In the heart of the Deep South, Mississippi is a state with a rich history and cultural heritage. Among the charming towns, fertile agricultural lands, and historic landmarks, one can find a plethora of abandoned places in Mississippi that whisper tales of the past.
From antebellum mansions and old industrial sites to desolate ghost towns and deserted medical facilities, these locations offer a haunting beauty and allure for urban explorers, history buffs, and photographers. Venturing into these forsaken places, visitors can feel the echo of bygone eras and imagine the stories that unfolded within their walls.
Note: Many of these locations are in an extremely delicate state. Specifics on locations, such as coordinates or maps, are not given. This is done so purposefully as a barrier to entry to those who may mean harm to these spots. I want to ensure that these abandoned places in Mississippi are known about, but stay as vandalism and destruction free as possible. Remember: Take only photos, leave only footprints.
Breakdown: The Top 10 and More
If you have a specific location from the list below that you would like to immediately get more information about, click the links in the list to snap straight to that abandoned places in Mississippi location.
- Kuhn Memorial State Hospital (Vicksburg)
- Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum – Soule Steam Feed Works (Meridian)
- Mount Holly Plantation (Lake Washington)
- Rodney Ghost Town (Rodney)
- Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum (Jackson)
- Gulfport Veterans Hospital (Gulfport)
- Nitta Yuma (Sharkey County)
- King Edward Hotel (Jackson)
- Royal Land (Coahoma County)
- Black River Bridge Battlefield (Black River)
Broaden Your Horizons Beyond Mississippi
Are you interested in venturing outside the state of Mississippi? Maybe you live close to the state line, or maybe you’re just looking for adventures outside your home state. Whatever the case may be, here are some guides to bordering states that may be helpful in effective urban exploration:
Don’t Forget About Trespassing Laws
It is important when considering abandoned places in Mississippi to know the basics of Mississippi trespassing laws. Luckily, we have developed a massive guide to trespassing laws in all 50 states. For laws that specifically relate to Mississippi, please click here.
Without any further ado, let’s hop into the list of abandoned places!
The Best Abandoned Places in Mississippi
Kuhn Memorial State Hospital (Vicksburg)
The Kuhn Memorial State Hospital, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, carries a storied and at times eerie history. Originally built in the 1830s, it was initially named the Vicksburg’s City Hospital. However, after a generous donation from the Kuhn family following the death of their two children, it was renamed Kuhn Memorial State Hospital.
The hospital has seen significant developments and transformations throughout its existence. Over the years, the institution went from being a city hospital to a charity hospital, then to a facility for mentally ill patients. At its peak, the hospital had a capacity to house several hundreds of patients.
However, due to changing healthcare policies and the growing trend of deinstitutionalization in the late 20th century, the hospital saw a steady decline in the number of patients. Eventually, it was shut down in the 1980s, after which it fell into severe disrepair.
How Things Look Today
Today, the building stands in ruins, its once-busy halls and wards now desolate and crumbling. Windows are boarded up or broken, paint is peeling off the walls, and vegetation has begun to creep into the building. The hospital has also earned a reputation for being haunted, with various ghost-hunting groups and thrill-seekers venturing into the premises for investigations and exploration.
Visiting the Kuhn Memorial State Hospital today provides a poignant contrast between its former significance as a healthcare institution and its current state of decay. It stands as a reminder of the changes in medical practices and societal attitudes toward mental health.
However, potential visitors should keep in mind that the building is in a state of disrepair, which can pose safety risks. Furthermore, it’s crucial to respect the site’s history and any potential restrictions on entry, as the site may be privately owned.
Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum – Soule Steam Feed Works (Meridian)
The Soule Steam Feed Works in Meridian, Mississippi, holds a unique place in the state’s industrial history. Founded in 1892 by George W. Soule, it was a leading manufacturer of steam engines and boilers, serving a critical role in the industrialization of the South.
The company’s products, particularly their steam engines, were used extensively across various industries, such as sawmilling, cotton ginning, oil extraction, and even to power electric generators. Soule Steam Feed Works was well-known for its innovation and quality and made significant contributions to the development of Meridian and Mississippi as a whole.
However, with the advent of newer technologies and the shift from steam to other forms of power, the demand for the company’s products gradually dwindled. In the mid-20th century, the factory stopped production and was eventually abandoned.
How Things Look Today
Interestingly, rather than being left to decay, the factory was preserved and has been transformed into the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum. Today, the museum is dedicated to celebrating the state’s rich industrial history and educating visitors about the importance of Soule Steam Feed Works in this narrative.
