Natchez Trace Parkway
Rocky Springs, MS

In the 1790s new settlers were attracted to this area by the rich soil and many springs. They cleared the land, built homes, and, in 1837, built an impressive brick church. By 1860 Rocky Springs was a prosperous rural community of 2,616 people. Several owned property valued at $50,000 to $100,000. The community had a Methodist church, post office, Masonic lodge, and several stores. Between 1860 and 1920 the area was devastated by the Civil War, yellow fever, the boll weevil, and land erosion. Today only the church and cemetery, two rusting safes, and abandoned cisterns mark the site of the town.