Fort Smith National Historic Site | Fort Smith

Information

Landmark: Fort Smith National Historic Site
City: Fort Smith
Country: USA Arkansas
Continent: North America

Fort Smith National Historic Site, Fort Smith, USA Arkansas, North America

Beauvoir is a historic estate located in Biloxi, Mississippi, on the Gulf Coast.

Visual Characteristics

The main house is a two-story Greek Revival structure constructed primarily of brick with a white painted exterior. It features a prominent central portico with Doric columns supporting a pediment. The property also includes several outbuildings, including a small cottage and a chapel, all exhibiting similar architectural elements and a consistent color scheme.

Location & Access Logistics

Beauvoir is situated at 200 East Beach Boulevard in Biloxi, Mississippi. It is approximately 1.5 miles east of the Biloxi city center. Access is via US Highway 90. Ample on-site parking is available for visitors. No public transport directly serves the estate; nearest bus routes operate along US Highway 90, requiring a walk of approximately 0.5 miles.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Beauvoir was built in 1848 by planter Joseph Emory Davis, the elder brother of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. It served as Jefferson Davis's final home from 1877 until his death in 1889. The estate was later purchased by the Mississippi Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and opened as a museum in 1903. The site is located on a coastal plain, characterized by sandy soil and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the main house, which is furnished with period artifacts. The grounds include the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library, a chapel, and the gravesite of Jefferson Davis. A self-guided walking tour of the property is available. The site also features a museum dedicated to the Confederacy.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Shaded areas are present within the gardens and under the portico of the main house. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the estate grounds. Food vendors are not located on-site, but several restaurants are situated along nearby US Highway 90.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography of the exterior is in the late afternoon when the sun is lower, providing softer light. The most favorable months for visiting are April through June and September through October, offering moderate temperatures and lower humidity. High tide or low tide does not impact access or activities at Beauvoir.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of Beauvoir is the presence of a small, original slave cabin that has been preserved on the property, offering a glimpse into the lives of enslaved individuals who worked there. It is one of the few such structures remaining on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.