Visitors can explore the factory’s old machinery and learn about the steam power era through various exhibits and interactive displays. The museum also hosts the annual Soule Live Steam Festival, where visitors can see operational steam engines and other machinery in action.
Although not entirely abandoned now, the site still retains the feel of a bygone era, providing a captivating blend of historical education and industrial aesthetics. This setting is a must-visit for anyone interested in industrial history, steam power, and the heritage of Mississippi.
Mount Holly Plantation (Lake Washington)
Mount Holly Plantation, located near Lake Washington in Mississippi, is an iconic representation of the grandeur and, ultimately, the decline of the Antebellum South. Built in the mid-19th century, the mansion stood as a testament to the wealth and status of the South’s plantation era.
The plantation was built in the Greek Revival architectural style, characterized by its grand columns, symmetrical design, and ornate detailing. Inside, the mansion featured exquisite woodwork, impressive fireplaces, and spacious rooms, reflecting the luxurious lifestyle of the plantation owners.
In its heyday, Mount Holly Plantation was a hub of social activity, where the Southern elite would gather for lavish parties and events. The plantation was also the economic center of a large agricultural operation, utilizing enslaved labor for its extensive cotton production.
However, with the fall of the Southern plantation economy after the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved people, the mansion went into decline. The property changed hands several times over the years, with various owners attempting to restore and preserve the mansion.
How Things Look Today
Sadly, Mount Holly Plantation was ultimately left abandoned and began to deteriorate. Despite its disrepair, the mansion’s imposing façade still showcased its once grand presence and became a point of intrigue for historians, photographers, and urban explorers.
Tragically, a fire in 2015 destroyed much of the mansion, leaving only the columns and some exterior walls standing. This loss was a significant blow to Mississippi’s architectural heritage.
Today, the ruins of Mount Holly Plantation still stand, a poignant reminder of the South’s history. Visitors can view the ruins from a distance, although there are currently no tours or official access to the site. The remnants of the mansion serve as a somber monument to a bygone era, evoking a blend of admiration, reflection, and melancholy.
Rodney Ghost Town (Rodney)
The ghost town of Rodney, once poised to be Mississippi’s leading city, is now a haunting remnant of a past that almost was. Located roughly 32 miles northeast of Natchez, the town was a bustling river port on the Mississippi River in the 19th century.
Founded in 1828, Rodney was at one point home to approximately 4,000 residents. It was a significant commercial hub, with its location on the Mississippi River making it a popular stopping point for steamboats. At its peak, Rodney boasted several churches, banks, a newspaper, a school, and even an opera house. The city was so significant that it came within three votes of becoming the capital of Mississippi.
However, Rodney’s prosperity was not to last. The town’s decline began in 1863, during the Civil War. The USS Rattler, a Union gunboat, was stationed at Rodney, and a significant skirmish occurred in and around the town. Post-war economic struggles and a devastating yellow fever outbreak in 1843 and 1898 also contributed to the town’s decline.
Perhaps the most crucial factor in Rodney’s downfall was the change in the course of the Mississippi River. In 1930, following a significant flood, the river shifted its course two miles west of Rodney. As a result, the town lost its lifeline – the river traffic that had sustained it for so long.
How Things Look Today
Today, a small number of structures remain standing in Rodney, providing a haunting glimpse into the town’s past. These include the Rodney Presbyterian Church, built in 1829, and the Rodney Baptist Church, built in 1850. The town is also home to the Windsor Ruins, the remnants of what was once the state’s largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion.
The Rodney Ghost Town is a compelling destination for history buffs, photographers, and urban explorers. However, as the buildings are fragile and can be dangerous, visitors are advised to explore with caution and respect for the historical significance of the site.
Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum (Jackson)
The Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum, also known as the Mississippi State Insane Hospital, in Jackson, Mississippi, is a haunting reminder of the past approaches to mental health treatment. Its abandoned remains stand as a testament to the often troubled history of mental healthcare in the United States.
The asylum was opened in 1855, designed to accommodate around 150 patients, but by the time it was abandoned in 1935, it was home to well over a thousand patients, living in conditions that were overcrowded and in many cases, inhumane.
Conditions at the hospital were harrowing. Patients were often subjected to brutal treatments and lived in squalid conditions, illustrating the lack of understanding and empathy toward mental health at the time. By the 1930s, the asylum had become so overcrowded and the conditions so poor that a new hospital was built, and the original asylum was abandoned.
The buildings fell into decay after it was abandoned. The buildings were torn down in the 1950s, and the land on which the asylum sat was given to the University of Mississippi. Today, the land is part of the University of Mississippi Medical Center campus.
