The Library of Congress describes this house as "Octagonal Mode", but when you look at other examples of Octagonal Mode, they are octagons, not structures which include an octagon. Articles I found called it Greek Revival, Victorian, Colonial Revival and Antebellum (which is not strictly a style, but more a period). I've called it Transitional here to reflect the mixed styles. Please feel free to leave a comment if you recognize a specific style for this house. This post includes photos from the Library of Congress, National Park Service and other websites and articles linked below.
LISTING DETAILS
Internationally renowned and legendary historical property. A United States National Landmark, Waverley Plantation, a prime example of mid 1800's history from the 1820 opening of the territorial lands for settlement to the years leading up the Civil War. Originally comprised of thousands of acres with rich soils that produced much of the wealth in the American South. Near the West bank of the Tombigbee River, steamboats supplied the transportation of supplies and delivered crops to the world.
History via WPNet.org
Waverley Mansion is located only 15 minutes from West Point on Highway 50 and is open daily from January through December. It stands as a monument to a glorious time in Southern History. Built by Colonel George Hampton Young of Georgia in 1852, Waverley is a striking example of antebellum elegance. From its octagonal shaped cupola to its self-supporting curved stairways, Waverley is unique among antebellum plantation homes in the South.
Although the actual construction date is uncertain, 1852 is the accepted year that Waverley reached full magnificence. And magnificent Waverley was. The plantation was a self-sustaining community complete with gardens, orchards and livestock. It maintained a brick kiln, cotton gin, ice house and swimming pool with a bathhouse. Gas for the chandeliers was produced by burning pine knots in a retort.
In later years, Waverley had its own lumber mill, leather tannery and hat manufacturing operation. It is believed that the first American-made saddle blankets were produced at Waverley and the first fox hunt association was formed in the mansion's library in 1893.
Mrs. Young died before Waverley was completed, but she left her mark in the English boxwoods planted at the entrance. These plants, which grow only one foot every 15 years, are estimated to be 150 years old.
The decline of Waverley began in 1913 with the death of Col. Young's last surviving son, Captain William Young. For almost 50 years magnificent Waverley stood alone enduring plunderers, harsh weather and vandals.
Waverley was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Snow of Philadelphia, Mississippi in 1962, and a remarkable labor of love continues to restore the mansion and 40 acres to its past glory.
FOR SALE $2,975,000
1852 Waverley Mansion Rd, West Point, MS 39773
4 beds | 2 Full/1 Half baths | 8000 sqft | 34 acres
LINKS:
Listing Agent, Realtor, WPNet, National Park Service, Wikpedia, By Jack E. Boucher, Photographer, New Southern View, Library of Congress, Civil War Album, Tiny Travels Through Mississippi,
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