Rocky Spring ghost town is a former watering and resting point for those traveling through Natchez Trace. The town which is located in Claiborne County, Mississippi, U.S.A was established in the 1700s and abandoned a century later after a series of deaths from yellow fever outbreaks and the effects of civil war.

Springs of Claiborne County

As the name suggests, the name Rocky Spring came from several springs that were scattered in the town and rock outcrops that come with such natural phenomena. The springs supplied a constant flow of water that attracted many resulting in a small community being established around the major spring. The land was owned by a local, Mayburn Cooper.  Hawking water to those traveling through the Natchez Trace was the first economic activity that the town survived on but later on introduced cotton farming which surpassed the initial means of livelihood. The town grew in popularity within a very short period having a population of more than 2600 people and 2000 slaves. Rocky Spring broke the record for hosting the greatest number of slaves compared to its counterpart towns that were still developing. By 1840, the town had a school, a post office, and one Methodist church.

Cursed Rocky Spring?

One misfortune to another followed the once boisterous town of Rocky Spring which began with a cold-blooded murder of a black man, Amos Hicks, in his home. This came about after a series of racial conflicts that the town experienced over the years. The cotton farming decline followed shortly afterward when they were infected by Boll Weevils forcing the whole field to be destroyed. This caused a dent in the economy of the town resulting in some residents fleeing to other towns.

In 1930, the springs that lured people into the town dried up leaving locals stranded and unable to continue with farming activities. All this happened but the town still stood strong until the effects of the civil war were too much to bear. Many locals relocated about this time and those diehards that remained were all killed by the outbreak of yellow fever. The town was declared a ghost town by 1940.

What is left of the town?

The majority of the structures on the townsite have deteriorated beyond repair. The Methodist Church, which was maintained and operated even after the building was abandoned, is the only structure that still stands proudly. In 2010, the church was officially closed.  Currently, the town has deteriorated beyond recognition, however, one can still enjoy the view of the standing roofless ruins that have been dominated by plant tendrils. The Natural Park Service is in charge of both the townsite and the church. The managing body organizes guided tours of the sprawling historical site.