Askew’s Landing, Mississippi – Bridgeport Plantation to RV Park
Nestled in the heart of Mississippi, near the town of Edwards, lies a place where history and recreation intertwine: Askew’s Landing. Once the site of the sprawling Bridgeport Plantation, this land has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, from its antebellum beginnings to its current incarnation as a welcoming RV park. A visit here is more than just a camping trip; it’s a step back into the rich tapestry of the American South.
The story of Askew’s Landing begins in 1859, when Duklet Askew, seeking fertile ground for a cotton empire, journeyed from North Carolina with his brother. He found his slice of paradise northeast of Edwards, purchasing 2,000 acres along the old Bridgeport Road. With determination, he cleared over 500 acres, transforming the wilderness into fields of cotton. But Askew’s vision extended beyond agriculture. He established a ferry service across the Big Black River, facilitating trade and travel in the region. Later, he added a cotton gin and a general store to his burgeoning enterprise, creating a self-sufficient hub known as Bridgeport Plantation.
The tranquility of Bridgeport Plantation was shattered by the tumultuous events of the Civil War. In May 1863, following the Confederate defeat at the Battle of Champion Hill, retreating soldiers streamed through the plantation, desperate to reach the safety of Vicksburg. Pursued by Union troops under General William T. Sherman, a skirmish erupted at Askew’s Landing, disrupting life and leaving its mark on the land. The Confederates, after crossing the Big Black River using Askew’s Ferry, destroyed it to hinder the Union advance.
Despite the destruction, the Askew family persevered. They rebuilt the ferry, continuing its operation until 1904, when a bridge was constructed nearby. This bridge, aptly named Askew Bridge, became a vital link between Hinds and Warren Counties, facilitating vehicle traffic across the Big Black River. Built by the Virginia Bridge Company, the one-lane structure was a marvel of its time, with a high middle span intended to accommodate steamboats – a testament to the hopes of local cotton planters for a return to the river’s glory days. Although the grand steamboats never materialized, the bridge served its purpose for decades.
However, time took its toll on the Askew Bridge. By the early 1970s, the bridge was in disrepair. Patches covered its surface, rust corroded its iron trusses, and some rods were missing altogether. Deemed unsafe, it was closed in 1973, its access blocked, and its surface removed. Today, only remnants of its iron skeleton remain, visible during low water, serving as a poignant reminder of its once-important role in connecting communities. The legacy of Askew’s Landing is intertwined with the river and the bridges that spanned it.
Over the years, Bridgeport Plantation underwent significant changes. The original acreage was divided among heirs, sold off, or lost during the Great Depression. Yet, a portion of the land, approximately 300 acres, remained in the Askew family, a testament to their enduring connection to the soil. While the original plantation home, the Askew Bridge, and the cotton gin are long gone, their foundations can still be found, whispering stories of the past. Two original plantation buildings still stand on the property, along with two grain silos that were once used to store feed for the plantation’s cattle. These structures offer a tangible link to the plantation’s agricultural history.
Fourth-generation Askews, Sidney Knox Askew, Jr., and his brother Thomas, grew up in the original plantation house. However, by the early 1950s, the family had moved off the plantation. Sidney, affectionately known as "Knocky," returned to the area after his military service, becoming a self-employed cattleman and merchant. He ran a grocery store in Edwards while grazing cattle on the former plantation lands. He bartered with a tenant farmer to build an earthwork dam, transforming a small pond into the 15-acre Askew Lake, a haven for anglers.
Knocky and his wife, Roma, shared a lifelong passion for camping. They began inviting members of a local Good Sam camping club to enjoy the natural beauty of Bridgeport Plantation and its inviting lake. In 1983, these camping enthusiasts began making improvements to the sites. This interest led to the idea of opening a campground.
In 1994, Sidney’s son, Dan, returned to his hometown and purchased the property, embarking on a mission to further develop it into a full-service RV park. Askew’s Landing now offers a range of modern amenities, including over 50 full and partial hook-up sites, two modern bathhouses, a laundry facility, a swimming pool, a covered pavilion, on-site management, and Wi-Fi access. In June 2023, the property was sold to Craig and Jennifer Alsup & Luke and Kelsey Hall, marking a new chapter in its history.
Marketed as "Mississippi’s Best Kept Secret," Askew’s Landing offers a unique blend of history and recreation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the RV park is nestled within 300 acres of wooded land. Its location, just two miles north of I-20, provides easy access while maintaining a sense of seclusion and tranquility.
As visitors approach the property, they are greeted by an old barn, an original structure from the plantation that once served as a seed house for the steam-operated cotton gin. Though the cotton gin is gone, its piers are still visible near the barn. The campground office and store are housed in a historic building that once served as the plantation commissary. The side of the pavilion features a mural depicting the Civil War skirmish that took place at Askew Ferry on May 17, 1863. The mural, painted by a guest from Wisconsin, adds to the site’s historical ambiance.
The 15-acre fishing lake, stocked with bream and catfish, attracts a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and turkeys. Nature trails wind through the property, following portions of the old Bridgeport Road, built in 1829. One of the trails leads to the banks of the Big Black River, where the Civil War skirmish took place, the ferry was burned, and the Askew Bridge once stood. Bird watchers and wildlife photographers will find plenty to appreciate in this natural setting.
Beyond its historical significance and natural beauty, Askew’s Landing offers visitors a dose of Southern hospitality. It’s an ideal base for exploring Civil War sites in west-central Mississippi, with Vicksburg, Raymond, and Jackson all within easy driving distance. Nearby attractions include the Battle of Champion Hill, the Big Black River Bridge Battlefield, and the Natchez Trace Parkway. A stay at Askew’s Landing is a journey through time, a celebration of nature, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the South.