Natchez, MS - multiple antebellum mansions

I'm happy we chose to return home through Mississippi, and to take our time to hit a few of the sights.  On this day we toured the Melrose House on that plantation.  We learned much, and this video captures some highlights.  (The videographer is very much into details so you don't get a big picture view of very much. The narration by the docent begins about 25 seconds in. The tour is about one hour and the video about 5 minutes, so the story is fragmented.)

Ceilings in the home were 15 feet high, and the house was designed to give slaves access by way of "side entires" so as not to interface with owners and guests.  The slave homes were 20 x 20 for 5 or 6 slaves, including a fireplace for cooking.  You'll notice what looks like a paddle hanging over the dining table in the video.  As I recall, that acted as a fan for the guests, driven by a rope tied to the top and pulled by a slave.

Music was a major source of solace and entertainment, especially in a "call and response" style.  "Go Down, Moses" was a favorite since it was a parallel to their own fight for freedom.  Any historical accuracy as to slave treatment is questionable since owners had their prejudice, slaves would not likely speak out for the record, and slaves had been prevented from learning to read or write, so there are no journals to access or review.

Natchez has numerous antebellum homes and an excellent Visitor Center.  A highlight was lunch at Fat Mama's Tamales, where I enjoyed a Po'Boy and Lonna the Gringo, tamales smothered with chili, cheese, onions and jalapenos.

A memorable day.