Ghost towns don’t necessarily have to be “haunted” to be spooky. Their eeriness often stems from their dilapidated buildings, peaceful cemeteries, and ruins that seem to be stuck in time. Those that love exploring abandoned locales—especially ghost towns—won’t want to miss a trip to Mississippi. This southern state is home to dozens of abandoned (or near-abandoned) ghost towns, each with its history, with a tinge of eeriness that will make explorers slightly uneasy. Explore Mississippi by venturing to their ghost towns!
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NOTE: Before planning a trip to visit these locations, it’s important to remember that some of these ghost towns may be considered private property, making trespassing prohibited. Thus, it’s vital to research ghost towns before exploring them in real life! |
8 Bankston
The backstory of Bankston is a little sinister. On December 30 of, 1864, the Union Army burned down Bankstone factories that produced supplies for the Confederate Army. While no one was killed in the fire, the town’s cotton, wool, and flour factory was destroyed in a single night. Those that visit this ghost town will find nothing more than Bankston's untouched cemetery.
7 Brewton
Near the Pascagoula River, Brewton enjoyed some success as a lumber town and temporarily as turpentine still before the Civil War. However, bad luck often struck Brewton town. The sawmills burned twice, the town went through several owners, and the courthouse was burned down (perhaps due to local outlaw James Outland). The slew of misfortunes prompted locals to leave the town for more fortunate circumstances. Today, Brewton’s remote location may be a mission to get through. Moreover, all that remains is the basement of the town’s courthouse.
6 Holmesville
Located in Pike County near the Bogue Chitto River, Holmesville was once a hub for the region’s trade and businesses during the 19th century. Founded in 1816 by Andrew Hunter Holmes, Holmesville experienced commercial success until the Illinois Central Railroad was built, attracting residents to nearby cities like Magnolia and Osyka. More tragically, the town’s courthouse was destroyed by a fire, adding to more economic anguish. Today, road trippers can visit the remains of Holmeville’s ruins, which include two churches and a store.
5 Gainesville
Gainesville was named after its founder, Dr. Ambrose Gaines, who settled on the land in the 1800s. Situated along the Pearl River, Gainesville enjoyed success as Mississippi’s port town during a time when river travel was preferred over traveling by foot. However, the rising popularity of railways led the town’s economic prosperity to decline. Eventually, in the 1960s, the NASA Stennis Space Center was built over the town. While the Stennis Space Center is closed to the public, road trippers can still check out the INFINITY Science Center (which a change of pace from the spooky atmosphere of typical ghost towns)!
4 Logtown
At one point, Logtown was home to the world’s largest sawmill through the H. Weston Lumber Company. Furthermore, the town also enjoyed moderate commercial success, with a population peeking at 3,000 residents. However, the company went out of business by 1930, prompting residents to leave Logtown for greener pastures. After the NASA Stennis Space Center was built nearby in the 1960s, the remaining residents packed up and left. Today, all that remains of Logtown is a privately-owned cemetery, as well as some remnants of building foundations.
3 Rocky Springs
Like many ghost towns, Rocky Springs once had a promising future. Named after nearby natural springs, Rocky Springs was a popular pit stop for travelers seeking water venturing along the Natchez Trace Parkway. By the mid-19th century, the town saw moderate success, building, and a sizable population increase. However, Rocky Springs was not without its less fortunate events and encounters. The town was the site of a murder in the 1890s and was also a popular hideout for Samuel Mason, a bandit who attacked and plundered travelers along the Natchez Trace Pathway.
Travelers can’t visit the ruins of Rocky Springs at night but can do so during the day. The tragic ghost town's remains include a closed cistern, the town church, and an untouched cemetery.
2 Plymouth
This now-ghost town was once a cozy settlement in the early 19th century but was quickly abandoned due to its frequent flooding events. However, before its demise, it was inhabited by notable resident John Pitchlynn, an American interpreter to the Choctaws community. Travelers who venture to Lowndes County to visit the remains of Plymouth will encounter the town’s cemetery and some ruins, which sit near a local dam, waterway, and the Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center.
1 Rodney
While other ghost towns in Mississippi carry a dark or unfortunate history, Rodney carries those titles, plus a little extra. Located in Jefferson County, Rodney was so successful it was almost crowned the capital of the state. Unfortunately, the town was rife with unfortunate events, including waves of yellow fever, fires, ruin by the Civil War, and a changing course of the Mississippi River. These events culminated in the town’s decline, with its population following suit.
Today, this ghost town is still inhabited by a handful of locals but is often visited by curious road trippers. Those who visit Rodney will see the town’s First Baptist Church and cemetery, giving visitors a vibe that feels like they were stuck in time.