Beauvoir—The Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library

Beauvoir—The Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library is off I-110; take US 90 (Beach Blvd.) 5.5 mi. w. to 2244 Beach Blvd. This 1852 estate was the last home of Jefferson Davis, West Point graduate, Mississippi State Senator, Congressman, Secretary of War and the only President of the Confederate States of America. The Davis family sold the estate in 1902 to the Mississippi division of the United Sons of Confederate Veterans with the stipulation that it be used both as a memorial to Jefferson Davis and a home for Confederate Veterans, wives and widows.

The estate has been meticulously restored to its former grandeur after being almost completely destroyed in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. The Louisiana single-story summer cottage is situated on 52 picturesque acres; furnishings are mostly original pieces. The extravagant interior looks much as it did when the Davis family lived in the house.

The Jefferson Davis Presidential Library features a research library, a museum and a gallery housing rotating exhibits. The Jefferson Davis Soldiers' Home Cemetery on the grounds contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Confederate States of America; the grave of Jefferson Davis' father, Samuel Emory Davis; and the graves of 780 Confederate Veterans, wives and widows.

Guided tours are available. Picnicking is permitted. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.