Ghosts and Legends Along the Chickasawhay River

Book excerpt: The Chickasawhay River runs through East Central Mississippi. In Clarke County, it moves sleepily toward the Gulf of Mexico as it passes through the towns of Enterprise, Stonewall, Quitman, DeSoto, and Shubuta. These towns are small in size but rich in history, from Civil War stories about Gen. William Sherman's destruction to the men of the "Free State of Jones," from a hanging bridge that became the national poster for the Civil Rights Movement to local tales about ghosts, murders, and football legends. There is a photo included with each story that relates to the historical place or main character of the chapter. You will not find most of their treasures in the pages of published books. Instead, they exist in the minds and stories of the citizens, told over and over to each generation. Whether the old men in the local coffee house, the dock workers at the feed store, or the ladies in the beauty shop-wherever you find people gathered, the stories fill the air of discussion. Usually, all you have to do is ask the right person.Every community has stories of ghosts and legends. But few communities have stories that capture the imagination like the ones in this book. When you visit some of the locations mentioned herein, it seems your mind drifts back in time and you can feel the presence of those who lived out these stories. So, invite your neighbors over and build a campfire in your backyard, or maybe gather on your front porch, and read to the next generation.