This Hidden Destination In Mississippi Is A Secret Only Locals Know About
One of the perks that come along with being a Mississippian is being in-the-know when it comes to hidden attractions and destinations. Since much of the state is rural, many top sites are located in small towns down long, winding roads, making them nearly impossible to find – that is, unless you’re a local. And that just so happens to be the case with this abandoned site tucked away in the tiny town of Iuka.
Each year, thousands flock to Pickwick Lake in Iuka, completely unaware there’s a little piece of history hidden nearby.
Located along the south side of Pickwick Lake is Bear Creek. Several hundred yards up from the first inlet of the creek from Eastport is a hollow that contains an abandoned chalk mine.
Referred to as Chalk Mine Hollow, the interior of the mine is about the size of a Walmart and includes three long tunnels, which are connected by numerous passageways.
Although an exact year is unknown, it is believed the mine was in operation by at least 1890. During its working years, chunks of Tripoli (chalk) were removed from the mine by railcar and transported across Bear Creek by a tramway.
By 1912, the mine had to close because many workers developed silicosis, a respiratory disease caused by inhaling large amounts of the fine particles of silica, such as Tripoli, for extended periods of time.
Courtesy of Michael-Jon Woodruff of Iuka MS
Leaving behind an intriguing wonder just waiting to be explored.
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.
