June 6, 2009. Jackson, Ms. Magnolia Hall.

The true story was that Natchez voted against secession, so when General Grant and company came to seize the town from the Confederate forces, they were greeted with open arms and invited to their parties. Natchez came through the War almost unscathed, with the exception of several notable tragedies. Magnolia Hall was built in 1858, and was the last great mansion built prior to the Civil War. Today we all toured the beautiful old home. The tour guide was helpful with the history, but kept referring to the servants, when in fact they were not servants but slaves. The Henderson Family lived in the home until the late 1930's when the home was sold to a garden club. Now these garden clubs are not your little old ladies getting together to swap plantings. In Natchez, two Garden Club organizations own and run several mansions, which are open for the public to tour. In addition they organize The Spring House Tour. One lady got the idea to open the homes as a way of raising funds for maintenance. That was in 1932. Now every year, sixteen homes are open to the public, four each day, for four days in a row. Then three days off, then another four days of showing for a total of twenty days in all. The event has become well known all over the world, and the funding brought in keeps these properties in good condition.

Magnolia Hall is built of brick, with stucco over the brick, and the stucco scored to simulate mortar and stone construction. Even all those years long ago, people tried to fake the look of the more expensive. It is so silly. I have no patience with pretending to be grander than you really are.

Being a tourist and taking a carriage ride over downtown Natchez started our day today. Kate and Mary Frances enjoyed it, and sat in the front two seats for the best view. Our horse walked very slowly, which pleased me, as our driver told us all about the town and the homes and buildings. All the drivers seem to be retired teachers. Our driver was old and very knowledgeable and fun. Maybe when I get old I will give tours and drive a horse and buggy.

Home to Jackson by five o'clock, along the Natchez Trace all the way. Ken and I shared the driving so it did not seem so boring. Perhaps by now I had read my new book about the Trace, so I was armed with facts and figures. And I have a book about the homes in Natchez which I love. Did you know that in 1860 there were more Millionaires percapita than any other city in the U.S? Now I have been to Natchez and I liked it.