10 Of The Strangest Things You Never Knew Existed In Mississippi
Mississippi is home to several renowned sites, like the Natchez Trace Parkway and the birthplace of Elvis Presley. It’s also home to a few oddities and peculiar locales. Need proof? From slightly weird to utterly bizarre, here are 10 of the strangest things you never knew existed in the Magnolia State.
Please note, Edward’s Cactus Plantation has permanently closed.
The last thing you expect to find in a tiny town of 2,000 is the "world’s only" anything; however that’s exactly the case with Edwards, which is home to the only cactus plantation in the world. The sprawling farm includes more than 3,000 varieties of cacti!
2. Two-Headed Snake at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (Jackson)
If you ever needed proof that "two heads are better than one," just visit the Museum of Natural Science, where you’ll find a rat snake with two heads. The snake was donated to the museum in 2003, and is still considered the museum’s "superstar."
Think you have to travel to Washington to see the Washington Monument? Think again! You can actually find a 190' scale replica of the famous monument in Ridgeland. Officially named the Colony Park Monument, it was dubbed one of "America's top 7 monumental tourist site knockoffs" by Fox News.
A well that pumps red water may seem like something from a sci-fi movie but it actually exists and can be found in Shubuta. The famously hued water is not only drinkable but said to possess special healing properties.
Looks like Elvis isn’t the only royalty to call Mississippi home. Meridian’s Rose Hill Cemetery is the burial site for the King and Queen of the Romas. According to records, King Emil Mitchell died in 1942 and his queen, Kelly Mitchell, passed away in 1915. Find out more about the couple and how they ended up in the cemetery by taking a costumed tour of Rose Hill.
There’s lots to see at Port Gibson’s Grand Gulf Military Park, including an old submarine that was used to transport alcohol during prohibition. Powered by a Model T engine, the sub was used for regular runs from Davis Island to Vicksburg.
Standing 7’ tall with the ability to hold 1,500 gallons of water, this Oxford landmark earned the title of "world’s largest" when an even bigger cedar bucket in Tennessee was destroyed. As of 2011, Tennessee has reclaimed the title but, nonetheless, this huge bucket is still quite the sight.
The Old Aberdeen Cemetery is home to several interesting graves; however, the above ground crypt of Mrs. Needham Whitfield is definitely one of the most unique – and that’s because she’s buried inside, sitting in her favorite rocking chair with her knitting in hand.
9. Yankee Bullet at the Old Court House Museum (Vicksburg)
Among the historic artifacts housed at the Old Court House Museum, you’ll find the Yankee Bullet. According to legend, the infamous bullet impregnated a woman. Yes; you read that right. Apparently, the stray pellet "passed through the scrotum of a Union soldier before lodging in the woman’s reproductive tract."
10. Bailey’s Scratching Post (Lucedale)
The only thing better than a standard back scratcher is a giant back scratcher, and oddly enough, you can find just that in downtown Lucedale. Sometimes referred to as the “Presidential Back Scratching Post,” the 4’ tall wooden post features a serrated side that was allegedly used by President Reagan to alleviate an annoying itch during his visit to the town.
So, did you know about all of the things listed above? Have one to add to the list? Tell us in the comments section!
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
