Natchez, Symbol of the Old South

by Nola Nance Oliver

The name, “Concord”, was chosen because the Governor felt that this word expressed the status of his people living in peace and amity.

The dwelling was two-and-a-half stories. The lower floor was of brick and the upper portion was frame. There was a driveway beneath the long flight of steps at the front entrance. The house was richly furnished with importations from Spain.

A few years ago “Concord” was destroyed by fire and Natchez lost an intriguing landmark.

Today the handsome iron-railed outside double stairway marks the spot that was once the ruling center of government, and the social hub during the colorful days of the Spanish regime.

COTTAGE GARDENS—STAIR HALL

Cottage Gardens

When “Cottage Gardens” was built, some hundred and forty years ago, Natchez was young, and homes at that time were of compact, inconspicuous design.

The land upon which this home stands was a part of the original Spanish grant to Don Jose Vidal, a young Spanish nobleman. “Cottage Gardens” was so named because of the beautiful gardens surrounding the cottage. It is recorded that these gardens were destroyed during the War Between the States when Union soldiers used the grounds as a pasture for their horses.