In the past, we told you about the intriguing gravesites that fill Mississippi. And now, we’ve got another one for you – the tomb of Mittie Manning. Though restored, the historic gravesite has retained its most distinguishing feature – a sliding window that allowed the occupant’s mother to peer inside. Take a look:
Holly Springs is a small town that’s big on history.
hillcountryhistory.org The small town boasts several homes from the past as well as the historic Hill Crest Cemetery.
Deemed “one of the finest historic cemeteries in north Mississippi,” Hill Crest Cemetery was established in 1845.
hillcountryhistory.org Some graves date back to 1838, suggesting that the grounds served as a cemetery prior to Hill Crest’s creation.
One of the most attention-getting graves in the cemetery is that of Mittie Manning, the daughter of Van and Mary Manning.
Phillip Knecht, Contributed Photo A successful lawyer and U.S. Representative, Van provided his family with a comfortable life. However, it was a life plagued with tragedy – the first of which struck in 1861, when the Mannings lost their infant son. Fourteen years later, the Mannings buried their second child, Mittie.
Mary Manning couldn’t bear the thought of burying her 4-year-old daughter, who passed away quickly from an unknown disease.
Phillip Knecht, Contributed Photo Unable to come to terms with her loss, Mary refused to allow anyone to bury her beloved Mittie. Eventually, a compromise was made - Mittie would be placed in a sarcophagus, which is basically a stone coffin that sits aboveground.
The aboveground grave didn’t completely satisfy Mary, and so, a sliding window was installed in the marble slab that covered the tomb, allowing Mary to peer in and see her daughter’s face.
Phillip Knecht, Contributed Photo According to local legend, as Mittie’s body decomposed, Mary became mad with grief and refused to leave the cemetery.
Eventually, Mittie was buried underground; however, the original slab – complete with the window – remains to this day.
Phillip Knecht, Contributed Photo
The Mannings left Holly Springs long ago, so when Mittie’s gravesite fell into disrepair, a group of residents took matters into their own hands, cleaning and repairing the historic tomb.
Phillip Knecht, Contributed Photo
Want to see this peculiar gravesite for yourself? Remember, Mittie Manning’s tomb is in Hill Crest Cemetery, near the main gates.
Phillip Knecht, Contributed Photo
So, did you know about this unusual tomb? Have you ever seen it in person? Know of another bizarre gravesite? Tell us in the comments section.
hillcountryhistory.org
The small town boasts several homes from the past as well as the historic Hill Crest Cemetery.
Some graves date back to 1838, suggesting that the grounds served as a cemetery prior to Hill Crest’s creation.
Phillip Knecht, Contributed Photo
A successful lawyer and U.S. Representative, Van provided his family with a comfortable life. However, it was a life plagued with tragedy – the first of which struck in 1861, when the Mannings lost their infant son. Fourteen years later, the Mannings buried their second child, Mittie.
Unable to come to terms with her loss, Mary refused to allow anyone to bury her beloved Mittie. Eventually, a compromise was made - Mittie would be placed in a sarcophagus, which is basically a stone coffin that sits aboveground.
According to local legend, as Mittie’s body decomposed, Mary became mad with grief and refused to leave the cemetery.
This isn’t the only strange burial site in the state. Read about another here.
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Address: 199 S Market St, Holly Springs, MS 38635, USA
