Posted in Mississippi
May 12, 2018
Here Are 9 Of The Most Intriguing Gravesites In Mississippi
Mississippi has several cemeteries that date back a century or more. These historic burial grounds offer a unique glimpse into the past. However, every once in a while, among the antiquated tombstones, you’ll come across one that’s a bit different and sure to catch your attention. From somewhat spooky to a little bizarre, here are nine of those gravesites.
At the time of her death in 1871, Florence was just 10 years old. Since the young girl was always scared by storms, her mother had this unusual grave built. In addition to a specially made coffin that had a pane of clear glass at Florence’s head, the mother had stairs installed at the gravesite, so that she could descend the stairs and sit with her daughter during scary storms.
Visit this unique grave at the Natchez City Cemetery (2 Cemetery Rd., Natchez).
Visit this unique grave at the Natchez City Cemetery (2 Cemetery Rd., Natchez).
According to local lore, Louise came to Natchez searching for her fiancée but, unfortunately, never found him. She stayed in Natchez, working as a prostitute. When she passed away, an anonymous person paid for her burial and tombstone, which doesn’t include any dates.
Visit this unique grave at the Natchez City Cemetery (2 Cemetery Rd., Natchez).
Visit this unique grave at the Natchez City Cemetery (2 Cemetery Rd., Natchez).
Vick died in a duel just days before his wedding to Helen Johnstone. Completely heartbroken, Johnstone attended Vick's funeral in her wedding gown and watched his casket disappear into the ground on May 21, 1859 - her intended wedding day. Johnstone's spirit has been known to visit Vick's grave, and is usually seen sitting in the bench shown in the background of this photo.
Visit this unique grave at Chapel of the Cross (674 Mannsdale Rd., Madison).
Visit this unique grave at Chapel of the Cross (674 Mannsdale Rd., Madison).
Dating back to 1817, the story of Betsy Bell, her father John, and the Bell Witch is one of the "most documented hauntings in American history." However, many are unaware of Mississippi’s connection to the familiar tale. After years of being taunted by an evil entity, Betsy Bell moved away from her home in Tennessee to Mississippi. In 1888, she passed away and was buried in a cemetery near Water Valley, where she remains to this day.
Visit this unique grave at Long Branch Cemetery (Wright Rd., Water Valley).
Visit this unique grave at Long Branch Cemetery (Wright Rd., Water Valley).
As a literary legend, it should come as no surprise that countless people visit the grave of Faulkner each year. And at first glance, it may appear that his grave has been disrespected with litter, but that's not the case. For years, it's been a tradition for those visiting the grave site to leave bottles of liquor, especially bourbon, as a tribute.
Visit this grave at Oxford Memorial Cemetery (Jefferson Ave. and North 16th St., Oxford).
Visit this grave at Oxford Memorial Cemetery (Jefferson Ave. and North 16th St., Oxford).
Glenwood Cemetery is full of historic graves, but the most intriguing of all is definitely the "witch's grave." The story behind the spooky grave dates back decades and involves a scorned witch returning from the dead to burn down the town of Yazoo, just as she vowed while on her death bed. The day after the fire, residents visited the witch's grave, at which time they found the large chain that had been placed around it mysteriously broken into two.
Visit this grave at Glenwood Cemetery (Potters Field Rd., Yazoo City).
Visit this grave at Glenwood Cemetery (Potters Field Rd., Yazoo City).
In 1969, the body of a perfectly preserved woman was unearthed in Cruger, MS at Egypt Plantation. The woman, who was dressed in red, was encased in a glass-sealed, cast iron coffin. Efforts were made to identify the mysterious Lady in Red, but the woman’s identity and how she ended up buried on the plantation remain a mystery to this day. Eventually, the unidentified remains were relocated and marked with the tombstone pictured above.
Visit this unique grave at Odd Fellows Cemetery (Rockport Rd. north of Cemetery Rd., Lexington).
Visit this unique grave at Odd Fellows Cemetery (Rockport Rd. north of Cemetery Rd., Lexington).
Dubbed the "father of Delta blues," Johnson is a music legend, so it’s only natural that people from around the world want to visit his grave. The only issue is that there are three graves to visit. All of Johnson’s supposed graves are located in Leflore County, but due to poor record-keeping and grave markers that were made of less-than-permanent materials, no one is sure which one actually holds the musician’s body.
For more information on Johnson’s graves, click here.
For more information on Johnson’s graves, click here.
During the Civil War, "Old Douglas" proudly served as a member of the 43rd Mississippi Infantry Regiment, Company A. He was actually part of an experimental program, which aimed to find alternative methods of transportation. Sadly, Old Douglas was killed by a sharpshooter during the Siege of Vicksburg.
Visit this unique grave at Cedar Hill Cemetery (326 Lovers Ln., Vicksburg).
Visit this unique grave at Cedar Hill Cemetery (326 Lovers Ln., Vicksburg).
So, did you know about these unusual gravesites? Did we forget one? Tell us in the comments section.
If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out “The Story Behind This Ghost Town Cemetery In Mississippi Will Chill You To The Bone.“
