Historic sites in Mississippi are much more than antebellum homes and battlefields. The state has so many must visit sites from yesteryear. We’ve already covered Mississippi’s oldest restaurant, so we figured the oldest bar would be a great follow up. And as it turns out, the historic bar has a fascinating past. Take a look:

Please note, King’s Tavern has permanently closed.

King’s Tavern Natchez/Facebook
This is King’s Tavern. Dating back to the 1760s, the old building has an interesting past, which includes a possible murder, the discovery of mummified bodies, and the undeniable presence of a ghost…or two.
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Aside from being the oldest bar in Mississippi, it’s also the oldest building in all of Natchez.
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In 1789, a New Yorker named Richard King bought the building, opening it as a tavern and inn. It also served as the town post office. With people constantly coming and going, King’s Tavern quickly became a popular spot for social gatherings.
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Today, you’ll find several clues regarding the building’s age. The ceilings, for example, feature beams, which came from scrapped flat river boats. However, there are some parts of the building’s past that aren’t as obvious.

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With is rustic charm, it's hard to believe King's Tavern once boarded some rather questionable characters, including the infamous Harpe Brothers. The sadistic outlaws, who've been dubbed "America's first serial killers," had a penchant for terrorizing travelers on the Natchez Trace. According to legend, Big Harpe murdered a crying infant inside the tavern. It's said that the child's phantom cries can still be heard to this day.
King's Tavern Natchez/Facebook
In 1817, King's Tavern closed and became a private residence. However, that didn't put an end to its infamous reputation. The building was thrust into the spotlight in the 1930s, when three bodies two men and a woman - were found cemented into the walls of the fireplace. In another fireplace, a daggar was found.
King’s Tavern Natchez/Facebook
Speaking of Madeline, many believe she's still hanging around. She's been spotted quite often by both visitors and staff. According to workers, she likes to walk across freshly mopped floors, leaving behind footprints, which usually lead to the person holding the mop. She's also a bit mischievous, and known to do things like knock jars off shelves and turn lights and faucets on and off.

In addition to Madeline, there’s another entity that’s commonly seen and photographed at King’s Tavern. Described as a "tall man wearing a black jacket and top hat," the ghostly figure has a reputation for being sinister and angry. He’s also known for showing up in photos taken by the fireplace. Those who’ve seen the tall man said they felt a tightness in their chests and throats.
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Of course, King's Tavern has spirits of another kind, too. Check out the menu, and you'll find small batch liquors, unique cocktails, and a variety of flatbreads.
msnatchez/TripAdvisor
Visit King’s Tavern at 613 Jefferson Street in Natchez. You can find more details about the tavern, including hours of operation, menu, and more, by clicking here.

So, did you know about King’s Tavern and its fascinating past? Ever visited the historic spot? Tell us in the comments section!

If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out “These 12 Longest-Standing Restaurants In Mississippi Have Served Mouthwatering Meals For Decades.”

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