Mississippi

These 5 homes are some of the oldest in Mississippi (Some pre-date the Revolutionary War!)

Published

1 year ago

August 1, 2024

These 5 homes are some of the oldest in Mississippi (Some pre-date the Revolutionary War!)

Standing since the 1700s, these homes offer a look into the lives of people who lived in Mississippi over 200 years ago.

Mississippi is a distinct state in many respects. French explorers landed here in 1699 in what is now Ocean Springs. Before becoming a U.S. territory in 1798 and its admission to the Union as a state in 1817, it was ruled by France followed by Great Britain and Spain.

Not only does that make Mississippi culturally rich, but it also makes it one of the nation’s older states. While the first states were formed in the late 1700s, Arizona and New Mexico didn’t become states until 1912 and Alaska and Hawaii didn’t receive statehood until 1959.

Although the state is vastly different from how it must have been in the early days, there are windows that offer a look into what life was like and examples are the homes they left behind. From homes built in part with oyster shells to some built with squared timbers to others constructed by more modern methods, they reflect an evolution of the state.

While reading this, you may ask, “Why isn’t The Old French House in Biloxi and King’s Tavern in Natchez on the list?” While popular restaurant Mary Mahoney’s, which is in The Old French House, claims it was constructed in 1737, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Heritage Area dates it to around 1835. Other sources don’t support the 1737 date, either.

King’s Tavern was also left off the list. According to the Historic Natchez Foundation, the most recent research dates its construction around 1798 and not the 1769 date which is widely circulated.

So, here’s a look at five of the oldest homes that still stand in Mississippi.

Richmond

Richmond is a grand home in Natchez, but it started life a bit more humble. According to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the central portion was constructed around 1785 and was a raised cottage.

It was purchased by Levin R. Marshall in 1832 and remodeled with additions shortly after and again in 1860. The additions show both Federal and Greek Revival styles making it one of the most interesting mansions in Natchez. It is considered one of the most significant Greek Revival residences in the nation and given its age, may have introduced Greek Revival styling into Natchez architecture.

The home remains in Marshall’s family and tours are available.

More: These trees are among the oldest in MS and some may date back 1,000 years

Mount Locust

Mount Locust was built around 1780. According to NatchezTraceTravel.com, it initially served as an inn on the Old Natchez Trace where travelers could stop for the night. Located near Natchez, it was one of more than 50 such homes along the Natchez Trace and the only one that still exists.

The Natchez Trace was heavily traveled at the time because boats carrying goods down the Mississippi River could not go back upriver. So, crews on the boats had to make their return journey by foot on the Natchez Trace.

Travel on the Natchez Trace went into decline when steamboats came into use on the Mississippi River and Mount Locust became a plantation where cotton was grown and the inn closed.

According to NatchezTraceTravel.com, the house is currently closed to tours, but can be viewed from the grounds.

More: Researchers work to compare lives of Mississippi slaves to how they lived in Liberia

Hope Farm

Hope Farm is also in Natchez and according to the Library of Congress, has a section that was constructed in 1775. It is believed to have been the home of Don Carlos de Grand Pre, the Spanish Commandant of the Natchez District, according to MDAH.

The home is a raised cottage with a low-pitched roof and features large porches on the front and back. It has been remodeled many times, but has retained its character as a structure of the Spanish Provincial period in Mississippi.

The home was heavily damaged by fire in 2023, but according to The Natchez Democrat, was purchased by Laine and Kevin Berry of Our Restoration Nation for restoration.

Dog Trot House

Scotia, or the Dog Trot House, dates back to 1768 according to the Grand Gulf Military Park. It was built in an area of Franklin County known as Scotia and settled by Scotch highlanders the same year.

It is constructed with cypress and pine timbers that were hewn square with broadaxes. Some of the logs measure 52 feet in length. It is held together by dove-tail notches and wooden pegs. No nails were used in its construction. Its name comes from the open area in the center called a “dog trot”.

The two-story design is unusual because most frontier homes were one-story. The top floor was a living area and the bottom floor was a stage stop for travelers.

The home was moved to the Grand Gulf Military Park near Port Gibson in 1974 and can be toured.

LaPointe-Krebs House

Built in 1757, LaPointe-Krebs House in Pascagoula is the oldest modern structure in Mississippi and possibly the most unusual. According to lapointekrebs.org, it is likely the oldest house between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains.

It’s also the only remaining example of “tabby” construction on the Gulf Coast. Tabby is a concrete-like material and was made with burned oyster shells. After firing, the shells were mixed with hot water and dissolved. Sand, ash and unfired shells were added to complete the mix. The mixture was then poured into forms where it hardened and became the 12-inch-thick walls of the home.

An addition was built around 1790 with timber framing and mud mixed with Spanish moss or other fibrous material that was coated with stucco or lime wash after it dried. The house has undergone other changes through the years as well.

The home is now a part of the LaPointe-Krebs House & Museum where tours are offered on weekends.

Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

Want a hippopotamus for Christmas? What MS law says about wild, exotic pets

Published

1 hour ago

December 15, 2025

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Want a hippopotamus for Christmas? What MS law says about wild, exotic pets

Mississippi requires a permit to own certain exotic animals considered “inherently dangerous,” such as hippos, big cats and bears.
Permit applicants must be at least 21, have experience with the species and carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 per animal.
Annual permit costs vary by species, ranging from $75 for canids to $300 for animals like elephants and tigers.
It is illegal in Mississippi to keep wild native species, such as deer or raccoons, as pets.

