Rowan Oak
Mississippi
Rowan Oak is a Greek Revival style historic house located in Oxford, Mississippi, famously known as the home of William Faulkner from 1930 until his death in 1962. Originally built in 1844 for Robert B Sheegog, the property features a primitive Greek Revival architecture and is surrounded by 33 acres of landscaped grounds and woods. Faulkner purchased the house when it was in disrepair and named it "Rowan Oak," symbolizing peace, security, strength, and solitude, despite the absence of those specific trees on the property. During his residency, Faulkner made significant renovations including modern plumbing, electricity, and architectural additions such as terraces, porches, and a private office where he wrote parts of his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel *A Fable*. The house preserves 90% of its original furnishings and offers visitors an intimate look into Faulkner's private world and creative environment. Operated by the University of Mississippi since 1972, Rowan Oak is open year-round and serves as a monument to Faulkner’s literary legacy, attracting numerous literary figures and visitors worldwide. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
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Consejo: Visit Rowan Oak during weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid crowds, especially since only 40 guests are allowed inside the house at one time. No tour reservations are needed for individual visitors, but groups of 10 or more should arrange tours at least two weeks in advance. Admission discounts are available for children under 12, University of Mississippi students, faculty, staff, and museum members. Photography for personal use is permitted after paying admission, but flash photography inside the house is prohibited. Pets are welcome on the grounds but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Avoid major holidays and Easter Sunday when the house is closed.
Datos interesantes
- •The name "Rowan Oak" combines the symbolic meanings of the Scottish rowan tree (peace and security) and the live oak (strength and solitude), though neither tree species grows on the property.
- •Faulkner wrote the outline of his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel *A Fable* on the walls of his private office in Rowan Oak.
- •The property includes antebellum-era features such as a slave dwelling, a post oak barn, and an alley of Eastern Red Cedar trees, which were historically believed to purify the air of yellow fever.
- •Rowan Oak has hosted many renowned writers and artists, including John Updike, Salman Rushdie, Alice Walker, and the Coen brothers.
- •The original curator discovered a large number of Faulkner's manuscripts hidden in a closet under the stairs.
Historia
Built in 1844 for Irish immigrant Robert B Sheegog, Rowan Oak originally featured an L-shaped layout with a central hall connecting key rooms and a quarter-turn staircase to the second floor.
The property changed ownership to the Bailey family in 1872, who added modern amenities such as an indoor kitchen, porch, and bathroom around the turn of the 20th century.
After being vacant for seven years, William Faulkner purchased the house in 1930, renaming it Rowan Oak.
He made numerous renovations and additions throughout the 1930s and 1950s, enhancing both the structure and interior.
The University of Mississippi acquired the property in 1972 and has preserved it as it was at Faulkner's death in 1962.
Rowan Oak was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
Guía del lugar
The Faulkner Office1951
This private office was added by Faulkner in 1951 and served as his writing sanctuary during the last decade of his life. Here, he penned outlines and drafts of major works, including his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel *A Fable*. The walls bear the marks of his creative process.
Antebellum Features1844
The property retains several original antebellum structures and features, including a slave dwelling, a post oak barn, and an alley of Eastern Red Cedar trees lining the driveway, historically believed to purify the air.
Greek Revival Architecture1844 (original), 1930s (renovations)
Rowan Oak exemplifies primitive Greek Revival architecture with its L-shaped layout, central hall, and parlor and dining rooms. Faulkner added terraces with balustrades and a porte-cochère during his renovations, blending historic style with modern updates.
The Grounds and Bailey Woods
The house sits on four landscaped acres and is surrounded by 29 acres of woods known as Bailey Woods. The grounds are pet friendly and include gardens and walking paths that reflect the historic landscape.
Contacto
Teléfono: (662) 234-3284
