Rocky Springs, Mississippi – Bandits and Bibles on the Natchez Trace
Nestled in the rolling hills of Claiborne County, Mississippi, lies a place steeped in history, a silent testament to the ebb and flow of fortune and time. Rocky Springs, Mississippi, once a thriving community bustling with life, now stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era. Where over 2,500 souls once resided, only a solitary church and a weathered cemetery remain, whispering tales of prosperity, hardship, and ultimate abandonment. The site, carefully preserved and maintained by the National Park Service, is situated strategically between the Old Port Gibson Road and the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, specifically at milepost 54.8. Visiting Rocky Springs, Mississippi, offers a tangible connection to the past.
The story of Rocky Springs, Mississippi begins long before the arrival of European settlers. For centuries, the land was home to various Native American tribes, who understood and lived in harmony with its natural resources. The first recorded encounter between Europeans and this particular locale occurred when a Spanish lieutenant, captivated by a natural spring, christened it "La Fuente del Pedregal." This translates loosely to "Rocky Springs," a name that would eventually be adopted by the town that blossomed around it. The spring, sadly, no longer flows, adding a layer of melancholy to the already evocative atmosphere.
The seeds of faith were sown early in this region. In the 1780s, the Reverend Tobias Gibson, a pivotal figure in the establishment of Methodism in Mississippi, ventured to this very spot and preached his gospel. His presence marked the beginning of a spiritual legacy that would become intertwined with the destiny of Rocky Springs, Mississippi.
Organized settlement began in 1796 with Mayburn Cooper being the first to settle in the area. Shortly after, Isaac Powers, a prominent planter and owner of a significant number of slaves, established the Red House Inn. This inn became a crucial stop along the Natchez Trace, one of only four in Claiborne County, providing respite and refreshment to travelers of all kinds. The inn welcomed a diverse clientele, from honest merchants and weary pioneers to more dubious characters seeking refuge or opportunity. One notable guest was General Andrew Jackson, the future President of the United States, who sought lodging at the Red House Inn on his journey home following the triumphant Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.
The Natchez Trace in the late 18th and early 19th centuries was far from a safe haven. Highwaymen, robbers, and killers preyed on unsuspecting travelers, making journeys perilous. Among these nefarious individuals was the infamous Samuel "Wolfman" Mason, a ruthless outlaw who terrorized both the land and the rivers. Mason, known for his daring robberies and brutal killings, maintained a hideout in the vicinity of Rocky Springs, Mississippi.
A chilling account of Mason’s activities was documented in the testimony of a witness, J.F.H. Claiborne. The witness, who operated a lodging establishment near Rocky Springs, described how Mason would subtly assess the wealth of travelers passing through. On one occasion, Mason observed three men dining at the establishment, carefully noting the weight of their saddlebags. The following day, these travelers were ambushed by masked bandits at Baker’s Creek and robbed of their valuables. This incident was just one example of Mason’s widespread treachery along the Natchez Trace.
The escalating violence prompted Mississippi Governor William C. C. Claiborne to offer a reward of $2,000 for Mason’s capture. Despite numerous searches, the Mason Gang continued their reign of terror, even resorting to horrific brutality against one particular caravan. This outrage spurred the formation of a posse, composed of local residents and bounty hunters, determined to bring the outlaws to justice. The posse quickly located Mason’s abandoned camp, situated less than a mile west of the Trace near Rocky Springs, Mississippi. While some posse members remained at the camp, hoping to discover hidden loot, a smaller group pursued the fleeing outlaws. However, the pursuit was ultimately abandoned when the trail was lost. Ironically, Samuel Mason met his end not at the hands of the law, but at the hands of his own gang, who sought to claim the reward for his capture.
Despite the dangers lurking along the Natchez Trace, Rocky Springs, Mississippi continued to flourish. By 1829, the town’s election precinct recorded 90 votes, a testament to its growing population. In 1837, a Methodist church was constructed, solidifying the town’s spiritual foundation. Two years later, the Rocky Springs Academy, a private school for the sons of wealthy planters, was established. Operated by a Mr. Holmes, the academy opened its doors on January 1, 1838, providing a classical education to the region’s elite. During this period, Isaac Powers, the owner of the Red House Inn, also served as the town’s postmaster, overseeing the delivery of mail and news from across the country. In addition to the church, school, and inn, Rocky Springs boasted several stores, catering to the needs of its growing population.
By 1860, Rocky Springs, Mississippi and its surrounding area had reached the zenith of its prosperity, rivaling even Grand Gulf in wealth and influence. The population swelled to 2,616 inhabitants, supplemented by approximately 2,000 enslaved people, all residing within a 25-square-mile radius. The town was a hub of commerce and activity, with three merchants, four physicians, four teachers, three ministers, and 13 artisans. The surrounding agricultural community consisted of 54 planters and 28 overseers, thriving on the cultivation of cotton.
The tranquility of Rocky Springs, Mississippi was shattered in the spring of 1863, when the Civil War descended upon the region. For ten days in May, General Ulysses S. Grant established his headquarters at the Rocky Springs Church, using it as a command center for his massive army as they marched towards Jackson and Vicksburg. The pews were removed from the church to accommodate Grant’s desk, which was placed where the pulpit now stands. A Union soldier, Private Osborn Oldroyd, described the army’s arrival in Rocky Springs, noting the icy stares of the residents who watched the soldiers march through town. The abundance of fresh spring water was a welcome sight to the weary troops.
Grant, determined to capture Vicksburg, faced the logistical challenge of supplying his 50,000 troops with food, equipment, arms, and medical supplies along the narrow Natchez Trace. To address this issue, Grant implemented a strategy of "living off the land," a first for the Union Army during the Civil War. He observed that the Mississippi countryside was rich in livestock, forage for horses, and mills for grinding corn. For two weeks, Grant’s army foraged throughout Claiborne County, stripping the land bare of its resources. Private Oldroyd described the departing army as a grand spectacle, with tattered flags streaming in the summer breeze and the sounds of fifes and drums filling the air.
The residents of Rocky Springs, Mississippi, however, undoubtedly viewed the situation with far less enthusiasm. The loss of livestock, foodstuffs, and other supplies left the community devastated. A letter written in 1863 lamented the loss of slaves, horses, and mules, the destruction of fences, and the ruin of crops. This period marked the beginning of a slow and irreversible decline for the town.
In 1878, Rocky Springs, Mississippi was struck by a devastating outbreak of Yellow Fever, claiming the lives of many residents. The epidemic returned a decade later, in 1888, further decimating the population. The final blow came in 1905, when a boll weevil epidemic ravaged the region’s cotton crops, crippling the agricultural economy. Coupled with years of poor land management leading to severe erosion, these calamities led to a steady exodus of residents. In 1930, the post office and the last remaining store closed their doors. Eventually, the natural spring that had given the town its name dried up, symbolizing the end of an era. By 1940, the last resident had departed, leaving Rocky Springs, Mississippi a ghost town.
Today, the 1837 Methodist church and the adjacent cemetery stand as the sole physical remnants of the once-thriving settlement. Scattered remnants of the town, including the post office safe, a cistern, and interpretive signs, can be viewed along a short loop trail. The site also features a campground and access to several hiking trails, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and reflect on the history of this remarkable place. The old townsite is located at mile marker 54.8 on the Natchez Trace, beckoning travelers to step back in time and contemplate the rise and fall of Rocky Springs, Mississippi.