“After war clouds rolled away it was restored to its owner in a ruined condition. Generations have passed over its threshold loving it as a living being. The sons of the family bravely answered their country’s call to arms and returned with untarnished records. Many brides have left its loving care. The mystery of life, birth and death have hallowed its walls with pride and sorrow. “We relinquish our ownership rights into other hands; our escutcheon unsullied by debt or shame. “We rejoice that it will be again a loved home, and may the happiness of the Walworth name continue to follow and bless the present owners.” _Choctaw_ [Illustration: Choctaw] Such dilapidated grandeur cannot be found in all the country around as one beholds at Choctaw. “Built to endure and determined not to fall” seems to ring from every stone and pillar of this gigantic old mansion. Once it was the center of a city block but now on the busy corner of Wall and High streets traffic of every sort brushes its very door. Because this property was so long owned and occupied by a Natchez philanthropist, Alvarez Fisk, “Choctaw” is known far and wide as the “old Fisk home”. This stately example of classic architecture was built by one Sarah Neibert. Records show that it was deeded to Alvarez Fisk about 1840. Fisk was born in Massachusetts in 1788. During the early 90’s Choctaw was used as “Stanton College for Women”, and many Natchez women were educated there. Time and decay have had their turn at Choctaw. The great stone pillars stand proudly, and boldly present a magnificent front; exquisite fanlights adorn the great doors which were built extra wide to accommodate the hoopskirted ladies of early days; walls and lofty ceilings stand in sturdy defiance of wind and rain and vandalism, and yet the crumbling corners, the tumbling formal entrance, and the rundown appearance of Choctaw produce a feeling of solemn sadness. The foundation and walls of Choctaw are firm, and the day may come when this old palace will be restored to its former beauty and glory. _Concord_ [Illustration: Concord] “Concord” was built in 1788 by Don Gayoso de Lemos, representative in the Natchez Territory of the King of Spain. The name, “Concord”, was chosen because the Governor felt that this word expressed the status of his people living in peace and amity. The dwelling was two-and-a-half stories. The lower floor was of brick and the upper portion was frame. There was a driveway beneath the long flight of steps at the front entrance. The house was richly furnished with importations from Spain. A few years ago “Concord” was destroyed by fire and Natchez lost an intriguing landmark. Today the handsome iron-railed outside double stairway marks the spot that was once the ruling center of government, and the social hub during the colorful days of the Spanish regime.