The two-storey mansion was built in 1858 for Judge
Jeremiah W. Clapp. It was designed in the
Greek Revival architectural style, As a result, he was in the crosshairs of the
Union Army. When they ransacked the house, Clapp hid in the
capital of one of the Corinthian columns. The house was then occupied by Union General
Andrew Jackson Smith. It was later recaptured by Confederate General
Earl Van Dorn in 1862. In 1870, the mansion was acquired by former
Confederate General
Absolom M. West, who served in the
Mississippi State Senate. ==Architectural significance==