Exploring 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 unique staircase, cupola and hallway are often the first things visitors notice after proceeding through the rotunda. These features, many of which have been restored all reflect the original aspects of the mansion. Robert Snow, who purchased the property in 1962 is responsible for remodeling and restoring the property to its original glory. After which, the property became eligible for listing on the national historic register.

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.

While this is the case, the property fell into major disrepair beginning in 1913. That is, up until 1962, when the Robert Snow family put a great deal of monetary support into restoring the old mansion and plantation. While difficult, the Snow family has pretty much restored the mansion to its original glory.

West Point, Mississippi, is a small town eight miles east of the plantation. While the town has a very limited amount of water and only minimal land acreage, there are a number of area parks, ponds, rivers and other fishing spots which boasts everything from bass fishing competitions to fisherman catching sand dabs and catfish for local residents and restaurants.

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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