Early 19th-century mansion showcasing Greek Revival architecture, original outbuildings, and a rare unsupported spiral staircase.
General Information
Closed Sunday and Monday
Children under 13: Free
Discounts available for National Trust members
How to Get There
Take US-61 North from downtown Natchez, turn left onto Auburn Avenue, then right onto Duncan Avenue to reach the mansion entrance.
Overview
The Historic Auburn mansion, completed in 1812, is a striking example of early Greek Revival architecture in the American South. Designed by architect Levi Weeks for Lyman Harding, Mississippi’s first Attorney General, Auburn was the first mansion in Natchez to incorporate classical architectural orders. The home’s most iconic feature is its free-standing spiral staircase, which ascends from the ground floor to the second without visible support—a rare and remarkable feat of craftsmanship. Auburn also includes original outbuildings such as a detached kitchen and slave quarters, offering a fuller picture of antebellum life.
After changing hands to the Duncan family in the 1820s, Auburn remained a private residence until 1911, when it was donated to the city of Natchez along with 210 acres of surrounding land, now Duncan Park. Today, the mansion is open for guided tours and seasonal events, including the Natchez Pilgrimage. Visitors can explore the home’s 12 rooms, admire period furnishings, and learn about the lives of those who lived and labored there. Auburn stands as a preserved piece of Southern history and a testament to the architectural ambition of its era.
This article uses material from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and official tourism pages for the Historic Auburn, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
