Information
Landmark: BeauvoirCity: Biloxi
Country: USA Mississippi
Continent: North America
Beauvoir, Biloxi, USA Mississippi, North America
Beauvoir is a historic estate located in Biloxi, Mississippi, USA. It served as the last home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
Visual Characteristics
The main house is a two-story Greek Revival structure constructed primarily of wood. It features a prominent central portico with Doric columns supporting a pediment. The exterior is painted white, with dark green shutters. The property also includes a smaller cottage, a library, and a museum building, all constructed in a similar architectural style.
Location & Access Logistics
Beauvoir is situated at 200 East Beach Boulevard in Biloxi, Mississippi. It is approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) east of the Biloxi city center. On-site parking is available for visitors. Access is directly from US Highway 90 (East Beach Boulevard).
Historical & Ecological Origin
Construction of the main house began in 1848, designed by architect John Lawrence. It was originally built as a private residence. Jefferson Davis and his wife, Varina Howell Davis, purchased the property in 1877 and lived there until his death in 1889. The estate was later converted into a museum and memorial.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can tour the historic Beauvoir House, which is furnished with period artifacts. The property includes the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Museum, housing a collection of Civil War artifacts and documents. The grounds also feature a Confederate cemetery and a memorial garden.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available on-site. Shaded areas are present within the gardens. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors are not located directly on the property, but are available along the nearby US Highway 90.
Best Time to Visit
The best time of day for photography of the house is generally in the late morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is less direct. The most favorable months for visiting are typically April through June and September through October, offering moderate temperatures and lower humidity.
Facts & Legends
A unique aspect of Beauvoir is the presence of a small cemetery on the grounds where Jefferson Davis is buried, alongside his wife Varina and several of their children. This makes it one of the few presidential homes where the former president is interred on the property.
Nearby Landmarks
- Biloxi Lighthouse (1.5km West)
- Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art (2.0km West)
- Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (2.5km West)
- Keesler Air Force Base (4.0km Northwest)