Natchez, Mississippi
When news of the Civil War reached Longwood in Natchez, Northern craftspeople finishing the mansion dropped their paintbrushes and tools on the spot and headed north to fight. The interrupted construction never restarted, since Longwood’s creator Haller Nutt died when only nine of the 32 rooms were completed.
Today, the unfinished home, also known as Nutt’s Folly, remains one of Natchez’ most popular attractions. Groups can see the home’s unusual octagonal shape, Byzantine Dome and Oriental Revival architecture while listening to fascinating stories about the owners.
For visitors, this home is only the beginning of a long list of homes groups can tour in Natchez, on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. The town boasts one of the highest concentrations of antebellum homes in the United States.
French, English and Spanish residents left lasting marks on the architecture of the town, which stands out in walking tours that pass magnificent house after magnificent house. During the Spring and Fall Pilgrimage festivals, certain private homes open for tours. Regardless of the time of year, though, numerous public homes, such as Rosalie, Stanton Hall and Dunleith, welcome groups.
The tour is far from monotonous, as the homes reveal varying stories and architecture. Rosalie tells the tale of Peter Little, who married a 14-year-old orphan; nearby, Dunleith’s tours explain tricks used to disguise native cypress as more expensive imported mahogany.
Fort Myers, Florida
Wealthy citizens looking for a winter getaway have long been drawn to Fort Myers’ beautiful scenery, ideal weather and relaxing beach. During the early part of the 20th century, millionaires designed extravagant mansions in every significant architectural period, such as the Spanish, Mediterranean and Italian Renaissance styles.
Visitors can see the rows of ostentatious homes along the Caloosahatchee River or during tours of public homes like the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford became friends and neighbors at their respective winter homes here during the early 1900s. Groups can choose a guided tour or a self-guided audio tour to explore the two estates and the Edison Botanic Research Lab.
Tours relate stories about the two great inventors and their families. The 1929 historic landscape of the Edison property has been well-maintained; Edison’s Moonlight Garden, orchard and original trees he planted are still intact. The Edison Ford Museum contains an impressive collection of inventions, artifacts and special exhibition galleries for a comprehensive look at the two men’s contributions to business and science.
Students can also participate in the Edison and Ford Young Inventors Tour by joining an assembly line, playing a phonograph or making their own rubber. Groups can package several different food options into the tour, from light refreshments to a dinner of local seafood.
After enduring many biting Montana winters, John Murphy decided during a business trip to Fort Myers to embrace the city’s winter sunshine. The 1901 construction of his winter retreat, now called the Burroughs Home and Gardens, kicked off the building boom in the area as more visitors were inspired to design their own beach mansions.
The Georgian Colonial Revival home remains one of the most popular mansions on Millionaire’s Row on First Street, with remarkable stained-glass windows, indoor plumbing and a secret garden.
For a more complete understanding of Fort Myers’ fascinating past, True Tours offers professional tours of the historic downtown.
