As the name implies, ghost towns are some pretty creepy places. Long abandoned, these towns are often filled with nothing but dilapidated buildings and an eerie silence. When it comes to these types of forgotten towns, Mississippi has several, but Rodney definitely stands out. With only a handful of buildings remaining and nearly no residents, this abandoned town could be right out of a horror movie.
Historic Rodney, Ms/Facebook Officially incorporated as a city in 1828, Rodney is located about 30 miles from Natchez. Because Rodney was in close proximity to the Mississippi River, it quickly flourished into a bustling port city, rivaling Natchez and Vicksburg. The growing town was even slated to be the state’s capital at one point.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr A series of tragic events, including a fire and the Mississippi River changing course, put an end to Rodney’s short-lived success; however, at its peak, the thriving town was home to 4,000 residents and included dozens of buildings, but one look at Rodney today and you’d never know it.
Tony Kelley Photography/Flickr Venture into the once thriving town, and you won’t find much. The Presbyterian Church is one of the few buildings still standing in Rodney.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr Deep in the woods behind the church lays a cemetery filled with crumbling headstones, which are nearly camouflaged by overgrown trees and greenery.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr It is estimated that there are hundreds of forgotten graves in Rodney.
Tony Kelley Photography/Flickr The town’s Baptist Church is still standing as well; although, it too shows signs of years of abandonment.
Norma Benton Bowlin/Facebook The general store that once served Rodney has also survived throughout the years.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr Now boarded up, this building was constructed in 1846 and functioned as Rodney’s schoolhouse.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr Once a welcoming site, Rodney’s hotel will soon be completely overgrown and, possibly, forgotten.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr The remainder of Rodney is filled with decaying buildings of yesteryear.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr As well as remnants of what once was.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr Today, there is only one serviceable road that runs in and out of Rodney.
Ready to see Rodney for yourself? Below are directions to the ghost town as posted on the Historic Rodney, Ms. Facebook Page:
Historic Rodney, Ms/Facebook
Officially incorporated as a city in 1828, Rodney is located about 30 miles from Natchez. Because Rodney was in close proximity to the Mississippi River, it quickly flourished into a bustling port city, rivaling Natchez and Vicksburg. The growing town was even slated to be the state’s capital at one point.
Michael McCarthy/Flickr
A series of tragic events, including a fire and the Mississippi River changing course, put an end to Rodney’s short-lived success; however, at its peak, the thriving town was home to 4,000 residents and included dozens of buildings, but one look at Rodney today and you’d never know it.
Tony Kelley Photography/Flickr
Venture into the once thriving town, and you won’t find much. The Presbyterian Church is one of the few buildings still standing in Rodney.
Deep in the woods behind the church lays a cemetery filled with crumbling headstones, which are nearly camouflaged by overgrown trees and greenery.
It is estimated that there are hundreds of forgotten graves in Rodney.
The town’s Baptist Church is still standing as well; although, it too shows signs of years of abandonment.
Norma Benton Bowlin/Facebook
The general store that once served Rodney has also survived throughout the years.
Now boarded up, this building was constructed in 1846 and functioned as Rodney’s schoolhouse.
Once a welcoming site, Rodney’s hotel will soon be completely overgrown and, possibly, forgotten.
The remainder of Rodney is filled with decaying buildings of yesteryear.
As well as remnants of what once was.
Today, there is only one serviceable road that runs in and out of Rodney.
“From Hwy 61, take the Alcorn State University exit to hwy 552 West. Go about 3 miles until you see a turning lane to turn left. Take that turn, then the next left on Firetower Rd. There will be a water tank at the turn. When that road ends, take a right. Travel about 6 miles and it will bring you into Rodney. The road will turn to gravel before you get there. Don’t give up though! It will go back to pavement at the top of the hill leading into the old town!”
Learn about another of the state’s lost towns in “Take A Closer Look At The Lost City Of Logtown, Mississippi.“
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
