The Best Castles in Mississippi to Visit
From Castle Sherman to Monkey Island Castle at the Jackson Zoo, this is your definitive guide to Mississippi's best castles.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Castles are probably the last things you would expect to see when planning a visit to
Mississippi
, but the state is actually home to several. Some, like Castle Sherman, were built to house families, while others, like Pierce Castle, were built strictly for events. All should be on your bucket list for things to see in Mississippi.Mississippi is home to some of America’s finest architecture, and, yes, even castles are included on that list. Mississippi’s castles offer great locations to host weddings and events, shop for antiques, or even visit some exotic creatures.
To make sure you have everything you need to plan your visit,
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has assembled this guide, which includes the history, location, and instructions for visiting some of Mississippi’s best castles.Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
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Castle Sherman
Address: 1012 West Beach, Pass Christian, MS 39571
Built in: 1921
What is the story of Castle Sherman?
At 67 years old, author, horticulturist, and agriculturist James M. Sherman decided to build a castle. The solid cement steel-reinforced
Castle Sherman
was conceived and nearly completed by Sherman with the help of just one other man.Following Sherman’s death in 1937, his daughter, Jessie Gundlach, moved into the castle with her husband George. The Gundlachs were much loved in the region for their spirit of international hospitality after they opened their home to Korean flight officers stationed at Keesler Air Field, who dubbed the castle the “College of International Friendship” and referred to Jessie as “American Mom.”
To support the local community, the Shermans installed a separate room in the castle for newly formed Boy Scout Troop #211 to have their headquarters and craft rooms.
How to visit Castle Sherman
Sherman Castle is privately owned and unavailable for tours. However, it is included on the
Pass Christian Historical Society’s Scenic Drive list
, which includes historic properties all along Pass Christian’s West Beach and East Scenic Drives.Pierce Castle
Address:5530 Chapel Hill Road, Decatur, MS 39327
Built in: 2008
What is the story of Pierce Castle?
Pierce Castle began as a dream.
When Grover and Margaret Pierce returned home from World War II in 1945, they established a successful farm on the site where the castle now sits. Margaret dreamed of crowning their achievements with a castle on a hill, and in 2008, that dream came true.
Pierce Castle
is constructed on the very hill where Margaret wanted it and is dedicated to Grover and Margaret.How to visit Pierce Castle
Pierce Castle is strictly an event venue and is available by appointment only. Tours are scheduled for potential weddings or party bookings only. To book an appointment for a bridal or party tour, customers should email
piercecastle.ms@gmail.com
or call event coordinator Glenda Brown at 601-745-0994 at least 10 days in advance of your desired tour date. Be sure to call ahead to 979-865-9804 to confirm your dates and let the castle staff know how many lunches to prepare!
Pro Tip GPS systems often direct drivers to incorrect locations. To ensure you arrive at the castle, use thedirections provided on the website.
Castle House
Address: Morton, Mississippi
Built in: 1986
What is the story of Castle House?
The Castle House is a private home in Morton, Mississippi with pretty unassuming roots. But when the owners, Donnie and Darlene Register, added a tower with a 12-foot 19th-century stained glass window in 2003, it became known as the Castle House.
A second tower and additional stained glass windows were added in subsequent years, further establishing the home’s unique castle-like vibe.
How to visit Castle House
Castle House is not currently open to visitors, but visitors interested in learning more about the home can visit its owners at their antique shop,
Castle House Antiques
, at 3016 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216. The Registers specialize in 18th- and 19th-century furniture, clocks, porcelain, stained glass, and decor, as well as 17th- through 19th-century antiquarian leather-bound books.
Monkey Island Castle at the Jackson Zoo
Address: The Jackson Zoo, 2918 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39209
Built in: The 1930s
Zoo schedule: Open Tuesday and Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Zoo admission: $8 for general admission, $5 for kids under 13, free for kids under 2; $2 for all visitors on Tuesdays
What is the story of Monkey Island Castle?
At the center of Jackson Zoo, in the heart of the current alligator exhibit, visitors will encounter something completely unexpected—a castle, complete with turrets and towers. Affectionately known as
Monkey Island Castle
, it was originally built to house the zoo’s monkey exhibit. The monkeys have long since been relocated, but the castle still stands, surrounded by an alligator-filled moat, as a unique testament to the zoo’s history.How to visit Monkey Island Castle
Just go to the Jackson Zoo! The zoo is currently undergoing extensive construction, however, so hours and exhibits are limited.
Liddon Castle (The Cat House)
Address: 804 Webster Street, Corinth, MS 38834
Built in: 1908
What is the story of Liddon Castle?
Built by Benjamin Franklin Liddon as his personal residence,
Liddon Castle
—or The Cat House, as it is affectionately called by locals—is now the private home of Margaret and Richie Mathis, who have lived there since 2013. The Cat House, a sprawling stone home that merges several architectural styles and two turrets—one of which may have housed Mississippi’s first in-home elevator—got its name from Letitia and Norrine Liddon’s love of animals. The women cared for a number of stray cats in the area and even set up a veterinary clinic for the town’s first veterinarian.
According to rumors, Norrine allowed the stray cats free reign of her home and left the castle to the cats when she died. But, like so many small-town rumors, this is untrue. For proof, current owner Margaret Mathis offers this example: “My husband is allergic to cats. If there had been lots of cats in this house, he’d know it.”
The home was, in fact, left to Norrine’s grandson Alan Simmons Lucas and his father, from whom the Mathises purchased the property.
How to visit the Liddon Castle
The home is not currently open to the public for visits, but the Mathises may consider opening it up in the future. Their current plan is to focus on renovations and furnishing, and, according to Margaret, “that’s as far as I know for now.”
McGee’s Castle (aka The Castle of Raymond)
Address: Pine Hill Drive, Raymond, MS
Built in: 1990s
What is the story of McGee’s Castle?
What is now known as The Castle of Raymond started off as a modest A-frame home built by owner William Dale McGee. The lakeside home features a mishmash of architectural styles, including a medieval keep, Gothic-inspired rose windows, and Renaissance chateau-style towers. According to past visitors, the castle even includes a replica of the Knights of the Round Table and a multitude of 18th-century furnishings.
The castle was once used to host a variety of events but has since been reclaimed by current owners as a private residence.
How to visit McGee’s Castle
This is private property, and it is not open for tours or visits.
Pro Tip McGee’s Castle is currently not open to the public for visits or events.
How to get the best car insurance in Mississippi
Castles were originally built for protection, and if you plan to head to Mississippi to visit any of the castles on this list, you need to ensure you’re protected with
a solid car insurance policy.
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