― William Faulkner, Requiem for a Nun

Faulkner’s words are so very true of the South and of Natchez and Ravenna in particular.
We’ve included a summary below to provide historical context for your visit.

Ravenna is an early 19th century Greek Revival mansion nestled among three acres of lush gardens and woods in the historic district of downtown Natchez. Constructed in 1835-36 by the renowned Neibert & Gemmell contracting firm as the residence of prominent entrepreneur, William Harris, Ravenna boasts a unique structural form, making it one of the most architecturally significant early Greek Revival mansions in Natchez.

Ravenna’s outstanding architectural features include a stunning elliptical stairway and a central hallway arch supported by paired Doric columns. The use of superimposed orders, the first-story Doric and the Second-story Ionic, on the matching front and rear galleries is unique for Natchez architecture. The house’s three-story form with undercut double-tiered galleries is known to exist on only one other Natchez residence.

Ravenna’s historical significance extends beyond its architecture. It was the home of Zuleika Metcalfe, who played a significant role during the Civil War by smuggling supplies to the Confederates. The house was acquired by the Metcalfe’s in the 1850s and remained in the family until the 1980s, witnessing generations of family stories and historical events.

One of the home’s most notable residents was Roane Fleming Byrnes, who grew up at Ravenna, built her adult home on the family estate, and later became known as the “Queen of the Natchez Trace Parkway” for her instrumental role in spearheading the efforts to build the scenic parkway from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez. Roane’s upbringing at Ravenna and her later accomplishments as an author, social leader, and community developer reflect the house’s rich history and its connection to the broader historical narrative of Natchez and the South.

Today, Ravenna stands as a testament to Natchez’s architectural and historical heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a deeper understanding of the people and events that shaped this historic home and the surrounding community.

Natchez is the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River, established as a French fort site on August 3, 1716. It became part of the United States with the establishment of the Mississippi Territory in 1798 and served as the first capital for the new State of Mississippi in 1817.

A place resplendent with natural beauty, Natchez is perched over 200 feet above the Mississippi River, with 30-mile views along the river both north and south. Today, it’s a thriving location for Mississippi tourism.

Natchez was spared much of the damage other cities suffered during the Civil War and remains home to more than 600 examples of historical architecture—more than any other city in the South. These historic homes and buildings, along with churches and other heritage sites, make Natchez a treasure trove for history buffs.

Of course, it is also the namesake for the Natchez Trace, the centuries-old, 444-mile path from Natchez to Nashville, long used by American Indians before becoming a U.S. thoroughfare. Today the Natchez Trace Parkway provides beautiful picnic areas, the rare Emerald Mound ceremonial mound, and the historic Mount Locust Inn, all just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Natchez. But Natchez is more than history. Today it is known for it’s easy elegance and casual charm, true hospitality, historic homes, lush gardens, moss-covered oaks and delicious down-home fare—with the attractions of a great small city: historic sites and museums, shopping, nightlife and gaming, a safe, walkable downtown, and a rich cultural scene.

Please contact us with any questions during your stay or to help plan your next getaway to beautiful, historic Natchez!