The Gardenia
The Gardenia fell into ruins before the war broke out. This old estate hasn’t been operational in some time. No one from the family has stepped forward to claim the land and as such, it’s currently on record as abandoned. The estate also has a reputation for spooky happenings and none of the locals have seemed eager to buy the land that the Gardenia rests upon.
Masonic Lodge #56
Masonic Lodge #56 was built in 1850. During the war, many of the local area Masons served as surgeons and were part of a gentleman’s group known as the Gentleman of the White Apron. These gentleman were known for their philanthropy towards the injured for both the United and Confederate States.
The Protestant Ladies’ Academy of Rodney, Mississippi
In 1832, the Presbyterian church was expanding in the South and it needed a piece of property in which to hold services. The abandoned mission was an ideal location. The church elected to utilize the facility completely, by opening a college for women- the first of its kind in the South. The college opened to its first class of students in 1838. Coursework included studies in religion, art, languages, history, natural science, and agriculture.
As the Confederacy and the Union fell into war, many colleges across the nation closed and campuses were utilized as hospitals, forts, and outposts. The Rodney Women’s Academy was one of only two institutions within Confederate borders that catered to women and remained open during the war. As a result, women flocked to Rodney in the pursuit of education.
Rodney Review and Press
The Rodney Review is the local source of news and information for the town. The town newspaper is operated by Mr. Paxton Summers. The town is also happy to be hosting acclaimed author Cole Sear. Sear’s dime novels and adventure shorts are captivating audiences across North America and points beyond.
Taylor Plantation
The Taylor plantation was bought by Zachary Taylor in 1842. Taylor’s daughter Sara eloped with Confederate President, Jefferson Davis, on the plantation property in 1865.
Town Cemetery
The town cemetery is a historical landmark in Rodney. It has grave sites that date back to the Revolutionary War.
Under the Hill
Rodney is situated on top of a hill. Cargo that comes into town must be loaded onto the Bluff City Railroad and hauled to the top of the hill. Less desirable citizens often reside in the area near the docks as the base of the railroad. Under the Hill has earned a reputation for being the Sodom of the South for its brothels, gambling establishments, and saloons.
Windsor Plantation
The Windsor mansion house was built from 1859-1861 by slave laborers along with woodworkers from New England. Before the mansion house was completed, the owner died. Through the war, Confederate soldiers used the roof of the home as an observation deck to watch traffic along the Mississippi River. After the Battle of Port Gibson, the mansion house was used as a hospital. Now that the war is over, the land has returned to the Windsor’s, but the property is one of many that is in debt to the United States as part of the war restitution.