Spring
Pilgrimage2026
April 7 – April 19
Historic Home Tours · Special Events · Southern Hospitality
Step into a place where every porch, garden path and historic doorway tells a story.
Explore beautifully preserved homes, timeless architecture and the traditions that shape Columbus today. Along the way, discover special events and experiences that bring each chapter to life.
We are honored to share our story with you this spring. Enjoy the Pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage Calendar
Click any date to expand details. Click tour buttons to jump to tour info.
April 9, 15, 17 · 2:00 – 5:00 PM
White Arches
Circa 1857
Built by Jeptha Vining Harris, White Arches is a striking blend of Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, and Italianate styles, known as “Columbus Eclectic;’ featuring delicate tracery and a three-story octagonal tower. Once home to the scholar and legislator, it showcases walnut bookcases and sits amid beautiful landscaping. It is currently owned by Joanne & Dick Leike.
122 7th Ave S, Columbus, MS
Twelve Gables
Circa 1837
This home is one of Columbus' earliest surviving examples of Greek Revival architecture, known for its distinctive gabled roofline, millwork, and ashlar stone pattern on the facade fashioned after Mt. Vernon. In 1866, it hosted the meeting that inspired Memorial Day, blending architectural beauty with a complex history shaped by both compassion as a refuge for wounded Civil War soldiers and the painful legacy of slavery. It is currently owned by Jace Ferraez & Luke Hodges.
220 3rd St S, Columbus, MS
️The Haven
Circa 1843
Built prior to the Civil War by free men of color Thomas and Isaac Williams, The Haven reflects Low Country style. Restored in 1974 by Frank and Esther Troskey, it now displays artifacts discovered during restoration. It is now owned by Veronica Moody.
315 2nd Ave N, Columbus, MS
April 7, 11, 16 · 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Riverview
Circa 1850
Designed by James Lull for Colonel Charles McLaran, this Greek Revival showpiece features identical facades on 1st and 2nd Streets. A cupola displays stained glass windows symbolizing the four seasons, and a counter-weighted wall can be raised to expand the family dining room to banquet size. Riverview is a National Historic Landmark and it is now owned by Jo Anne & Dick Leike.
514 2nd St S, Columbus, MS
️Colonnade
Circa 1860
This 1860s home was one of the last grand houses to be built in Columbus before the Civil War. It features an asymmetrical entrance. Its fruit-lined pathways, boxwood maze, and blooming flowers reflect the legacy of past gardeners. It is the home of Michelle and Trae Vaughan.
620 2nd St S, Columbus, MS
Cady House
Circa 1849
Built by Colonel William M. Cady, this home is one of the earliest brick homes of its period. Originally a small cottage built in the 1840s, a mid-1850s expansion transformed the house into an Italianate-style house. It is now owned by the John Fields family.
518 College St, Columbus, MS
April 8, 11, 15: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM / April 18: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
️The Amzi-Love Home
Circa 1848
An Italianate home with Gothic and Greek Revival touches, this home has remained in the same family for seven generations. Currently, it is owned by Sid Caradine-a descendent of Amzi Love and his wife Brenda-founder of the Tennessee Williams Tribute. The home showcases original furnishings and artifacts. Open for over 75 years, this is Amzi-Love Home's final Pilgrimage!
305 7th St S, Columbus, MS
Stephen D. Lee Home & Museum
Circa 1847
Architect James Lull created a classical design for Major Thomas Blewett. The home was inherited by Blewett’s granddaughter Regina Harrison Lee, wife of Civil War General Stephen D. Lee. Restored in 1960 by the Lowndes County Historical Society, the home showcases original furnishings, an extensive Civil War collection, and houses the Florence McLeod Hazard Local History Museum.
316 7th St N, Columbus, MS
Snowdoun
Circa 1854
Built by Governor James Whitfield. Snowdoun is known for its rare octagonal design and distinctive two-story portico with fluted octagonal columns. The home's original octagonal cupola was lost to a fire in 1919 and later replaced with a gable style. Local legend recalls Jefferson Davis addressing supporters from Snowdoun's balcony in 1856-while still in his nightshirt. The home is owned by Kay Oxley.
906 3rd Ave, Columbus, MS
April 10, 16, 18: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM / April 14: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Wisteria Place
Circa 1854
Dating from 1854, Wisteria Place is a Greek Revival gem with six columns, Venetian glass accents, and a cantilevered staircase. In 1883, a newspaper declared visiting Columbus without seeing it akin to leaving Washington without visiting the Capitol. It is currently owned by John Carr & Billy Cox.
