House on Ellicott's Hill
Encyclopedia
House on Ellicott's Hill, also known as Connelly's Tavern, James Moore House, or Gilreath's Hill, is a historic house in Natchez, Mississippi
. It was declared a National Historic Landmark
in 1974 and a Mississippi Landmark in 2001.
from atop a bluff and contains a two-story gallery, while the other side's upper story is at ground level, where it is reached by bridges across a dry moat.
In 1797, before the house was built, Andrew Ellicott was sent by George Washington
to mark the boundary between the United States and Spanish Louisiana
, which had been set at the 31st parallel
by the Treaty of San Lorenzo de Real
. When he arrived on February 24, he set up camp on the bluff atop which the house is located, raising the American flag
for the first time over the new territory. After Moore moved to a plantation in Washington, Mississippi
, the house underwent various ownership changes, eventually being sold in 1850 and converted into Natchez High School
, owned by J.R. Gilreath, before closing in 1878.
Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez is the county seat of Adams County, Mississippi, United States. With a total population of 18,464 , it is the largest community and the only incorporated municipality within Adams County...
. It was declared a National Historic Landmark
National Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
in 1974 and a Mississippi Landmark in 2001.
History
James Moore, a merchant from Natchez, built the house in 1798. It was one of the first built when Spanish settlers laid out the city of Natchez, and it is believed to have influenced architecture in a wide region. At the time of the building's construction, only people of importance such as doctors and wealthy merchants could purchase lots on Canal Street. Moore's House is the last of the merchants' houses remaining from this time period. One side of the house overlooks the Mississippi RiverMississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
from atop a bluff and contains a two-story gallery, while the other side's upper story is at ground level, where it is reached by bridges across a dry moat.
In 1797, before the house was built, Andrew Ellicott was sent by George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
to mark the boundary between the United States and Spanish Louisiana
Louisiana (New Spain)
Louisiana was the name of an administrative district of the Viceroyalty of New Spain from 1764 to 1803 that represented territory west of the Mississippi River basin, plus New Orleans...
, which had been set at the 31st parallel
31st parallel north
The 31st parallel north is a circle of latitude that is 31 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane. It crosses Africa, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America and the Atlantic Ocean.Part of the border between Iran and Iraq is defined by the parallel....
by the Treaty of San Lorenzo de Real
Pinckney's Treaty
Pinckney's Treaty, also known as the Treaty of San Lorenzo or the Treaty of Madrid, was signed in San Lorenzo de El Escorial on October 27, 1795 and established intentions of friendship between the United States and Spain. It also defined the boundaries of the United States with the Spanish...
. When he arrived on February 24, he set up camp on the bluff atop which the house is located, raising the American flag
Flag of the United States
The national flag of the United States of America consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars alternating with rows...
for the first time over the new territory. After Moore moved to a plantation in Washington, Mississippi
Washington, Mississippi
Washington is a small unincorporated town in Adams County, Mississippi, United States, close to Natchez.-History:The town of Washington's namesake is George Washington...
, the house underwent various ownership changes, eventually being sold in 1850 and converted into Natchez High School
Natchez High School
Natchez High School is a public school in Natchez, Mississippi . It is part of the Natchez-Adams School District and serves students in grades nine through twelve.In 2005, it had 1358 students and 73 teachers...
, owned by J.R. Gilreath, before closing in 1878.
Restoration
The house was purchased in 1934 by the Natchez Garden Club and restored, since it was in a dilapidated condition. Architect Richard Koch worked to restore the house, rebuilding collapsing masonry, repairing carpentry and plasterwork, and restoring wood trim, among other things. At the time of the restoration, the house was believed to be a former tavern owned by Patrick Connelly, but later research by the Natchez Garden club revealed that the tavern was actually located one block southeast of the house on Ellicott's Hill.External links
- House on Ellicott's Hill Official Site
- Natchez Pilgrimage Tours - provides tours include House on Ellicott's Hill