Johnson & McCallum Houses, 210-212 State Street, Natchez, Adams County, MS

Significance: William Johnson, a successful free black man in antebellum Natchez, built this substantial brick townhouse in 1840-41 as a commercial property and primary residence. Within this building, Johnson maintained a diary documenting his life, his business enterprises, social relationships, and status in the Natchez community. This significant document is the first known complete diary to chronicle the life of a free black person in the antebellum South. With Greek Revival details typical of business and residential buildings from the 1820's to 1860's, this house represents Johnson's aspirations within the community. Although the original use of the first floor is not known, it is clear that the second floor was the primary residential space, and the children probably slept in the attic. The two-story kitchen building was constructed in the 1890's to replace a one-story kitchen. Johnson's family members owned and lived in this building until 1975. The first floor has been removed and archeological excavations reveal foundations and brick flooring from an earlier structure on the site.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N109
Survey number: HABS MS-270