One Of Mississippi’s Oldest Cemeteries, Rose Hill, Is The Final Resting Place Of A King And Queen
Of all the historic cemeteries in Mississippi, Rose Hill Cemetery is one of the oldest. And like many cemeteries that date back centuries, it’s home to some interesting gravesites, including those of the King and Queen of the Gypsies. Almost as intriguing as the graves is the story on how the royal couple came to be buried in Mississippi. Take a look:
Initially, you might think the gifts are tokens of affection, but that’s not the case. The items are actually bribes, which are left behind to entice the King and Queen to "enter your dreams and solve your problems."
Just 47-years-old at the time, Kelly passed away while trying, and failing, to deliver her 15th child.
Although, others speculate he chose Meridian for another reason - it was the nearest place with a refrigerated morgue. This was an important requirement since it took 12 days for all of America's gypsies to make their way to the South for the funeral.
In the years following the funeral, rumors spread that the casket was made of gold and that mourners filled the grave with $20 gold pieces. Though false, these tales led to vandals smashing the capstone, trying to access the alleged treasure.
Unlike his wife, there were no rumors regarding the contents of Emil's grave, so it remains unplundered.
This year’s event is Saturday, September 28, 2019, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Rose Hill Cemetery is open to the public daily. Guided tours are available by request. For more information, call (601) 693-1361. To learn more about the annual costumed tour, click here.
Address: 701 40th Avenue, Meridian, MS, 39307
These aren’t the state’s only famous graves. Read about another here.
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