Beauvoir — Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library sits on a broad, oak-shaded lawn along the Gulf of Mexico in Biloxi, Mississippi, and served as the final home of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, from 1877 until his death in 1889. The property is a National Historic Landmark and one of the best-preserved antebellum Gulf Coast estates in the Deep South.
The main house is a white-painted raised cottage built in 1852, designed to capture Gulf breezes through its wide verandas and tall windows. Guided tours take visitors through the principal rooms, which retain period furnishings and personal objects associated with Davis and his wife Varina, who later wrote her memoirs in a garden cottage on the grounds. The tour covers the parlor, library, and master bedroom, offering a detailed account of Davis's post-war life, his writing of 'The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government,' and his complex legacy.
The Presidential Library and museum contains one of the most extensive collections of Confederate-era documents, manuscripts, and artifacts in the South, including Davis's personal correspondence, military commissions, and a permanent exhibition on the Civil War in Mississippi. A separate Soldiers' Rest structure on the grounds commemorates the Confederate veterans who lived at Beauvoir in its final years as an old soldiers' home.
The property was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and underwent an extensive restoration; the rebuilt structures blend sympathetically with the surviving historic fabric. The grounds face the Gulf of Mexico directly across Beach Boulevard (US-90), with views across the Mississippi Sound. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the guided tour and museum.
Good to know
- Hours
- Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Best time
- Morning visits for Gulf breeze on the veranda; avoid summer midday heat
Location
2244 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39531
30.3891, -88.9658 View on map
Highlights
- Guided tours of the 1852 raised cottage where Jefferson Davis spent his final years
- Presidential Library with an extensive collection of Confederate-era documents and personal correspondence
- Wide Gulf-facing verandas and oak-shaded grounds with views across the Mississippi Sound
- Exhibition on the Civil War in Mississippi and Davis's post-war writing career
- Restored soldiers' home structures commemorating Confederate veterans who lived on the estate
Tips for visiting
- Guided tours depart regularly throughout the day; arrive at least 15 minutes before the preferred tour time.
- Morning visits benefit from Gulf breezes on the veranda — afternoon heat in summer can be intense.
- Combine with a visit to the nearby Biloxi Lighthouse (1.5 miles east) for a Gulf Coast half-day.
- The museum is included in the admission price — allow extra time for the Confederate documents collection.
- Free parking is available on the grounds; the site is on US-90 (Beach Blvd) and easy to find.
When to visit
Morning visits in spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and Gulf breezes on the veranda. Summer midday heat on the open grounds can be intense; early morning or late afternoon visits are preferable in July and August.
Accessibility
The ground floor of the main house is accessible via a ramp, though the raised cottage design and some original flooring create uneven surfaces. The museum and library building are fully accessible. Accessible restrooms are available on site.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Beauvoir take?
A guided tour of the house takes approximately 45 minutes. Including the museum, library, and grounds, most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours in total.
Is Beauvoir appropriate for children?
Yes, particularly for families interested in American history. The house tour is engaging for children 8 and older; the grounds with their live oak canopy and Gulf views are pleasant for all ages.
Was Beauvoir damaged by Hurricane Katrina?
Yes, significantly. The 2005 storm heavily damaged several structures on the property. An extensive restoration program was completed in subsequent years; the main house and library are fully restored and open to the public.