Riverview - A Greek Revival Masterpiece of the Old South

In the warm spring of 1847, Colonel Charles McLaran stood on a hill overlooking the bustling river town of Columbus, Mississippi. The successful cotton planter and businessman had a vision - to build the grandest home north of Natchez. As steamboats churned past on the Tombigbee River below, McLaran could already see in his mind the majestic columns and sweeping verandas of his future mansion.

McLaran spared no expense in creating his masterpiece. He hired James S. Lull, a talented architect from Vermont known for his classical designs. Lull had studied the latest architectural pattern books and even traveled to see ancient Greek and Roman temples.