In 2012, a construction project on the campus unearthed the unmarked graves of thousands of former patients, leading to a major archaeological and forensic investigation. The finding brought attention to the forgotten history of the site and sparked renewed interest in the history of mental health treatment in the U.S.
How Things Look Today
Today, the site of the former asylum is an intriguing destination for those interested in history, especially the history of mental health treatment. It’s a haunting reminder of a darker chapter in our understanding and treatment of mental illness. It’s crucial, though, for visitors to treat the site with the respect it deserves due to its sensitive history.
Gulfport Veterans Hospital (Gulfport)
The Gulfport Veterans Hospital, also known as the U.S. Veterans Administration Hospital, is located in Gulfport, Mississippi. This hospital was once a key center for medical treatment of veterans in the region, standing as a symbol of the country’s commitment to those who have served in its armed forces. However, in its current state, the property serves as a haunting reminder of past glories.
Constructed in the 1920s, the Gulfport Veterans Hospital was one of several veterans’ hospitals built in the United States during this period. It was a large, well-equipped facility that provided treatment to veterans, particularly those suffering from diseases like tuberculosis and mental health issues, for several decades.
The hospital survived the powerful Hurricane Camille in 1969 but sustained significant damage during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The buildings, already experiencing the wear and tear of years of use, were further devastated by the hurricane’s onslaught. Due to the extensive damage and the high cost of repair, the decision was made to close the hospital permanently.
How Things Look Today
Despite efforts to rehabilitate the area, many of the buildings remain standing, empty, and in a state of decay. They provide a stark contrast to the hospital’s bustling past. The complex is a magnet for urban explorers and photographers, offering a haunting view of a forgotten piece of Gulfport’s history.
However, it’s important for any potential visitors to note that the grounds are private property and that any explorations should be done with respect to the law and with an understanding of the potential dangers associated with exploring abandoned buildings.
The Gulfport Veterans Hospital is a poignant reminder of the fragility of our institutions and the power of nature, serving as a visual testament to a historical chapter of healthcare in the United States.
Nitta Yuma (Sharkey County)
Nitta Yuma, situated in Sharkey County, Mississippi, is a small, mostly abandoned settlement that offers a captivating snapshot of the past. Despite its present state, the tiny hamlet has a significant history and continues to harbor a certain charm that draws visitors who are interested in Southern history and the lingering specters of yesteryears.
The name “Nitta Yuma” translates to “Bear’s House” in Choctaw, reflecting the area’s Native American heritage. The settlement dates back to the 19th century and was once a thriving cotton plantation. It was one of many similar communities that made up the fabric of the Old South.
At its peak, Nitta Yuma had a bustling cotton gin, a post office, a general store, and a number of homes. It also had a strong African American community, many of whom worked on the cotton plantations. But as the cotton industry declined and jobs moved away, so did the people, leaving Nitta Yuma mostly deserted.
How Things Look Today
A few structures still stand in Nitta Yuma today, including the grand old Victorian plantation house that once belonged to the Henry Vick family. The Vick House, with its towering columns and wide verandas, is a prominent reminder of the area’s former prosperity. The plantation house is well-maintained, standing in stark contrast to the other abandoned buildings that are being slowly reclaimed by nature.
Despite its near-abandoned status, Nitta Yuma is not entirely devoid of life. The current landowner has taken efforts to preserve the structures and the history of the place. Additionally, the settlement has attracted attention from blues enthusiasts as it was the home of legendary blues musician Sam Chatmon. Every now and then, visitors drop by to absorb the history, the architecture, and the quiet that Nitta Yuma offers.
Visiting Nitta Yuma is like stepping back in time, allowing one to explore the echoes of the past that still resonate in the present. The cautionary note for potential visitors is that while it’s a significant historical site, it’s also private property. Therefore, it’s essential to respect the property’s boundaries and privacy when visiting.
King Edward Hotel (Jackson)
The King Edward Hotel, located in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, is a historic building that carries a remarkable tale of rise, decline, and rebirth. Known today as the Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown, the restored structure stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and dedication to preserving its historical landmarks.
Originally built in 1861 as the Confederate House, it was rebuilt as the Edwards House in 1897 and later renamed King Edward Hotel in the early 20th century. The hotel, with its Beaux-Arts architectural style, boasted more than 400 rooms and was seen as a symbol of opulence and prosperity. It hosted a variety of guests, from everyday travelers to politicians and celebrities. Its notable features included a luxurious lobby, a grand ballroom, a rooftop garden, and a series of ground-level shops.
