LONGWOOD Longwood, according to The Great Houses of Natchez, is the largest and most elaborate octagonal house in America. Known as Nutts Folly to residents of the area, was constructed 1860 - 1861. The Civil War prevented the completion of Longwood, and is preserved in its incomplete state. It was designed by noted Philadelphia architect Samuel Stone for wealthy planter and physician Haller Nutt. Construction began in 1860 using skilled craftsmen from Philadelphia. With the declaration of war in 1861, work on the home halted and the workmen returned home. Using local labor, Dr. Nutt completed the basement floor, and moved his family in to wait out the War. In June 1864, Dr. Nutt died of Pneumonia and his widow Julia was left alone to rear 8 children in the unfinished mansion. Although she advertised at least twice to complete Longwood, Julia Nutt died in 1897 and was buried beside her husband in the family cemetery. It was owned by the Nutt family until 1968 and is maintained in the unfinished state as a house museum, giving testimony to the impact of the Civil War upon the planting economy of the South.
Posted on: Thu, 08 May 2014 22:13:19 +0000