Visit Beauvoir: The Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Home
As my wife and I planned a little road trip along the Gulf Coast, I was scouring the internet for things to explore in Mississippi. When I learned about a presidential library in Biloxi, I asked myself, “When was Jefferson Davis president?” I’ll admit… I had to Google it. It’s then that I discovered he was the first and only president of the Confederate States of America. My interest was piqued and Beauvoir – the final home of President Davis – was added to our itinerary.
Beauvoir is more than a historic home. It’s a comprehensive cultural site that blends architecture, history, and heritage. Whether you’re drawn to Civil War history, Southern design, or simply want to explore a unique Gulf Coast landmark, Beauvoir offers a memorable and educational experience for families, history buffs, and curious travelers alike.
If you’re passing through Biloxi, here are a few tips about what you can expect on your visit to Beauvoir.
Jefferson Davis: Why He Was a President
Jefferson Davis served as the President of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865, elected by the Confederate Congress during the Civil War. While his presidency was not part of the United States government, Davis remains a pivotal figure in American history, representing the leadership of the Confederacy during one of the nation’s most defining conflicts. The Presidential Library at Beauvoir preserves his legacy through curated exhibits, personal artifacts, and extensive research collections.
What is Beauvoir?
As you explore the website and map, you’ll notice the property is known as Beauvoir. On the property, you’ll find a southern-style house. Built in 1852, the estate showcases classic Southern antebellum architecture, with its raised cottage design and sweeping porches overlooking the Gulf. Today, Beauvoir is preserved as both a Mississippi Historic Landmark and a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, inviting visitors to step back into the 19th century.
Guided tours of the Beauvoir house run hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing rich insights into the estate’s history and Davis’s life and family.
Hurricane Katrina caused severe damage to the house and its belongings, as well as many items that were on display in the library. The salt water from the Gulf wreaked havoc on some of the items, but the teams worked to restore what they could. Kudos to them on all of their work to preserve the history.
Exploring the Presidential Library
The Jefferson Davis Presidential Library, dedicated in 1998 and rededicated in 2013, spans 24,000 square feet. Inside, visitors will find:
- Military history archives dating back to the American Revolution.
- Genealogy resources covering soldiers and families of the Confederate states.
- Artifacts and documents from the Civil War era, including cartography and legal texts.
Don’t miss the short film in the theater on the first floor. It provides a great overview that will make your visit to Beauvoir and the library that much more meaningful. I encourage you to read the story about the horse statue that welcomes you as you prepare to enter the theater.
There’s also a gift shop on the main floor of the building. This is where you would buy tour tickets, or snag a few souvenirs (pins, history books, etc.) from your visit.
Other Sites on the Beauvoir Property
Beyond the mansion and library, Beauvoir offers a variety of attractions across its 51-acre estate:
- Confederate Memorial Cemetery – resting place of veterans and the Tomb of the Unknown Confederate Soldier.
- Jefferson Davis & Confederate Soldier Exhibit – showcasing artifacts and stories from the Civil War.
- Nature trails and gardens – perfect for a reflective stroll.
- Gift shop – offering flags, literature, clothing, and souvenirs.
- Historic outbuildings and museum spaces – adding depth to the visitor experience.
Visitors can rent a golf cart from the gift shop to use in exploring the grounds. The cemetery is a short 10-minute walk from the visitors center, which isn’t too bad. However, if walking on gravel roadways doesn’t bode well for you, consider renting the golf cart.
If you’re interested in exploring more of Beauvoir’ and the’s 52 acres and some special behind-the-scenes places, book a Presidential Tour. Each tour lasts a minimum of two hours. A Beauvoir expert chauffeurs your group throughout the historic property and show you all the points of interest, including some tidbits unavailable in their regular tours. These tours are scheduled between 9 am-5 pm (with the latest start time at 2:30 pm).
The Details
Address: 2244 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39531
How long to spend: The tour lasts about 45 minutes. Plan on roughly 2-3 hours to visit the house, library, and grounds.
Cost: Adults tickets are $15, while children (6-17 years old) are $7. Children 5 and under, along with Active-Duty Military IN UNIFORM, are free.
Hours: Open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://www.visitbeauvoir.org/
Phone: (228) 388-4400
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