Historical Homes, Slave Dwellings, Gardens & Churches

Experience the south in its true southern appeal. Visit the graceful yet grand mansions, embrace the magic of the plush gardens and natural springs, relax in the comforts of the old-fashioned guest cottages and marvel at the unique presence of the historical churches over 100 years old. Journey the unabridged Holly Springs, beyond the freshly pressed linens, into the small, intimate shacks where work, toil, and ancestral ties also forged. 

Walter Place Garden & Estate - circa 1859

Featured in “Must See Mississippi”, Beautiful botanical gardens, and natural springs. Also featured in the personal Memoirs of Julia Dent Grant. (not available for tours at this time).  General Ulysses S. Grant’s wife, Julia, stayed during the Civil War, with her son and slave “Black Julia” until the night before the Van Dorn Raid.

Strawberry Plains Audubon Center - Davis Home- circa 1851

Take a stroll on this 2,500-acre estate and enjoy the hummingbird gardens, view the natural plants & herbs and make sure that you tour the magnificently restored Davis House and discover the rich history of the original owners and the home. Explore the observatory and chimney swifts on the grounds. Visit their website for annual calendar events.

Admission: $8 per person adult $5 per person child

To schedule a group  tour contact the Holly Springs Tourism office at (888) 687-4765 Monday – Friday

Contact the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center at 662-252-1155 to schedule Saturday tours.

Yellow Fever Martyrs Museum - circa 1840

Honor the legacy of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice by caring for those in need. Pay homage to the legacy of unsung heroes, and absorb the history about the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1878 that took the lives of nearly 1/3 of the population.

Tours: Contact the Holly Springs Tourism office at (888) 687-4765 to schedule a tour.

Open daily with a donation requirement of $2.00

Montrose - circa 1858

This grand ole lady was built for a bride! Revel in the beauty of this lovely mansion (Montrose) as well as the Magnificence of its spacious grounds, also available for your wedding or wedding reception!

Tours: Daily tours by Appointment only. Contact the tourism bureau to schedule a tour.
Admission Per Person: $10 per person

4 person minimum

Burton Place- circa 1840

“A rebellion of its time” this home was home of the late Mary Marvina Shields Burton, whom was also known to stir up an uprising every now and then.  Mrs. Shields and her husband often welcomed relative, Sam Houston to their home during his frequent travels. This home is also one of few to retain its original slave quarters.

Tours: By appointment only! 

To schedule a tour contact the Holly Springs Tourism office at (888) 687-4765
Admission Per Person: $10 per person

4 person minimum

Antebellum Church Tours

Magnolia Mansions - Circa 1852

A gothic revival home built by one of the original founders of Holly Springs, William F. Mason. This home served as the primary film location for cast and crew of the 1999 classic “Cookie’s Fortune” which is when it obtained its pink hue.

Tours: Daily with flexible times available with advanced notice.  However 11am & 2pm is preferred. 2 person minimum
Admission$10 per person

Behind the Big House Tours

The inventory of rare surviving structures built for Holly Springs’ enslaved population is extensive.  The “Behind the Big House” program, coordinated by Preserve Marshall County & Holly Springs, Inc. provides a unique opportunity during Holly Springs Annual Pilgrimage Tour of Historic Homes and Churches for visitors to go a step beyond the storybook setting of our fine antebellum homes and venture into the often forgotten world behind the big house, where endless toil and history also happened.

For information call (662) 252-3669 or visit our website: http://preservemarshallcounty.org/ or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreserveMarshallCounty.