Every state has stories that are told throughout generations. Some of these are spooky, while others are uplifting. Either way, they tend to be fascinating and worth hearing. Mississippi is certainly no exception. In fact, located down a dirt road in Clarke County sits an old bridge with a sordid past. The story of the hanging bridge in Mississippi will forever remain a part of a small town’s history. Spanning the Chickasawhay River in Shubuta, the now infamous bridge was the site of at least six hangings, earning it the nickname “Hanging Bridge.”

The story of the hanging bridge in Mississippi begins back in 1909 when the Shubuta Bridge, a truss bridge was constructed on East Street.
Marvin Carter / YouTube
The bridge gets its nickname from being the site of numerous hangings. In fact, there are at least two documented cases of the bridge being used for hangings.
C Hanchey/Flickr
The first incident took place in 1918 and claimed the lives of four victims.
C Hanchey/Flickr
An angry mob hanged brothers Major and Andrew Clark and sisters Maggie and Alma Howze, both of whom were pregnant at the time. The four were hanged after their white boss turned up dead.
After the hanging the NAACP, which was established ten years earlier, wanted answers and requested an investigation.
Marvin Carter / YouTube
Unfortunately, reports say that this request was denied by Mississippi’s governor, who responded with a chilling "go to hell."
Another report says that in October of 1942 14-year-old African-American boys, Ernest Green and Charlie Lang, were charged with the attempted rape of a white girl.
Marvin Carter / YouTube
While the two were being held in the Quitman jail, a mob of "irate, unidentified men" forced their way inside.

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While some reports say the guard on-duty handed over his keys without an argument, others say the group overpowered the guard taking his keys. Either way, the mob took the two young boys.
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The Belvidere Daily Republican reported that the bodies of Green and Lang were eventually found hanging from the Shubuta bridge by local authorities. The hanging bridge in Mississippi was already becoming notorious.
Marvin Carter / YouTube
A letter written by the NAACP’s Youth Secretary Madison Jones in November of 1942 stated that the bodies of both boys were badly mutilated. As a result, the boys’ families refused to accept the bodies when they were brought to them.
C Hanchey / Flickr
Eventually, Ernest Green and Charlie Lang were laid to rest just outside a local “white cemetery.” Their graves were dug by a county prison work gang.
Marvin Carter / YouTube
By the time Civil Rights workers began arriving in Mississippi in the 1960s, the hanging bridge in Mississippi had a reputation that was well-known.
C Hanchey/Flickr
Stories had spread of the atrocities that took place here. At the same time, a local team took volunteers out to the Shubuta Bridge to share the dark past of the area. By sharing these stories, the hope was to never have these things be repeated.

Even though this abandoned bridge hasn’t been used in years, its sinister reputation continues to haunt the small town of Shubuta. Are you familiar with the story behind this infamous bridge? Have you ever visited the hanging bridge? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

To clear your head a bit, we think getting outside is always a great idea. If you agree, take these 12 incredible Mississippi hikes, one for each month of the year.

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History in Mississippi

Michelle S. | January 15, 2023

What haunted hiking trails can I take in Mississippi?

One of the most haunted hiking trails in Mississippi can be found on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The parkway is 444 miles and is one of the most renowned, beautiful attractions in the state. But, those looking for a spooky adventure will appreciate it for more than just its beauty. Witches are said to have frequented a portion of the trail! You might also try the hike leading through the Windsor Ruins in Port Gibson. This trail take visitors through the ruins of an abandoned estate.

Are there any haunted hotels in Mississippi?

There are quite a few haunted hotels in Mississippi. Some of the most haunted include:

 

While these are all great options for those looking for an overnight stay with history, there are other options to explore as well. Check out these other haunted places around Mississippi that are perfect for an overnight stay.

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Shubuta Street, Shubuta St, Shubuta, MS 39360, USA