The historic Natchez Cemetery is one of the oldest graveyards in Mississippi. It’s one of the most haunted, too. However history and mystery aren’t the only things the Mississippi cemetery has going for it. The historic burial ground is also quite stunning. Not only does it overlook the Mississippi River, but it’s filled with beautiful monuments, statues, and other works of art.

The city of Natchez is known for its history, hauntings, and natural beauty – all of which you can experience at the historic Natchez Cemetery!

Officially the Natchez City Cemetery, the historic graveyard dates back to 1822.

The cemetery is the resting place for the area’s earliest residents, revealing the grandeur, history, and tragedy of the Natchez of yesteryear.

As beautiful as it is historic, the Natchez City Cemetery is perched on the bluffs high above the Mississippi River, affording visitors breathtaking views of the river below, especially at sunset.

The beautiful vistas also include lots of majestic oaks, since the drive into the cemetery is lined with them.

There’s lots of man-made beauty, too.

Beautifully crafted iron fences, benches, tombstones, monuments, and other works of art fill the historic Natchez Cemetery.

The iron in this Mississippi cemetery is a perfect example of the ironwork produced in the U.S. during the 19th and early-20th centuries.

The grave of Irene Ford is one of the cemetery's most unique sites - it's one also one of the spookiest.

Irene was just 10, when she died of Yellow Fever. At the time of Irene's death, she was scared of thunderstorms. In an attempt to comfort her daughter, Irene's mother, had a special casket built. It included a window, so that she could view her daughter. Irene's mother added another unique feature to her daughter's gravesite - a set of stairs and storm doors. This way, she could sit with her daughter during thunderstorms.

It’s said that Irene’s ghost wanders the cemetery during thunderstorms.

The glass window peeing into Irene’s grave was bricked up following her mother’s death in 1892. Some speculate that the young girl’s ghost roams the graveyard during storms, seeking comfort.

Other strange happenings include disembodied voices, strange noises, and the appearance of a strange green substance on anyone who descends the steps into Irene’s grave.

The Turning Angel Statue is another cemetery monument shrouded in legend and lore.

A cemetery staple, the iconic statue was erected in 1908. It’s said that the statue turns toward you as you approach it – hence the name.

And then, there’s the grave of Louise the Unfortunate.

There are several legends surrounding Louise the Unfortunate – all of which begin with her arriving in Natchez as a mail-order bride. Her husband-to-be never showed for one reason or another. In order to survive, Louise worked in one of the brothels Under-The-Hill. Some legends say her ghost returned from the dead as Molly Hatchet, a 19th century Southern prostitute who beheaded her clients.

Celebrating its lengthy past, the cemetery hosts an array of tours and events.

Of course, you don't have to wait for a special event to visit. Natchez City Cemetery is open daily for self-guided tours.

Have any questions about this historic Natchez cemetery? Call the Natchez City Cemetery at (601) 445-5051. You can also visit the Natchez City Cemetery website, where you’ll find lots of information on the cemetery, including upcoming events.

So, did you know about this historic and haunted Mississippi cemetery? Ever visited? If so, did you experience anything strange? Tell us!

This historic Natchez cemetery is just one of the city’s can’t-miss sites. Natchez is brimming with things to do and sights to see. It’s also got lots of places to stay, which isn’t too surprising - it is the Bed and Breakfast Capital of the South, after all.