Built in 1859-61 by Smith Daniell who only lived in the large mansion for a few weeks before he died. The Windsor plantation once sprawled over 2,600 acres. Legend says that from a roof observatory, Mark Twain watched the Mississippi River in the distance.
A Union soldier was shot in the front doorway of the home. During the Civil War the mansion was used as a Union hospital and observation post, thus sparing it from being burned by Union troops.
However, after the Civil War, during a house party on February 17, 1890 a guest left a lighted cigar on the upper balcony and Windsor burned to the ground. Everything was destroyed except 23 of the columns, balustrades and iron stairs.
Windsor Ruins is open to the public during daylight hours every day. There is no fee.
Wonder why the columns have stood for 130 years? Click here to find out!
- From the south, exit the Trace at milepost 30 onto Mississippi Highway 552. Travel west towards Alcorn State University and follow the signs to Windsor Ruins.
- From the north, exit the Trace at milepost 41 onto Mississippi Highway 18 and travel west to US 61. Follow US 61 south into Port Gibson where the road becomes Church Street. Go west on Carroll Street. Rodney Road starts where Carroll and Flower Streets intersect. Travel south on Rodney Road to Windsor Ruins.