Merrehope

Merrehope, the Greek Revival 20 room mansion was built by one of Meridian‘s settlers who received the land as a wedding gift. The couple built a cottage in 1859. Part of it remains at the rear of the mansion. It served as headquarters for both Confederate Gen. Polk and Union Gen. Sherman who invaded Meridian with 25,000 troops, burned almost everything and destroyed its railroad lines. Sherman allowed only six homes to survive and said the cottage was “too beautiful to burn”. Other owners added to the home through the early 1900’s including ruby etched glass, 13 fireplaces, massive columns, a cantilevered balcony & an ornately carved stairway. Moved to the property in 1979, the impressive Victorian FW Williams Home (~1886), said to be the finest example of Queen Ann architecture in Miss. Both are on The National Register of Historic Places. Tour Merrehope year-round, including the spectacular Trees of Christmas with expanded days/hrs, see website. Also known for paranormal sightings.