Definition
Hawthorne Place is a historic residence located in Natchez, Mississippi, United States. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as an example of ante‑bellum architecture in the region.
Overview
The house stands within the historic district of Natchez, a city noted for its concentration of 19th‑century plantation homes. Hawthorne Place is recognized for its architectural style, historical associations with local families, and its contribution to the cultural landscape of southwestern Mississippi. The property was added to the NRHP, reflecting its significance in the areas of architecture and social history. The exact year of construction is commonly cited as the mid‑1850s, although precise documentation varies among sources.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Hawthorne Place” is presumed to derive from the presence of hawthorn (Crataegus) trees on or near the estate at the time of its naming. No definitive contemporary record explains the choice of name, and the origin remains inferred from typical naming practices of Southern plantations and estates in the 19th century.
Characteristics
- Architectural style: The house exhibits elements typical of Greek Revival architecture, including symmetrical façades, pedimented gables, and classical columned porches.
- Materials: Construction primarily utilizes locally sourced brick and timber, with interior finishes reflective of the period’s craftsmanship.
- Layout: The residence follows a central‑hall plan common to ante‑bellum homes, featuring multiple rooms on each floor and ancillary outbuildings that historically served plantation functions.
- Site: Situated on a landscaped lot that originally formed part of a larger agricultural tract, the property includes mature trees and period‑appropriate garden features.
Related Topics
- Natchez National Historical Park – a federally managed area preserving numerous historic structures in Natchez.
- Greek Revival architecture in the United States – the dominant architectural style for many Southern plantation houses during the mid‑19th century.
- Plantation houses of Mississippi – a category of historic homes reflecting the state’s agrarian past.
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Adams County, Mississippi – the official register that includes Hawthorne Place among other historic sites.