Take A Closer Look At The Lost City Of Logtown, Mississippi

Located on the banks of Pearl River, Logtown was once a bustling town with a promising future. It was home to thousands of residents and the largest sawmill in the world; however, by 1964, Logtown was completely deserted.

nasa.gov

In 1889, Henry Weston opened the H. Weston Lumber Company, completely transforming the small town. Logtown’s sawmill remained the largest in the world until 1930.

nasa.gov

After the mill opened, Logtown continued to grow, and at its peak had approximately 3,000 residents, most of who were involved with the lumber business.

Advertisement

nasa.gov

The growing population led to several buildings being constructed. Records indicate Logtown included a post office, bank, hotel, swimming pool, ice factory, grade school, grocery, two churches and a Masonic Lodge (pictured above).

Advertisement

nasa.gov

Taken in 1963, an employee at the post office receives Logtown's last sack of mail.

nasa.gov

The Hancock Bank Logtown branch was located in the post office. It was in operation from 1919 until 1927.

nasa.gov

Logtown’s only school provided education through the 8th grade. High school students were bussed to Bay High School.

Related Stories

Everyone In Mississippi Should Check Out These 5 Tourist Attractions, According To Locals

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Canton Donuts In Mississippi

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Mississippi

nasa.gov

Owned by Forest Summers and Eldora Frierson, this store was located on Main Street. By 1963, it was the only store in Logtown.

nasa.gov

Logtown Methodist Church

Advertisement

nasa.gov

Logtown Baptist Church

nasa.gov

Since Logtown was located near Pearl River, boats played a large role in the town. Pictured above is the Pelican, the town’s mail boat.

nasa.gov

The Logtown ferry (pictured above) was mentioned in the 1919 Blue Book as a possible driving route from New Orleans to Mobile. The passage read, "…a flat-bottom boat towed by a launch, run on signal. A 2-hour trip. Rates $6.00 for car and passengers."

nasa.gov

By 1930, after depleting the supply of merchantable timber, the H. Weston Lumber Company went out of business. The closing of the mill caused the town’s population to rapidly decline. By 1961, NASA acquired the area, forcing the remaining 250 residents to move.

Today, all that remains of the once thriving town is the Logtown Cemetery, which has graves dating back to the 1850s. The Logtown Scenic Byway is a great way to see the historic cemetery and the land that was once home to thousands. Click here for more information.

Want to learn about other deserted towns in the state? Be sure to check out “Visit These 8 Creepy Ghost Towns In Mississippi At Your Own Risk.“