Unlike any other site in the world, the Windsor Ruins truly are nothing short of magnificent. All that remain of what was once one of the most impressive home in Mississippi, the ruins are hauntingly beautiful. Having played significant roles throughout history in everything from war to literature, the story behind Windsor is almost as magnificent as the site itself.

The Windsor Ruins are located about 10 miles southwest of Port Gibson. A bit off the beaten path, the ruins are located at the end of a gravel road off of Highway 552.

The ruins are all that remain of what was the largest Greek Revival mansion in Mississippi.

Windsor was situated in the middle of a 2,600-acre plantation owned by Smith Coffee Daniell, II.

Completed in 1861, the massive mansion took over 2 years to build. Sadly, Daniell passed away only a few weeks after the home was finished.

Construction costs totaled $175,000, which is equivalent to $3.5 million in today’s economy. Sparing no expense, Windsor included 25 fireplaces (one for each room), a fourth floor ballroom, rooftop observatory, and indoor plumbing.

The exterior of the four-story mansion featured 29 columns with iron Corinthian capitals, ornate cast iron balustrades, and a rooftop cupola.

The cupola was used by both Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War as an observation post. Following the war, it was used by Mark Twain to observe the Mississippi River. He later wrote about his time at Windsor in "Life on the Mississippi."

Windsor met its demise on February 17, 1890, when a fire broke out and destroyed the home, leaving behind only 23 columns, the cast iron entrance stairs (now located at Oakland Memorial Chapel), and a few pieces of cast iron balustrade. Although not known for sure, it is believed the fire was started by a party guest who dropped a cigar.

Even though people have been visiting the ruins for decades, the home’s original appearance remained a mystery until 1990, when a sketch of Windsor resurfaced. The sketch (pictured above) was drawn by a Union officer in 1863. As of today, it is one of the only known images of Windsor from before it was destroyed.

Throughout the years, the ruins have attracted locals, tourists, and even movie producers. Several movies have been filmed at the Windsor Ruins. One of the most notable films is Raintree County, which starred Elizabeth Taylor.

The ruins remained in the Daniell family until 1974, at which time the site was donated to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. In 1985, the ruins were named a National Historic Landmark.

Ready to see this impressive site for yourself? The Windsor Ruins are open to the public every day during daylight hours and can be viewed free of charge. For more information and directions to Windsor, click here.

While the most popular, the ruins of Windsor are not the only ruins in the state. Learn more about these impressive sites of yesteryear in "These 8 Unbelievable Ruins In Mississippi Will Transport You To The Past."