Merry Mississippi!

Adorned with bright red bows, lush evergreen garlands, and rows of wreaths, the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion proudly celebrates its 175th holiday season.

- Mary Neff Stewart

The Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, located three blocks south of our state’s Capitol building, is an illustrious Greek Revival style structure that is a stunning example of the work of architect William Nichols. The residence has stood the test of time through several interior changes made over the last century.

During a restructuring in 1972, two consultants—Charles Peterson, architectural historian, and Edward Vason Jones, architect and interior designer—were sought for their expertise. Peterson’s inquiries led to the discoveries of original heart-pine flooring, dismantled staircases, and hidden sliding doors. And Jones was responsible for acquiring the impeccable furnishings compatible with the period style of the residence. Deciding that 19th-century Empire was the most suitable interior style, Jones also adapted Greek Revival designs for the plaster ceiling medallions and designed the Greek-key-patterned front door. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History was given statutory authority over this section of the mansion in 1980 and oversees the curation of the furnishings. As any National Historic Landmark, the interior remains the same with each governing term, perfectly appointed to the style of the structure.