Exploring What's Left Of The Ghost Town Of Rocky Springs MS

Rocky Springs was established in the late 1700s as a popular watering place for travelers along the old Natchez Trace, near a natural spring and rock outcropping from which the budding community would take its name. In 1796, Mayburn Cooper settled in the area and was recorded in the 1816 census as a land owner. In 1829, the Rocky Springs election precinct received 90 votes. A Methodist church was erected in 1837. The first private school, Rocky Springs Academy, opened in 1838.
By 1860, the community of Rocky Springs had reached a maximum population of 2,616 inhabitants, plus approximately 2,000 slaves, all living in a 25-square-mile (65 km2) area. According to the National Park Service, at its height, the town proper contained three merchants, four physicians, four teachers, three clergy, and 13 artisans. Cotton farming was the main economic driver. A post office operated under the name Rocky Springs from 1819 to 1932.
The community of Rocky Springs began to decline during the Civil War, at which time Union forces passed through the area during the advance on nearby Port Gibson. In 1878, the remaining inhabitants of Rocky Springs faced an outbreak of yellow fever. Later, valuable cotton crops were destroyed by an infestation of boll weevils, while at the same time, farmers were struggling with severe erosion caused by many years of poor land management. In 1930, the last store closed, and the natural spring, from which the town took its name, dried up.

[@DeadlyKnot]

I hope I get the chance to come back and film this!

[@dianemac3768]

Interesting video. .....sorry about the cemetery though It would have been better if you knew more about cemeteries and what you are seeing................ it looks like an amazing cemetery full of history. thanks for the video.

[@chrishall9208]

Always interesting to see history of towns and areas. These are places I’ve never been so it is a great way to see them thanks brother

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

You know it!
If you get that way, hit me up. We'll do a campout

[@dawnsearlylight784]

Great video!
Graveyard: a burial place connected to a church.
Cemetery: a stand alone burial place.

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

Thanks for the information. I was never aware there was a difference.
Learn something every day!

[@mihe6212]

cool beans

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

I see something new each time I go out there