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| Natchez! If there is a town that fully epitomizes what Mississippi and the South truly are—scenic beauty, luxurious vegetation, fabulous architecture, gracious hospitality, people with a spirit of entrepreneurship, cultural appreciation, a cosmopolitan mixture of people of all races from many lands—it would be Natchez. Located on the highest point above the Mississippi River, Natchez was the first European city built along the River. Natchez had been the home of the Natchez Indians for hundreds of years when the French arrived and established Fort Rosalie in 1716. Then the English and Spanish claimed the area before it became part of the United States in 1798. Natchez was the first capitol of the Mississippi Territory and of the State of Mississippi. Early settlers arrived to a land rich in potential; cleared the land; planted indigo, tobacco, and cotton; and within a generation became wealthy enough to build the great antebellum mansions for which Natchez has become famous. Their tradition of traveling abroad, encouraging education, and developing the arts has continued so that today Natchez boasts constant cultural activities and events for every taste. The economy which provided the means for the city to sparkle with its antebellum architecture has diversified from the all-pervasive dependence upon cotton to include other agricultural pursuits, an independent oil industry, cattle raising, forestry, and new industries. Education is important and includes Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Alcorn State University’s Schools of Nursing and Business. There is an air of excitement with new motels being built and restoration of period buildings taking place. There is always something interesting to do in Natchez! Sports include hunting the abundant wildlife, golfing, engaging in water sports on the nearby lakes and ponds, hot air ballooning, rodeos, runs, bicycle races, kayaking, team sports, strolling along the magnificent Natchez Bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, and traveling along the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway. The exciting festivals include Mardi Gras, the award-winning Natchez Literary and Cinema Festival, Spring and Fall Pilgrimages, Christmas in Natchez, the month long Natchez Festival of Music in May, the Blues Festival, special events at Jefferson College and The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, The Great Mississippi River Hot Air Balloon Race, Angels on the Bluff at the historic Natchez Cemetery, and countless other wonderful events. The large art colony has developed several venues, and antiques and specialty shops offer world class shopping. The antebellum mansions and buildings form the foundation for tourism with constant visits by people from all over the world. The architectural diversity includes buildings and homes dating prior to 1800; Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian homes; bungalow style homes; and modern construction. The Natchez Convention Center across the street from The Columns of Natchez is a state of the art venue for meetings and gatherings. Natchez has a fabulous tradition of really good food, great entertainment, and warm hospitality! The Great River Road Food Festival is a showcase for great cooking, and the restaurants and vendors provide a tremendous variety of cuisine from the traditional to the unique. Enjoy all that Natchez has to offer as you plan your special event. The Columns of Natchez, located a block from the Natchez Bluff in the center of downtown Natchez, the most romantic city on the Mississippi, is ready to make your social event the most memorable and exciting ever! |
| "To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi." - William Faulkner |
| N A T C H E Z A City of Romance and Beauty |
The Columns of Natchez 206 Main Street Natchez, Mississippi 39120 1-888-854-8266 601-446-9215 Fax 601-446-9216 www.thecolumnsofnatchez.com |
