Rodney Road
A drive on Rodney Road is a journey back in time. Once expected to be the capital of Mississippi, Rodney is now a ghost town near the Mississippi River. Sitting on the Banks of the Mississippi River, Rodney was the busiest port between New Orleans and St. Louis in the 1850s. It once had a population of nearly 4000 with growth rate that surpassed that of Jackson. The Rodney Presbyterian Church is one of the many remaining buildings from the Civil War era. There's still a cannonball embedded in the brick above the church's front doors.
In 1870, a large sand bar began forming in the Mississippi River, forcing the River to change its course two miles to the west. When the River naturally changed course, Rodney was no longer a port city and began a steady decline. By 1930, Rodney was no longer considered an official town. Ghost town enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the town's history, buildings, and a sizable graveyard.
A dirt road portion of Rodney Road enters the town from the south. This is but a section of a much longer Rodney Road. The remaining parts are paved. The dirt portion of Rodney Road is maintained and suitable for most vehicles.
Today, the entire area around Rodney is prone to flooding. Rodney Road is also prone to flooding where the road approaches the ghost town. Local officials close the road when it is impassable.
Camping is not available along Rodney Road.
