It stands solitary on the only elevation far and wide: a towering white house, surrounded by a few ancient trees. Endless fields stretch out all around, and a road passes by far away. Mont Helena is a house in Colonial style, built on a ceremonial Native American mound in the Mississippi Delta. In 1896, Helen Johnstone Harris and her husband George Harris constructed it as their "retirement home" on the property Helen had inherited – a place to escape the world.
A tragic fire
After the house was completed, the Harris family had their furniture transported by train from their previous home in Madison, Mississippi. Fortunately, the furniture was still on the train when a fire completely destroyed the newly built house. The American fighting spirit awakened: undeterred, Helen and George immediately began rebuilding.
Mont Helena was built for the second time – a historic mansion in Colonial style near Rolling Fork, Mississippi. After more than 120 years, it stands as a testament to history, love, and tragedy.
Since Helen Johnstone Harris and her husband, Reverend George Harris, moved in in 1896, the house has stood on the ancient Native American ceremonial mound. It combines architectural splendor with deep historical roots in American history that reach far back.
The History of Mont Helena
The property on which Mont Helena stands was originally acquired by Helen’s father, who named it "The Helen Place" in honor of his daughter. Tragically, he passed away shortly after acquiring it. Helen's life was marked by deep sorrow; however, in 1855 she met Henry Vick after a carriage accident.
They fell deeply in love and planned to marry on her 20th birthday. But tragedy struck again: Henry was killed in a duel just days before their wedding. Bound by his promise to Helen never to kill anyone in a duel, Henry fired into the air – but his opponent did not hesitate. Devastated, Helen mourned as the "Bride of Annandale," wearing her wedding dress and black veil at his midnight burial.
Years later, Helen married George Harris, a clergyman, and had three children – although their firstborn died in infancy. Misfortune continued to follow Helen. Mont Helena became her sanctuary, where she spent her later years surrounded by memories of joy and sorrow.
Architectural Significance
Today, Mont Helena is an impressive example of Colonial Revival architecture. Designed using plans from George F. Barber's Modern Dwellings, the mansion features symmetrical facades and classical details. Its unique location atop an ancient mound lends it a mystical and significant atmosphere. The house has been mentioned in books such as The Majesty of the Mississippi Delta and Buildings of Mississippi, underscoring its cultural importance.
George Barber was an American architect known for his house plans in Victorian Queen Anne style. In its early years, Mont Helena was considered one of the most prestigious homes in the Delta. A steep wooden staircase led from the base of the hill up to the broad veranda. Ionic columns supported a portico with a balustrade above it. Bay windows with intricate tracery, an entrance hall, numerous dormer windows, and tall brick chimneys contributed to its imposing façade.
A private Chapel
From the ground floor, one entered a hallway that extended across the entire length of the house. From there, one could access formal parlors, a dining room, and a library. In the front parlor stood a massive pine staircase leading to a broad landing and then to the second floor.
A Palladian window with Gothic arches adorned this level – where Dr. Harris' private chapel was also located. He conducted many baptisms and weddings there. Seven bedrooms with coal fireplaces and heavy wooden mantels were also situated on this floor.
The top floor of Mont Helena was a large attic illuminated by an enormous arched window and numerous dormers. A basement and widow’s walk completed the house.
Restoration and Legacy
In the late 20th century, Mont Helena fell into disrepair – no one wanted to live there anymore. However, Helen's descendants eventually decided to lovingly restore their heritage.
Today, Mont Helena is considered one of Mississippi's most beautiful landmarks. Visitors can tour the mansion by appointment to learn more about its rich history – or even hear stories of paranormal activity tied to its tragic past.
Rolling Fork itself is also rich in history: from its origins as a ceremonial site for Native Americans around 500 CE to its development as a center for cotton farming in the 19th century. The town has overcome many challenges – including the devastating tornado of 2023.
Not far from Mont Helena lies another "lost place": an abandoned gas station that once thrived until a new road was built that left it isolated. Today it stands deserted; behind its open doors lies a workshop frozen in time – as if its last mechanic had only just left yesterday.
