Magnolia Hall

Magnolia Hall is a Greek Revival residence on South Pearl Street in Natchez spanning two stories with original antique furnishings throughout. The house displays plaster magnolia ornaments in its main parlor and contains a collection of 19th-century furniture and costumes on different levels.

Thomas Henderson, a cotton broker and merchant, built this residence in 1859 on the site of an earlier property called Pleasant Hill that had relocated southward. The structure sustained war damage during the Civil War from Union artillery fire.

The name reflects the magnolia blossoms that grace the region, particularly visible in the plaster ornaments adorning the parlor ceiling. These details showcase how local botanical elements were celebrated as part of refined domestic life during the mid-19th century.

The property is maintained and operated by the Natchez Garden Club, which offers guided visits through the rooms to help you understand the layout and furnishings. A small gift shop on site provides publications and mementos of your visit.

A shell fired by a Union gunboat during the Civil War struck the kitchen area, leaving visible damage marks and even shattering a soup tureen that remains on display. This remnant serves as a tangible reminder of the conflict that touched the building directly.

Location: Natchez

Inception: 1850s

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

Floors above the ground: 2

Part of: Natchez On-Top-of-the-Hill Historic District, Natchez Historic District

Address: 215 South Pearl Street

GPS coordinates: 31.55830,-91.40420

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:45