The first institution of higher education in Mississippi, Historic Jefferson College, opened in 1811 as a preparatory school and became a college in 1817. Closed during the Civil War, it reopened as a prep school in 1866, remaining open until 1964. Now restored and operated by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the site includes several buildings, exhibits, and a nature trail.
Location: Visitors approaching Natchez, Mississippi, on Highway 61 will pass through the town of Washington. Signs will give directions to the entrance. Open Monday—Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.