The Towers Historic House & Gardens (Gardenia Cottage): Early Owners a Mystery

801 Myrtle Ave.Natchez, MS

Circa 1798.

Image from Visit Natchez

The first owners of The Towers historic home area unknown. The original home was constructed in West Indies style in 1798 and later restored as Greek Revival house. Two towers had capped the ends of the original home. It was built over three different time periods. In 1826, an addition was put on in Neo-Classical style with a row of square columns completely circling the home.

Then in 1858, W. C. Chamber purchased the home and an enormous Italian Villa-Renaissance Revival facade was added and third story rooms were added at the ends to appear as towers. 

\In the 1920s, a devastating fire destroyed much of the second story. 

A 1927 fire on second floor (north tower) caused major damage. That year, the other tower was demolished. They remained so for most of the century!

For most of the twentieth century, evidently the site stood damaged. In 2006 Ginger and James Hyland acquired the property. They restored both towers and have opened the home to tours. Ginger has ties to Natchez, and the couple moved from California to showcase her antique collectibles in a historic home. She had been a renowned horse trainer and was the first woman president of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame &Museum.

Ginger is president of the Natchez Pilgrimmage Homeowners Association.

Sources: 

Natchez Images 1880-1960, 2002

https://www.thetowersofnatchez.com/history

https://blog.crowncruisevacations.com/the-towers-in-natchez-to-get-new-towers-on-landmark-mansion/