Arlington Mansion: Reflecting the Distinction of Natchez Architecture

Arlington, a Federal-style mansion, is located in Natchez, Mississippi, and in its heyday was the epitome of grandeur. This historic mansion, characterized by its grand columns style, is common throughout Natchez. The house is a combination of two architectural styles, American Colonial and Federal Architecture.

It was originally built in 1816 by John Hampton White for his wife, Jane Surget White. Unfortunately, John died a short three years later in 1819 when he succumbed to the yellow fever epidemic. Then six years later, Jane passed in 1825.

While the Whites were alive, Arlington was a vision. She was beautiful, with stunning marble features that followed you throughout the plantation home. The marble features also greeted guests as they walked up the front porch and steps. Standing in the entranceway and viewing the grand central hallway, you could imagine an elegant soiree taking place with the who’s who of Natchez society.

In 1973, Arlington was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and rightfully so since  Arlington truly represented Natchez architecture at its finest.

Arlington has stayed in the same family for the past 80+ years until inherited by Dr. Thomas Vaughan of Gulfport. Unfortunately, Dr. Vaughn didn’t value the property, so he didn’t take care of it, allowing it to deteriorate. In 2002, a horrible fire engulfed the second floor and destroyed not only the structure but also the priceless collections it contained.

The cause of the fire was attributed to a tangled web of electrical cords that overwhelmed the electrical system. Volunteers, as well as organizations such as the Historic Natchez Foundation and National Park Service, worked endlessly to fix and restore what they could. Priceless historical books and collections were sent and donated to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. 

Although the roof was fixed with the Historic Natchez Foundation’s financial help, a complete restoration was never to be. The owner had never fully insured the property, and because of its deteriorated condition, vandals came in and vandalized the once majestic Southern belle. 

Now Arlington sits abandoned, charred, and tossed aside as though she never mattered. You can still see how beautiful she was, even though she fell on some hard times and was abandoned. Arlington will always have her memories of beauty and opulence and will always be the pinnacle of Natchez architecture. The beauty never left her soul.