Aldan Hall
Built by lawyer, John Shelby Topp, brother to the builder of Rosedale, the home originally was a federal structure of two rooms over two with a central stair hall. The transom and sidelights around the double front doors upstairs and down could be removed easily to facilitate air circulation. James Sykes bought the house in 1854, enlarged it, and added the Greek Revival portico with two fluted octagonal columns. The home was lovingly preserved in the 1980s by Wayne Bryan and enlarged in 2020 by his wife Betty.
Stephen D. Lee
Built by James Lull for Maj. Thomas Blewett. The home was inherited by his granddaughter, Regina Harrison Lee, wife of Stephen D. Lee. Lee was a Civil War general, first president of Mississippi State University, and friend of presidents. McKinley handed him an appointment, Roosevelt ordered flags to half-mast upon his death, and Taft asked to visit his home on his stop in Columbus. The home contains many original furnishings and houses the Florence McLeod Hazard Local History Museum.
Spotlight on Preservation, Architectural Tour- The Haley Reeves Home
Have you ever wondered what it takes to preserve an historic home?
Here’s your chance to talk to a homeowner, historians, and preservation experts.
Built for Gray and Marie Chandler, prominent and wealthy citizens of early Columbus, who were credited with many philanthropic projects from providing funds to build St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to opening their home as a hospital during the Civil War. In the early twentieth century, a Craftsman-style front porch was added to the house, rendering the charming Federal front nearly unrecognizable. The interior of the home has been left in almost its original state; now undergoing extensive restoration, the earliest paint colors and materials are visible. Step back in time as you explore the bare bones of a 180+ year-old structure and look forward to visiting again to see the house sparkle after being restored to its splendid original style. In addition to learning about the history of this home, guests on this tour will have access to a preservation expert from Mississippi State University who will answer questions pertaining to historic home restoration from building materials to relevant tax deductions, and more.