Intersection of Washington and South Commerce streets
Natchez Trails
The present Temple B'nai Israel, built in 1904, replaced an 1870s temple that burned (pictured above). Both reflect the success of Jewish merchants after the Civil War. Jews lived in Natchez as early as the late 1700s, but their numbers grew in the 1840s from large waves of immigration from France and Germany. The Jewish population was fully involved in the economic, social, and civic life of Natchez.
Jewish women served on the board of the Protestant Orphan Asylum and other charitable organizations. They joined the garden clubs and played roles in building the city's heritage tourism economy. Jane Wexler, daughter of a prominent Jewish family, served as queen of the Spring Pilgrimage tour season in 1935.
Natchez elected a Jewish mayor, Isaac Lowenburg (far left), in 1882. He was a German immigrant who came to Natchez during the Civil War as a contract merchant with the Union Army and stayed to become a successful businessman. To his right stands Jewish businessman Cassius Tillman, who served as county sheriff, treasurer, and school board member.
Built in 1822, Trinity Episcopal Church is the oldest church building in Natchez. Before the Civil War, the families of many of the richest cotton planters filled the pews. Later additions to the building include
stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany and John LaFarge. Next to the church is Kuehnle Hall, constructed in 1886 and named for the Rev. Joseph H. Kuehnle, rector from 1914 to 1946.Glen Auburn is Mississippi's grandest example of the French Second Empire style, known for its distinctive mansard roof. The 1870s home of Christian Schwartz is symbolic of the rise of the merchant class, which replaced the slave-owning planter class in influence and wealth in Natchez after the Civil War.
Erected by City of Natchez.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi - Natchez Trails series list.
Location. 31° 33.472′ N, 91° 24.245′ W. Marker is in Natchez, Mississippi, in Adams County. Marker is at the intersection of South Commerce Street and Washington Street, on the right when traveling south on South Commerce Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Natchez MS 39120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Temple B'Nai Israel (a few steps from this marker); Richard Wright (a few steps from this marker); Trinity Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of
Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 354 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 22, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.