Waverley (West Point, Mississippi)

Waverley is a historic house museum located near West Point, Mississippi. It is considered one of the most significant antebellum mansions in the state and a prime example of Greek Revival architecture.

Construction of Waverley began in 1852 by George Hampton Young, a wealthy planter originally from Virginia. The house was designed by a local carpenter, John Allen, and features a distinctive octagonal cupola that rises three stories above the main structure, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The cupola's design is believed to have been inspired by similar structures found in New Orleans.

Waverley served as the Young family's home and the center of their cotton plantation. The house survived the Civil War largely unscathed, though the plantation's economic fortunes declined afterward. The Young family continued to reside at Waverley for several generations, although the property eventually fell into disrepair.

In the 1960s, Robert and Jeanne Snow purchased Waverley and embarked on a lengthy and meticulous restoration project. They dedicated decades to researching the house's history, restoring its original architectural details, and furnishing it with period antiques. Their efforts revitalized Waverley and transformed it into a museum that showcases the grandeur of the antebellum South.

Waverley is open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the mansion's opulent interiors, learn about the Young family and their plantation life, and admire the house's distinctive architectural features. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its unique design, preservation history, and association with the antebellum era make it a significant landmark in Mississippi.