We have been fortunate that the weather has been calm and sunny. Rain has been predicted almost every day but so far it has been holding. It is suppose to rain later so we wanted to get out early to view the Windsor Ruins.
Windsor was the largest antebellum home in Mississippi. It was built by Smith Coffee Daniell ,II who was born in Mississippi and was the son of an Indian fighter turned farmer and landowner.
Windsor was begun in 1859 and completed in 1861. Unfortunately Mr. Daniell lived only a few weeks after Windsor was completed, dying at the age of 34. Ron did some research to find out how he died but couldn't come up with an answer.
The construction was done by slave labor and the bricks for use in the 45” columns were made in the kiln across the road from the house then covered with mortar and plaster. There were 29 columns supporting the projecting roofline and providing protection. The fluted columns had iron Corinthian capitals and were joined at the galleries by ornamental balustrade.
Skilled carpenters were brought from New England for the finished woodwork and the iron stairs. The total cost of the mansion was $175,000.00
During the War Between the States, Windsor was used as an observation post by the Confederates, who sent signals from it cupola across the river to Louisiana. It also served as a Union hospital after the Battle of Port Gibson in May 1863.
On February 17,1890, fire broke out in the house after a house guest accidently dropped a cigarette in debris left by carpenters making repairs to third floor. All was destroyed including all drawings and photos of the home except for a few pieces of china and 23 of the columns, balustrades and iron stairs. One flight of stairs and several sections of balustrade are now installed at the chapel of nearby Alcorn State University.
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Noticed the DO NOT ENTER sign bottom left!!!!! Look whose breaking the rules – again!!!! LOL
After we left the ruins we headed out to a place called The Old Country Store Restaurant in Lorman, MS. The ranger at the CG told us we HAD to stop there and try the fried chicken – that it was best in the country and we could not leave the area without trying it.
Ranger Jim assured us that the place was spotlessly clean despite the appearance of the exterior. So, in other words , don’t be afraid to go in and try the chicken.
We’re REALLY going in there?????
I was not so sure eating at this establishment was such a great idea but as Ron and I always say “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” The place was not exactly spotless but at least the tablecloths were bright white.
Waiting Area
Lots of dusty knick-knack kind of stuff on the very dusty shelves.
On approach to the buffet still had some trepidation but did grab two pieces of chicken and one rib.
Just a little more dust
The running joke is that Ron takes me to only the very best restaurants and I have to admit, despite the lack of ambiance, the fried chicken was the BEST I have ever had in my entire life.
Ranger Jim was right about the chicken but not so much on the spotless thing.
We got back to the MH just in time for a thunderous downpour that left the streets flooded. I can see why people have their trailers up on stilts.
Once the rain cleared we took a ride to the banks of the Mississippi. It was still thundering and the sky looked threatening but Jewel needed to take a walk. When we arrived there were several barges being pushed up and down the river.
This was one long barge
After our walk we headed back to the MH and relaxed for the evening. Tomorrow we will be finishing up our trek along Natchez Trail. The final stop along the route is Natchez, MS.
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