Continuing on down the Mississippi, we arrived in Natchez, a small city of less than 20,000 people that has quite an interesting history. I was fascinated to learn that Natchez has flown under several different flags: French, English, Spanish, American, Confederate, and again under the American flag.

During the 1800’s, Natchez was a frequent stop for steamboats and a major port for the loading of cotton bound for New Orleans, St. Louis and Cincinnati. The city recovered from a tornado in 1840 which killed 269 people and had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the United States prior to the Civil War. Although occupied by General Grant’s army in 1863, Natchez survived the Civil War intact and today has some of the most extensive examples of antebellum homes in the country. One of those antebellum homes is on a plantation, now owned by American Steamboat Company Chef de Cuisine Regina Charboneau. The acclaimed Southern chef now operates Twin Oaks as a bed and breakfast.

Our day was spent hopping on and off the bus and touring three different antebellum mansions, including Stanton Hall, a Greek Revival structure built in 1857.

We also enjoyed strolling along the streets of Natchez to enjoy the other homes of the town.

Overall, our impression of Natchez was very positive. It would be a wonderful place to return to for a stay in a bed and breakfast and to enjoy The Great Mississippi Balloon Race that takes place in late October.