The building was designated James Alexander Ventress Hall in 1985 in honor of the Mississippi legislator who authored the bill chartering the University. Built in 1844, Rowan Oak became home to Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner in 1930. While residing there, he wrote some of the most highly regarded works in American literature among them Absalom, Absalom, Light in August and The Sound and the Fury. Rowan Oak remained home to Faulkner until his death in 1962. Now owned by Ole Miss, the National Historical and National Literary Landmark is operated as a museum and is the focal point for the University's annual Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference.
Admission is free.
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