Ghost Towns in Mississippi
8 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Mississippi.
All Ghost Towns
Bankston
Bankston was a vital industrial center for the Confederacy, producing cloth and shoes. In 1864, Benjamin Grierson's Union cavalry burned the mills and...
Church Hill
Church Hill is a tiny hamlet where Jefferson Davis married Varina Howell. Nearby are the haunting ruins of Windsor, a Greek Revival mansion that was o...
Grand Gulf
Grand Gulf was Mississippi's third-largest cotton port in the 1830s. Tornadoes and river erosion destroyed most of the town by 1860. Confederate forti...
Plymouth
Plymouth was an early settlement fortified against potential Indian attacks. It served as a river port. The rise of Columbus nearby and repeated flood...
Port Gibson
Port Gibson was famously declared 'too beautiful to burn' by General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. The antebellum town survives with stunning...
Rocky Springs
Rocky Springs grew around a natural spring on the Natchez Trace. It was devastated by Yellow Fever in 1878 and later the boll weevil. Today, the 1837 ...
Rodney
Rodney was once a bustling river port that nearly became Mississippi's capital. The Mississippi River changed course, leaving Rodney two miles from wa...
Rodney
Rodney was Mississippi's most important river port—nearly became state capital. Then the river changed course, moving TWO MILES away. Yellow fever, th...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Mississippi?
We have documented 8 ghost towns in Mississippi. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Mississippi safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Mississippi?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.