If you want a hippopotamus for Christmas, there are some hurdles to legal and responsible pet ownership in Mississippi.

There are plenty of exotic species, like birds, reptiles and rodents that are considered safe pets. They can be bought next to cat and dog supplies at pet stores and exotic animal shows.

But some people, only a hippopotamus will do. Baby hippos, like Fiona and Moo Deng, can make the species look cute and, well, manageable. (The same can be said of many species that can grow up to be a menace, like baby big cats.) And as much as the song pleads, a garage isn’t the best home for a hippo hero.

Mississippi has laws about owning pets that are considered inherently dangerous, like monkeys or wild dog species. If you’re planning to get an exotic animal as a pet, it helps to know which animals are on the list. If you want to give an unusual species as a Christmas gift, be sure the new owner can meet the criteria so they won’t end up in a tricky legal situation.

Colt Mooney, Exotic Species Program leader of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said animals on the list aren’t totally banned in a previous interview with the Clarion Ledger. But owners have to apply for a permit and meet several requirements.

And permitting isn’t a one-and-done process. There will be an annual follow up, and it could get expensive over the lifetime of the animal. That’s not even accounting for the costs of specialty veterinary care.

Here’s what to know about which dangerous animals you need a permit for in Mississippi, whether you can own a wild animal native to the Magnolia State and what the permitting process requires and costs.

Can I own an exotic pet in Mississippi?

Yes, but you have to have a permit for certain species, like big cats, bears and primates.

It’s illegal to sell, give, deliver, or transfer an animal on the state’s list of dangerous animals unless the recipient has a permit or is an exempt organization.

“It’s mostly due to their ability to inflict damage if something goes wrong,” Mooney said. “The potential is always there.

“They’re not pets. All it takes is one slip-up, one moment, to cause a life-threatening incident.”

What exotic animals do I need a permit for in Mississippi?

The state defines several animals as “inherently dangerous,” including elephants, rhinoceroses, African buffaloes and, yes, hippopotamuses.

If those sound like large pets, there are plenty of small primates and carnivores on the list too. (Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!)

Carnivoras:

Wolves, including crosses between wolves and domestic animals
Jackals
Dingos
Red dogs
African hunting dogs
Bears (all species)
Wolverines
Hyenas (all species)
Lions
Tigers
Jaguars
Leopards
Cheetahs
Cougars (all sub-species)

Primates:

Gibbons
Orangutans
Chimpanzees
Siamangs
Gorillas
Macaques
Mandrils
Baboons

What do Mississippi exotic animal permits cover?

Each permit is good for one year, according to information from the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. It’s only for the species specified, and a permit is needed for each animal.

At base level, applicants must:

Be at least 21 years old with no convictions involving wildlife offenses or cruelty to animals within the past 3 years
Have 2 years of experience with care and handling of the species or be able to pass a DWFP test on biology, diet, health care and habit needs
Have a plan to quickly and safely capture the animal if it escapes, including how to put it down or kill it if it can’t be caught

Personal permits don’t cover exhibiting the animal, like making money by showing it at a fair or appearing at parties. They must have a full-time caretaker on the grounds where the animal will be kept. Applicants must have a letter from a vet stating that all the owner’s pets are vaccinated and receive yearly care. Proof of liability insurance of $100,000 per animal and up to $1 million is also required.

If your own version of Cousin Eddie wants to start a petting zoo, don’t buy him animals. At least not until he has the permits.

Public zoos have multiple criteria to meet, including being the designated zoo of a town or city and being accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

Zoos and exhibitors must hold a USDA Class “C” Exhibitor’s License. Exhibitors also have other extensive requirements.

Rehabbers and sanctuaries also have conditions. Like they can’t make a profit from exhibiting, breeding or selling the animals. They also must have 501(c)(3) Federal tax-exempt status and meet state and federal permitting requirements.

How much do dangerous animal permits cost in Mississippi?

According to MDWFP, the personal permit cost depends on the type of animal:

Canids (wolves, jackals, etc.): $75
Primates (gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, etc.): $150
All species of bears: $200
Big cats (lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, etc.): $300
Wolverines: $300
Hyenas: $300
Elephants: $300
Rhinoceroses: $300
Hippopotamuses: $300
African buffalo: $300

Exhibitor fees range from $100 for up to 30 days or $300 for up to a year.

How do I apply to get a permit?

Email Colt.Mooney@wfp.ms.gov or call MDWFP at 601-432-2199.

Some organizations, like “public zoos, university research facilities, governmental agencies, exhibitors, and rehabilitation/sanctuary facilities may be exempted from having a permit,” according to the commission. MDWFP or the commission would have to approve the exemption.

Can I keep a wild animal as a pet in Missississippi?

There are several wild animals native to Mississippi, like deer, raccoons and opossums. The state does not allow people to keep wild native species as pets.

“They’re a public resource that’s held in trust by the state, or public, to enjoy,” Mooney said. “It’s the people of Mississippi’s animals.”

Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 14, 2025

Published

14 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 14, 2025

The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 14, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

10-18-19-20-22

Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

Midday: 7-7-0, FB: 6

Evening: 1-8-0, FB: 1

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

Midday: 0-4-0-4, FB: 6

Evening: 3-0-5-9, FB: 6

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

Midday: 02

Evening: 15

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.

Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:

Mississippi Lottery Corporation

P.O. Box 321462

Flowood, MS

39232

If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.

Mississippi Lottery Headquarters

1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100

Flowood, MS

39232

Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.

When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?

Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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