Rosalie Mansion

Owned, operated, and maintained since 1938 by the Mississippi State Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Home of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a unique collection of children's dolls and toys made from cloth and porcelain.

History

In 1716 the French built a fort on the bluffs of Natchez. It was named Rosalie in honor of the Duchess of Ponchartrain. In 1820 Peter Little, a native of Pennsylvania, purchased a portion of that land on which to build his home. He decided to keep the name Rosalie in honor of the fort and its settlers. He also purchased large areas of land in Louisiana.

Back in 1816 Eliza helped found the Natchez Children's Home; many of those children found a loving home at Rosalie. They also raised Peter's niece after his sister's death. By all accounts, Peter and Eliza remained deeply devoted to each other throughout their 45 year marriage. Eliza Little died in 1853 of yellow fever. Three years later Peter died without a valid will, forcing an auction of the estate.

In 1857 Mr. And Mrs. Andrew Wilson acquired the house. The Wilson's had never had any children of their own and, like the Littles, they took orphaned children into their home. They became especially close to one of the girls, Fannie McMurtry. To the Wilsons she was their true daughter. Fannie married Capt. Stephen Rumble in the parlors of Rosalie on August 2, 1866. Rosalie became their home for the rest of their lives. All 6 of their children were born at Rosalie. In 1938 Miss Annie, daughter of Stephen and Fannie McMurtry, sold Rosalie to the Mississippi State Society DAR. Miss Rebecca and Miss Annie continued to live at Rosalie and give daily tours. In 1958 after 101 years of life at Rosalie for the Wilson/Rumble families, Miss Annie, the last of the descendants, passed away.

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