This Historic District In Mississippi Has A Creepy Past
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
During the early 19th century, travel along the Natchez Trace curtailed as steamboats became the new mode of transportation. Hundreds of boats would dock in Natchez, and before long, the city garnered a reputation for being the rowdiest, and most dangerous, port in the entire country.
At one time, Natchez was home to more millionaires than any other city in the nation; however, far from the impressive mansions that filled Natchez was an area of the city known for its rowdy ways.
Situated on the riverbank, downhill from the opulent population on top of the bluff, the area was aptly named Natchez Under-The-Hill. In its heyday it was the most notorious river landing on the entire Mississippi River.
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Described as a "gambler’s paradise, sinkhole of iniquity, and a resort of the damned," the area was filled with saloons, brothels, and casinos. Knife fights and killings were a part of everyday life in Natchez Under-The-Hill.
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The area was also home to some of the worst outlaws of the time. Bandits notorious for wreaking havoc on the Natchez Trace were known for spending time in the seedy part of town.
Once such outlaw was John Murel, who would sell slaves and then steal them back, only to sell them again. The notorious Harpe Brothers, who have gained notoriety as the country’s first serial killers, also called Natchez Under-The-Hill home.
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John Thompson Hare, a well-known highwayman of the time, was also known to frequent Natchez’s rowdy riverfront. While in Natchez, Hare began dating a woman, who he eventually killed for allegedly being unfaithful to him. According to legend, he weighted his girlfriend’s body down with jewels, which he had stolen and given to her as gifts, and threw her into the Mississippi River. To this day, it’s said that the maniacal laughter of Hare’s ghost can still be heard in the area.
Eventually, residents grew tired of Natchez Under-The-Hill and its sordid reputation. Hoping to get rid the criminal activity in the district, the Natchez town council enacted a restrictive tax of $10 per flatboat in November 1837. Although the area’s boatmen did not go down without a fight, this was the beginning of the end of the Natchez Under-The-Hill.
Today, Natchez Under-The-Hill is home to stores, a casino, several restaurants and the Under-the-Hill Saloon.
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Housed in a building that is about 200 years old, the still functioning bar (and one-time brothel) is loaded with nostalgic photos and historic memorabilia.
According to reviews, the saloon is the perfect for those who’d like to see what's left of "naughty Natchez."
Amanda Hargrove
Natchez Under-The-Hill is located on Silver Street. Ready to see the infamous historic district for yourself? Click here for more information.
Want to learn about another notorious site in Natchez? Check out “King’s Tavern In Mississippi Has A Haunting Past.“
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