The Windsor Ruins are easily one of Mississippi’s most recognizable sites. Though just a shell of the grandeur that once existed, the ruins are undeniably mesmerizing – a notion that wasn’t lost on the creators of Raintree County, a 1957 film starring none other than Elizabeth Taylor. Read on to learn more about the famous ruins, and be sure to check out the vintage footage at the end of the article.
The Windsor Ruins is all that remains of what was the “largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion ever built in Mississippi.”
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Located near Port Gibson, the ruins consist of just 23 Corinthian columns.
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Construction on Windsor began in 1859 and was finished in 1861. Once complete, the Windsor plantation encompassed more than 2,600 acres!
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
Perhaps cursed from the start, Windsor’s original owner, Smith Daniell II, only lived in the mansion for a few weeks before succumbing to an untimely death.
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Unlike many mansions of the time, Windsor survived the Civil War unscathed. However, in 1890, it burned to the ground after a party guest left a lit cigar on the upper balcony.
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Even though it’s just the towering columns that remain, Windsor’s splendor is undeniable.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
The majestic setting is practically made for the big screen, so it makes sense that it was chosen as the backdrop for portions of Raintree County.
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In addition to Elizabeth Taylor, the 1957 film starred Montgomery Clift. Windsor Ruins isn’t the only Mississippi site featured in the movie, though.
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Portions of Raintree County were also filmed at Dunleith and Elms Court antebellum mansions in Natchez.
YoungJ1010/Wikimedia Take a peek at the vintage footage below.
Remember, you can explore this incredible piece of history for yourself. Windsor Ruins is open every day during daylight hours. There is no fee to visit.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
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Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
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Take a peek at the vintage footage below.
Address: Rodney Road, Port Gibson, MS, 39150
So, did you know about this movie? Ever visited Windsor Ruins? If so, what’d you think? Know of another majestic site worth a visit? Tell us in the comments section.
There are plenty of other Mississippi sites that made their way to the big screen. Read about a few of them here.
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