Intersection of State and South Pearl streets
Natchez Trails
Institute Hall was built in 1852-1853 as a public auditorium and a companion building to the Natchez Institute. The contractors were the Weldon Brothers, who used over 100 enslaved craftsmen and whose head draftsman was a slave named John Jackson. Institute Hall hosted most of the entertainments in Natchez until the Temple Opera House was built in 1890. In both buildings, African Americans public sat only in the balcony. Now a United States Federal Courthouse, the building has also been a skating rink, public library, teen canteen, and museum.
Built in 1828-1829, the First Presbyterian Church retains the original clear glass windows and pew doors of its elegantly simple interior. The original slave galleries, or balconies, today provide space for the choir and overflow seating. Stratton Chapel, a rear addition built in 1901, houses an extensive exhibit of historic Natchez photographs in a gallery open to the public.
Before the Civil War, Sunday was market day and even slaves from the countryside would crowd the city to sell their goods. In 1924, the City of Natchez built a new city hall on the site of the columned City Hall and Market, built in 1837. It followed an ancient English custom of placing the city hall over the marketplace. Opposition to the marketplace demolition helped to
spark the local preservation movement.Adams County built a new jail in 1891 that resembles a Queen Anne-style house. Now known as the Old Adams County Jail, the building continued a Natchez tradition of jails designed to resemble private dwellings. During the 1960s, the jail temporarily housed citizens arrested for participating in the Civil Rights movement. The county built a new jail next door in the 1970s and later restored the Old Jail for county offices. The hanging gallows, with a trap door in the floor, remain upstairs.
Erected by City of Natchez.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi - Natchez Trails series list.
Location. 31° 33.544′ N, 91° 24.25′ W. Marker is in Natchez, Mississippi, in Adams County. Marker is at the intersection of South Pearl Street and State Street, on the right when traveling north on South Pearl 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. The First Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); In Gratitude (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); United States Courthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 307 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 29, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. 2. submitted on March 26, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.