Ruins of Windsor - Port Gibson, Mississippi

Ruins of Windsor - Port Gibson, Mississippi

In 1859 Smith Coffee Daniel II began construction of Windsor which was completed in 1861. Slave labor was used for the basic construction of the home. Skilled carpenters were brought in from New England to some of the woodwork; the iron stairs, column capitals and balustrades were manufactured in St. Louis and shipped down the Mississippi to the Port of Bruinsburg which was several miles west of Windsor. The total cost of the mansion was $175,000 in 1861!! Well over 3 Million dollars today.

Because the house was located 10 miles from Port Gibson the family maintained their own commissary, doctor’s office, school and dairy on the bottom floor of the mansion along with the kitchen and storage areas.

The second floor had two parlors, library a bedroom with a bathroom and study. Also located on this floor was the dining room. On the third floor were 8 bedrooms and an additional bathroom.

Windsor was a hot to many cultural events of the era. During the Civil War it was used as an observation post by the Confederates, who sent signals from its cupola across the river to Louisiana. The house served as a Union hospital after the Battle of Port Gibson in May, 1863.

The mansion was destroyed by fire in 1890 leaving only a few pieces of china, the wrought iron staircase and some columns.

You can almost hear the rustle of dresses and petticoats as the ladies danced with the gentlemen seemingly stylish with their silk ascots when you visit the site.

the ruins are those of the largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion built in the state.

Location: about 10 miles southwest of Port Gibson.

Written by Editor · Filed Under Coastal