1999
Cutrer Mansion
Clarksdale
The Cutrer Mansion is an Italian Renaissance-style villa in Clarksdale that was built in 1916 by J. W. Cutrer and his wife Blanche Clark Cutrer. Tennessee Williams, who lived in Clarksdale as a child, was inspired to model some of his most famous characters and settings after Clarksdale’s landmarks and prominent citizens including the Cutrer family. In 1999, the Cutrer Mansion was slated to be demolished and became the first property on the Mississippi Heritage Trust's 10 most endangered property list. They worked alongside local residents and the Delta State University Foundation to put preservation in action by raising $750,000 through a grassroots campaign to save this beautiful piece of Mississippi history. Initial funding from the Mississippi State Legislature was secured to restore the first floor of the mansion and the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors stepped up to provide funding to build a higher education facility next door.
Now, almost 26 years later, the small complex is called the Coahoma County Higher Education Center and is anchored by the Cutrer Mansion. It is owned and managed by Coahoma Community College, and they host a variety of educational and cultural events including the MS Delta Tennessee Williams Festival, Community Book Talks, and a Writers for Life program. They also rent out the facility for weddings, receptions, concerts, and other private events. The second floor of the Cutrer Mansion is still awaiting additional funds to be renovated
Farish Street Historic District
Jackson
One of the state’s largest economically independent African American communities, Farish Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a Jackson historic district. In 1995, the neighborhood was listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Despite numerous efforts to revitalize Fairsh Street, the neighborhood continues to deteriorate.
Historic School Buildings
Statewide
Historic schools are an important part of the historic fabric of communities. While natural causes have destroyed a handful of historic schools in the past few years, the major threat is abandonment that often leads to demolition. The Community Heritage Preservation Grant program, managed by Mississippi Department of Archives and History has provided much-needed support for these important community landmarks around the state, including the old Corinth High School, West Clay Agricultural High School, the old Hattiesburg High School, Eureka School, and Prentiss Institute’s Rosenwald building.
Keesler Bridge
Greenwood
Built in 1924, the Keesler Bridge has carried traffic across the Yazoo River for generations of travelers. A swing-type bridge called a Howe Truss, the Keesler Bridge, serves as the main corridor into downtown Greenwood. After being listed in 1999 on the Mississippi Heritage Trust’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places list, the Keesler Bridge was restored in 2000 with funding from Mississippi Department of Transportation and Mississippi Department of History and Archives.
King Edward Hotel
Jackson
The King Edward Hotel was built in 1923 by New Orleans architect William T. Nolan on the same site as two previous hotels. A significant hub of both social and political activity in Jackson, during its heyday, closed in 1967 and remained vacant for over 40 years. The decaying structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as both a Mississippi Landmark and a Jackson Landmark. After architectural reconstruction a Hilton Garden Inn, located in the King Edward Hotel, opened in the fall of 2009.
Meadvilla
Washington
Built around 1808 in Washington Mississippi, Meadvilla was the home of Cowles Mead, Secretary of the Mississippi Territory. During the later territorial period, the house served as a tavern and stagecoach stop operated by Moses Richardson. In 1828, Meadvilla became the home of Benjamin L. C. Wailes, scientist, historian, first state geologist, and first President of the Mississippi Historical Society. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a significant example of Federal-style architecture. When listed as one of the state’s most endangered properties, the house was severely threatened by deterioration since that time it has been lovingly restored. It is in good condition and is currently being used as an antique store.
Old Corinth Machinery
Corinth
Old Corinth Machinery was one of the oldest surviving industrial buildings in Mississippi. Built in 1869 by architect Martin Seigrest, the building housed multiple businesses over the years including the Alcorn Woolen Mill and Corinth Engine and Boiler Works. In 1912, Corinth Machinery was established and operated in the building until 1983. In 2012, heavy storms caused large portions of the building’s brick walls to collapse and the building was demolished.
Town of Carrollton
Carrollton
Listed in 1999 for its well-preserved 19th-century courthouse square and historic buildings, Carrollton has continued to thrive as one of Mississippi’s largest National Register districts. Today, all but three of the commercial buildings are occupied and maintained by their owners, with recent repairs completed at the building housing The Smocked Kids boutique, the old Conservative office (now home to a monogram and embroidery shop), and the Town Hall. The Carroll County Courthouse has also been awarded an MDAH grant for needed repairs. Preservation efforts have been strengthened by a robust calendar of community events—organized by the town, local businesses, and the Carroll County Development Association—that draw residents and visitors alike. Annual highlights include the Taste of Soup and Art Exhibit, Good Friday in Carrollton, the Backyard Griller’s competition, the Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival, and the Sip & Shop Christmas kickoff. These events not only showcase Carrollton’s historic charm but also demonstrate how preservation can foster both economic growth and community pride.
Vicksburg Campaign and Historic Trail
Vicksburg
The Vicksburg Campaign and Historic Trail tells the significant story of the siege of Vicksburg. Unfortunately, the trail is relatively unknown by the public and the landmark buildings along the trail continue to fall prey to neglect. As part of a comprehensive, statewide Mississippi Civil War Trails project, funded through the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) grant program, several projects are underway along the trail. Multiple sites along the campaign trail have been restored and others have been slated to be restored.
White House Hotel
Biloxi
In 1890, Mr. and Mrs. Walter White opened their residence overlooking the Gulf of Mexico to guests. By 1910, the White House Hotel and its expanded grounds were a popular Biloxi beach resort offering golfing, motoring, relaxing, fishing, tennis, and boating. Additions to the original house were built in 1923 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The hotel has been meticulously restored to its original grandeur and reopened in August of 2014.