special meaning for me, it was my all time favorite programming... I liked it better than "Gone With the Wind"! All of which was nothing but great sadness and misery; history can not and should not be ignored or attempt to destroy but learned from and in the case of this part of history--never ever repeated again. If you don't learn from history, you repeat it.

In the formal dining room hangs a portrait of actress Patti LuPone's (and she was named after this great grand aunt of hers) great-great aunt Adelina Patti. She was a famous 19th-century Italian opera singer. Adelina Patti is often considered one of the most famous sopranos in history. Supposedly, she would only accept fees-payment in GOLD.

This residence is a "must see" ... at any time of year; but extra special...

Stanton Hall in Natchez, MS is an architectural marvel and a gem of historical preservation. Originally named Belfast, it was built during 1851–1857 for Frederick Stanton, a cotton broker, as a replica of his ancestral home in Ireland. In 1890, the home was turned into Stanton College for Young Ladies.

This stunning antebellum mansion, with its grand columns and exquisite interiors, offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the mid-19th century.

The guided tours are exceptionally well-done, with knowledgeable guides who bring the rich history and stories of the Hall and its original inhabitants to life.

The mansion’s period furnishings and meticulous attention to detail make every room a visual delight. The surrounding gardens are equally beautiful, providing a peaceful and picturesque setting.

Visiting Stanton Hall is a journey back in time and a must-see for anyone interested in Southern history and...