524 8th St N, Columbus, MS
Magnolia Hill
Circa 1832
Built by Thomas McGee, Magnolia Hill is a notable example of Columbus' raised-cottage architecture, overlooking the historic Military Road. Unlike other raised cottages, its upper level features log construction clad in clapboard siding. The home reflects a blend of Federal and Greek Revival styles, with its west facade largely unchanged. Home of the Andrew McLarty family.
1106 12th St N, Columbus, MS
️Berry-Scott Home
Circa 1843
This Greek Revival cottage was once a country farm but now lies within the city limits, and is home to the Clifton Scott family. It features a hipped roof, widow’s walk, and double-columned porch, with a 1920s renovation connecting the original detached kitchen.
2009 Bluecutt Rd, Columbus, MS
April 9, 15, 18 · 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Chandler-Beckett
Circa 1830
Step into history at this 1830s home of Gray and Maria Chandler, a prominent landowner, lawyer, and cotton broker. Retaining its original floors, doors, and windows, this home features marble eyed mantles, intricate wood graining, and a detached kitchen. Currently being restored by its owner Joe Beckett, it boasts the original "two-over-two" house plan with a basement housing the original service area.
505 7th St S, Columbus, MS
Shadowlawn
Circa 1848
Towering columns and charming Italianate and Gothic accents clearly identify as “Columbus Eclectic.” The house features examples of teh elegant Victorian lifestyle. Shadowlawn's 2001 restoration was featured on HGTV's Old Homes Restored. Located by The W, Shadowlawn's owner Burnette Avakian welcomes overnight guests in its bed and breakfast.
1024 College St, Columbus, MS
April 8, 10, 12 · 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Waverley
Circa 1852
Step into the allure of Waverley, a National Landmark built in 1852 by Colonel George Hampton Young. This home features an octagonal cupola, self-supporting stairways, and a gas-fired chandelier. It was recently beautifully restored by its current owners, Dana and Charlie Stephenson.
1852 Waverley Mansion Rd, Columbus, MS
Bryn Bella
Circa 1848
Originally part of the William Cox family plantation, Bryn Bella once sat on 5,000 acres and was designed to be both functional and beautiful. This traditional pre-civil war home still features many of its original comforts, including 15-foot ceilings, transoms over doors, 12 fireplaces, and and five porches. Now surrounded by 500 acres, Bryn Bella blends historic charm with modern amenities, making it an ideal gathering place for friends and family of owners Chrissy and Keith Heard.
1822 Stinson Creek Rd, Columbus, MS
April 9, 14, 17 · 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ridge House
Circa 1835
Originally built in 1835 on a plot in historic downtown Columbus. This home was later moved to its present location in 1972. It has been lovingly restored by its current owner, John Klosterman, in a manner that celebrates the past and present with old world styling and modern amenities.
571 Ridge Rd, Columbus, MS
️Kidd's Tavern
Circa 1826
Built by Mr. Thomason, this home once served as a tavern and stagecoach stop during the frontier era. Later, the Wood family used it as a seminary for Cumberland Presbyterian preachers. The Aaron Lorenz family now resides in this historic home. This year, we celebrate Kidd's Tavern being 200 years old!
8439 Hwy 12 E, Columbus, MS
The Story Continues: Spring Events & Celebrations
Catfish in the Alley
A beloved Columbus tradition celebrating the culture, music, and flavors of the historic Catfish Alley district. Live music, local food, and community spirit.
Learn More →Tales from the Crypt
An unforgettable evening of guided storytelling through historic Friendship Cemetery. Hear the tales of Columbus's past come alive under the evening sky.
Learn More →Kidd's Tavern 200th Birthday Celebration
Join us in celebrating two centuries of history at one of Columbus's most iconic landmarks. A milestone event you won't want to miss.
Buy Tickets →Stella Shouting Contest
Channel your inner Stanley Kowalski at this spirited and playful tradition. Step up and let your voice ring through the streets of Columbus.
Gilbert Bryan Lecture Series
A distinguished lecture series exploring the rich history, preservation efforts, and cultural legacy of Columbus and the surrounding region.
Blue Bonnet Trailblazer 5K Challenge
The race will be held at the beautiful Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center located high above the Tombigbee river with gentle hills and riverside paths.
Learn More →Experience the Storybook South
Join us in Columbus this April for two weeks of history, culture, and Southern hospitality at its finest. Be the first to hear about upcoming events, local favorites and travel inspiration from The Storybook South.