SANKOFA'S PLANTATION DATABASE

Rosswood Plantation

Location: Near Natchez and Vicksburg, MS
Constructed: circa 1857

History: Rosswood was a thriving cotton plantation of 1250 acres, long before the Civil War, with 105 slaves working the fields. The original owner, Doctor Walter Ross Wade, kept a journal that describes his courtship and marriage of Mabella Chamberlain and their plantation life before and during the Civil War. In his journal, Doctor Ross describes parties and balls, the construction of the mansion, a slave revolt, a Civil War battle when the mansion became a hospital, treasure buried and lost, two ghosts, and management of the cotton plantation.

Associated Surnames: Ross, Chamberlain

Associated Free White Names

• Doctor Walter Ross: original owner
• Mabella Chamberlain Ross: wife of Doctor Walter Ross

Associated Black Slave Names

• none found yet

Agriculture

• Cotton: Rosswood was a thriving cotton plantation of 1250 acres

Description of Associated Architecture

• The Rosswood Mansion is a classic Greek revival home of 14 rooms, with 14 foot ceilings, 10 fireplaces, columned galleries, a winding stairway, and original slave quarters. Rosswood is a Mississippi Landmark, and it qualified for the National Register both historically and architecturally.

Research Leads and Plantation Records

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RESOURCES

• Rosswood Plantation (online): http://rosswood.net/index.html