It is one of the smallest villages in Mississippi with just a little over 40 residents, but the legends that surround Satartia spark interest and perhaps even a little fear with a few of its mysterious tales.
Although some of the more recent tales are often met with a grin from some of the locals, it is the atmosphere of the small village that conjures such colorful stories.
The name of the village itself leads to some insight of the area. Satartia is a Choctaw word for “pumpkin place,” more than likely due to the small gourds that grew in the area.
Located on the bank of the Yazoo River, Satartia was once a bustling community with a busy river port and shipping point. In the early 1800s, the community was able to reap the benefits of being situated along the Yazoo River, sending cotton by steamboat to New Orleans.
Along with prosperity, Satartia also had a history of violence. During the Civil War, it was reported that General Ulysses Grant sailed a gunboat from Vicksburg and captured the village. There has been some debate over Grant’s true presence in the village with many stating that the famous general was “too intoxicated” to even make it the land. Many stories have been passed down through generations about the presence of the Union forces in the area.
Based on previous newspaper articles, J.W. Bradshaw, whose family home dated back to the 1800s, said one of his ancestors was startled by a Union solider outside his bedroom window.
“When he stuck his head out to see what it was, a Union solider who was warming himself next to the warm bricks of the chimney told him, ‘You stick your head right back inside and don’t say a word,’” Bradshaw said, in a 1992 interview. “And you know? Those Union soldiers didn’t bother him after that either.”
It has also been reported that the Lungrin house in the middle of the village also served as headquarters for Union soldiers during their occupation.
Before the home was purchased by the Lungrin family, it was the former homestead of the Kling family, who were Jewish merchants in the area. According to the Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish Communities, Abe Kling arrived from Watertown, New York, in 1850.
“He peddled by foot for a time before establishing a small store,” the article states. “His brother, Monroe, later moved to Satartia and joined the business. The Kling store became one of the largest in the area, and the family was remembered for welcoming newcomers.”
But one must ask how welcoming the community was to those Union soldiers. Inside the home, those soldiers left their mark, literally, on the walls. “To the unknown owner of this house, your case is a hard one and I pity you though I cannot relieve.” One of the walls of the upstairs hall reads, “How are you Rebel?”
It has also been reported that there are several sunken ships from the Civil War in the Yazoo River.
The Gates of Hell
Asking many of the locals about the lore of the Gates of Hell is often met with skepticism. In fact, most are not sure how the legend began, often citing recent online reports. But the Gates of Hell legend was said to have stemmed from a conflict with a tribe of Indians. During the conflict, the legend says that the Indians decided to stand with honor rather than be defeated and possibly killed. In turn, they walked into the Yazoo River and drowned.
The legend continues that two giant oak trees stand near the site where the Indians marched to their deaths. It is at this site where there have been reports of moans, unexplained noises and even perhaps ghosts.
A few paranormal researchers have conducted experiments at the Gates of Hell and reported equipment problems, physical sickness and manifestations.
Marcus Ellis, who recounted his experience online, said he heard “howls, whoops, screams, wood knocking, fallen tree limbs being stepped on, culminating with rocks being thrown at us from the darkness.”
“A loud whoop or yell came to me from across the river, quickly followed by a stretch of howls and screams that froze me stiff,” Ellis said. “It stopped as quickly as it began. Also, whatever made the sounds were not your typical local animals. I can very confidently confirm they weren’t dogs, coyotes or owls.”
Although the legend of the Indians and their watery graves has been placed as behind the mystery of the Gates of Hell, others believe it could be former crew members of the boats sunk in the Yazoo River. However, if you ask any of the locals, most don’t believe the account of Native Americans walking to their death in the adjacent river.
The Satartia Bridge
Another landmark within Satartia that has sparked tales is the vertical lift bridge, which was built in the 1970s across the Yazoo River. It has actually been referred to as one of the “ugliest” bridges in the country.
However, it carries historical significance. It is one of only three vertical lift bridges within the state. It is a marvel of engineering, but the structure also has its share of mysterious stories.
A paranormal research team arrived at the bridge in 2003 to conduct experiments. Janice Raley, of Texas, said she was led to the area by a farmer who she said “was fearful of the area.” She later described the experience as “truly terrifying.”
Raley claims she heard loud moans, the smell of rotting flesh and an overwhelming sense of panic. Equipment began to malfunction, and the team said they began to feel violently ill.
Many locals laugh at the idea that Satartia carries a series of legends and haunting experiences within her small community. But there are a few who believe it or merely acknowledge “strange” accounts.
But nestled out in the middle of nowhere, one can see where mysteries sprout within the sleepy town of Satartia. With its slow place, quiet streets, enchanting oak trees and towering bridge…it has all the makings of wonder and mystery.
