Elmscourt Residence, Natchez MS, 1810 Historical Photo

This vintage photograph captures Elmscourt, a notable residence located in Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi. The central portion of the house was built in 1810 by Lewis Adams and later enlarged and remodeled by Ayres P. Merrill, who served as U.S. Minister to Belgium under President Ulysses S. Grant. The architectural significance of Elmscourt lies in its intricate ironwork, which is said to have been imported from Belgium.

The cast iron patterns adorning the galleries exhibit elaborate tracery, reminiscent of the historic Vieux Carré and Garden District of New Orleans. The photograph highlights the aesthetic appeal of the ironwork against the backdrop of a vibrant sky, complemented by the lush growth of vines that enhance the structures charm.

This image forms part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which documents significant architectural sites in the region. The photograph serves as a valuable historical record of early 19th-century Southern design and craftsmanship.