The library and home is in Biloxi, Mississippi and sits about 500 yards from the gulf shore.
This is the new Library. Right now is consists of a gift shop and a theater that shows a movie on Jefferson Davis. They have not completed the upstairs where the main museum will be housed.
The old one was destroyed by Katrina.
We took the tour of the house. It was a very good tour and our guide knew a good deal about the house. As far above ground that the house is, during the storm surge from Katrina they had a foot of water inside the house. Remarkably though they were able to save everything inside the house. They only had to lightly sand and then oil the original floors.
After the death of Jefferson Davis, his wife and daughter left Beauvoir to go live and work in New York City with editor Joseph Pulitzer. After many offers, she finally sold the property to Sons of the Confederacy with the stipulation that it be a memorial to Jefferson Davis and the Confederacy. The property became the home to some 288 confederate veterans, and their wives or widows. It also became the final resting spot for many. They had constructed several dormitories, two hospitals, a dining hall, chapel and several support buildings. The home closed in 1956, when the 3 remaining widows were moved to a nursing home in Biloxi. These buildings are now gone. Most destroyed in Katrina in 2005.
The ceilings were hand painted. The doors at one time were painted white. When restoration began, they realized that the doors were originally cedar, but painted to look like oak.
It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed walking the grounds. Tomorrow I am hoping the weather warms up a little more so enjoy the white sand beaches.
This is the new Library. Right now is consists of a gift shop and a theater that shows a movie on Jefferson Davis. They have not completed the upstairs where the main museum will be housed.The old one was destroyed by Katrina.
We took the tour of the house. It was a very good tour and our guide knew a good deal about the house. As far above ground that the house is, during the storm surge from Katrina they had a foot of water inside the house. Remarkably though they were able to save everything inside the house. They only had to lightly sand and then oil the original floors. 
After the death of Jefferson Davis, his wife and daughter left Beauvoir to go live and work in New York City with editor Joseph Pulitzer. After many offers, she finally sold the property to Sons of the Confederacy with the stipulation that it be a memorial to Jefferson Davis and the Confederacy. The property became the home to some 288 confederate veterans, and their wives or widows. It also became the final resting spot for many. They had constructed several dormitories, two hospitals, a dining hall, chapel and several support buildings. The home closed in 1956, when the 3 remaining widows were moved to a nursing home in Biloxi. These buildings are now gone. Most destroyed in Katrina in 2005.
The ceilings were hand painted. The doors at one time were painted white. When restoration began, they realized that the doors were originally cedar, but painted to look like oak.
It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed walking the grounds. Tomorrow I am hoping the weather warms up a little more so enjoy the white sand beaches.
Check out the Elks in Biloxi. We stayed there. We were the only ones staying in their 3-RV lot and it was just across the road from the beach. We loved it!!
ReplyDeleteI learn so much American history from friends' blogs. Thanks.
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