However, by the mid-20th century, the King Edward Hotel began to suffer. Changes in travel patterns, coupled with the rise of new hotels and a shift in the city’s socioeconomic dynamics, led to a decline in business. Despite attempts to modernize and revitalize the hotel, it eventually closed its doors in 1967.
For more than 40 years, the King Edward Hotel stood vacant and gradually fell into disrepair, becoming a stark symbol of urban decay. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, but this did little to halt its deterioration.
How Things Look Today
However, the story of the King Edward Hotel took a turn for the better in the 21st century. A massive renovation project was undertaken in 2006 to breathe new life into the dilapidated structure. The project, which cost approximately $90 million, restored many of the hotel’s original features while also updating it to accommodate modern amenities.
Reopened in 2009 as the Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown, the former King Edward Hotel now includes apartments, retail spaces, and hotel rooms. Its transformation from an abandoned relic to a vibrant part of Jackson’s downtown area encapsulates the city’s commitment to historic preservation and urban revitalization.
While no longer “abandoned,” the King Edward Hotel’s story serves as an inspiring example of how historic buildings can be given a new lease on life.
Royal Land (Coahoma County)
Royal Land is a largely forgotten ghost town in Coahoma County, Mississippi. Once a vibrant agricultural community, today, all that remains of Royal Land are a few dilapidated structures and a sense of melancholic nostalgia for its past.
In its prime, Royal Land was an agricultural town that thrived on cotton farming. It was named for the high-quality cotton, also known as “royal,” that was grown in the area. The town was home to several farmhouses, a post office, and a few other buildings that supported its small population of farmers and their families.
As time passed, however, economic forces and shifts in agriculture began to work against Royal Land. As farming practices evolved and cotton production moved to areas with more favorable conditions, the town’s economic base started to erode.
This, coupled with the Great Migration, where many African Americans moved from the rural South to the urban North for better job opportunities and to escape racial segregation, resulted in a significant decline in Royal Land’s population.
How Things Look Today
By the mid-20th century, Royal Land was nearly deserted. Today, the few remaining structures are a stark reminder of a bygone era. Among the remnants are the old post office, now little more than a collapsing structure, and some remnants of the original farmhouses.
Despite its current state, Royal Land holds a certain charm for those interested in history and urban exploration. The quiet and hauntingly beautiful landscape tells a silent tale of a community that once was. As with many abandoned places, it’s essential for visitors to treat the area with respect and take only photographs, leaving the structures undisturbed for future generations to appreciate.
This snapshot of Royal Land provides a window into the broader story of rural ghost towns across America, many of which have similar tales of rise and decline tied to shifts in agriculture and demographic changes.
Black River Bridge Battlefield (Black River)
The Black River Bridge Battlefield is located near the Black River in Mississippi. This historical site is renowned for its strategic significance during the American Civil War. Today, it is largely abandoned and offers a solemn reminder of the region’s turbulent past.
The Black River was a strategic point during the Civil War due to its location and the logistical advantages it offered. The Black River Bridge, which crossed the river at this location, was a crucial transportation link. Control of this bridge had strategic implications for the movement of troops and supplies, making it a focal point during the conflict.
Several significant battles and skirmishes took place around the Black River Bridge. One such event was part of the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863, a pivotal moment in the war. The area saw fierce fighting as Union forces sought to gain control of the bridge to aid their offensive against the Confederate-held city of Vicksburg.
In the years following the war, the bridge and the battlefield became less vital and, over time, were largely abandoned. The original bridge is no longer standing, and the battlefield has returned to nature. The area is now a quiet place, far removed from the violence it once witnessed.
How Things Look Today
Today, the site of the Black River Bridge Battlefield is a point of interest for historians, Civil War enthusiasts, and those interested in the rich cultural heritage of the region. The battlefield, while quiet and largely reclaimed by nature, still holds a sense of the historical events that unfolded here.
Visitors to the site can reflect on the tumultuous history of the area while enjoying the natural beauty of the river landscape. However, as it’s an historical site, it is important to treat the area with respect and refrain from disturbing the land.
Our Final Thoughts on Abandoned Places in Mississippi
Those who are into urban exploration in the Mississippi area should get comfortable with Mississippi trespassing laws. Luckily, we have developed a massive guide to trespassing laws in all 50 states. For laws that specifically relate to Mississippi, please click here.
For more about obtaining permission to explore abandoned places, check out our guide Explore Abandoned Buildings: How To Get Permission. Finally, if you are wanting to find more abandoned places in Mississippi, check out my resource How To Find Abandoned Places With Google Maps.
Happy exploring!
- John Bourscheid, Killer Urbex
