McRaven Tour Home

Beyond the threshold of this remarkable building in Vicksburg, the authentic history of the Southern states comes to life. The McRaven Tour Home is not just a historical monument, but a true "time capsule," as National Geographic magazine aptly called it. Built in 1797, it combines architectural styles from different eras, from rugged pioneer construction to elegant Greek Revival.

Today, this house in the USA functions as a unique museum, fully furnished with authentic 19th-century antiques. Here, you can see the everyday life of wealthy Americans of the past in minute detail, including rare interior items and traces of the dramatic events of the Civil War on the estate's walls. Its preservation and status as one of Vicksburg's most visited sites make it a must-see on any traveler's itinerary.

McRaven Tour Home has also gained worldwide fame for its mysterious atmosphere and features on popular Travel Channel television shows. Strolling through its rooms or the three-acre shaded garden, you will feel an unbreakable connection across time that has been preserved here despite all historical storms.

For more details before your visit, you can use the following contact information. Please note that it is recommended to contact the administration in advance for booking special tours.

The main reason to visit McRaven is for the 45-minute historical tours. Professional guides will lead you through rooms representing different centuries, show you the famous "pioneer kitchen," and share stories of the families who lived here. You can get a close-up look at the 124 bullet holes in the parlor—silent witnesses to the fierce battles for the city.

For those looking for a thrill, 75-minute "ghost" tours are held on weekends. Guides in theatrical costumes tell stories of paranormal phenomena and legends associated with the home's former inhabitants. The program includes a visit to the garden, which was used as a field hospital during the war years.

In addition to the tours, you can take stunning photographs against the backdrop of antique furniture and century-old trees. The house's atmosphere is so cinematic that it has frequently served as a filming location for documentary projects about ghosts and American history, such as Ghost Adventures.

McRaven Tour Home is conveniently located at 1445 Harrison St in Vicksburg. If you are traveling through the state by car, the easiest way to reach it is via Interstate 20 (I-20). The drive from the nearest major airport, Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International, takes approximately one hour.

For those already in the city center or visiting the National Military Park, the walk to the house takes about 15–20 minutes. While public transportation in the city is limited, you can always use a taxi or a rental car, with parking available on-site.

The history of this site began in 1797, when Andrew Glass built a modest station for pioneers on the famous Natchez Trace. At that time, the building consisted only of a kitchen and one room above it, which is known today as the "pioneer section" of the house.

In 1849, the new owner John H. Bobb significantly expanded the building, adding Greek Revival features and transforming it into a luxurious mansion. However, peaceful life was interrupted by the Civil War: during the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863, the house was at the heart of the conflict. It served as a field hospital and a Confederate camp, and its walls still bear 124 bullet holes and marks from artillery shells.

After the war, Bobb's daughters, Ella and Annie Murray, lived in seclusion in the house for decades, which allowed the interiors to remain in their original state until the mid-20th century. It was only in 1961, after a careful restoration, that McRaven opened its doors to the general public, and it was later listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

To fully appreciate the house and its history, it is recommended to set aside 1 to 2 hours. A standard historical tour lasts about 45 minutes, but you will likely want to leave time to explore the three acres of picturesque gardens and study the antiques in detail.

If you plan to attend the evening "ghost tour," allow an additional 75 minutes. The best option is to arrive an hour and a half before closing to leisurely enjoy the atmosphere of this historic estate.

McRaven Tour Home welcomes visitors according to the following schedule: Monday through Thursday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM; on Friday and Saturday, the doors are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Special evening tours dedicated to ghost legends typically begin at 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM from Friday to Sunday. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the official website before your visit, as operating hours may vary by season.

Vicksburg is a city with a rich heritage, so a visit to McRaven Tour Home should be combined with a stroll through its surroundings. This will allow you to look even deeper into the region's dramatic history and see other architectural landmarks.

Within walking distance or a short drive, you will find iconic memorials and historic estates that create the unique character of the Old South.