The ground floor, while not completely gutted, sustained serious damage too. Pictured is the exterior of the Arlington home showing just how many of its ornate windows are now missing and the darkness inside as a result of the blaze and encroachment of nature over time.

Arlington's legendary library was said by author Nola Nance Oliver in her book Natchez, Symbol of the Old South, to hold around 5,000 books. It was an extensive collection of tomes, including numerous first editions and an array of Roman and Greek classics. Fortunately, many of the home's precious antiques and books were salvaged and later restored.

Tour Arlington, the mysterious abandoned mansion in Natchez, Mississippi