The Story Behind This Mississippi Plantation Is Truly Unbelievable
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published June 16, 2016
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Mississippi’s history is filled with stories of slave owners and their plantations; however, none can even compare to the story of Captain Isaac Ross and the Prospect Hill plantation. With views ahead of his time, Ross made a choice that destroyed a family, yet forever changed the lives of countless people across two continents.
Originally from South Carolina, Ross moved to Mississippi in 1808 with a "large contingent of slaves and free men of color." Upon arriving in Mississippi, the group constructed the Prospect Hill plantation.
Ross, a wealthy cotton planter, had a number of slaves; however, he treated his slaves differently than most southerners. Ross taught his slaves to read and write – an act that was illegal in many areas at the time. He also taught them skills and trades.
The Captain believed marriage was important, so he encouraged his slaves to marry and, often times, held the ceremonies in his mansion, complete with gifts for the bride and groom.
While Ross always had respect for his slaves, it was during his later years that he realized just how much he owed to them. And with that realization, Ross impacted countless lives.
In August of 1834, Ross had a will drawn up that said his slaves were to be freed upon his death. Furthermore, his plantation was to be sold and the proceeds from the sale were to be used to transport his slaves to a new colony in Africa, known as Liberia.
Ross passed away in 1836; however, his wishes were not immediately honored. The Captain’s grandson Isaac Ross Wade objected to the will, tying the matter up in court for years.
During this time there was a "slave uprising," as the slaves were tired of waiting for what was promised to them. According to reports, the slaves had the cook poison the family and then set the house on fire, completely destroying it. The mansion that currently stands on the property was built in 1854.
Ironically enough, the grave of Isaac Ross Wade is the only grave in the Ross family cemetery that doesn’t face east, which some believe forever memorializes the fact that he was the only one opposed to Captain Isaac Ross’ final wishes.
In July of 2011, Prospect Hill was purchased by The Archaeological Conservancy, which is making extensive efforts to restore this historic property. For more information on the plantation or to donate to the Conservancy’s efforts, visit the Prospect Hill Plantation Facebook Page.
Did you know about Captain Ross, his slaves, and Prospect Hill?
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