When it comes to interesting sites from the past, Mississippi’s got plenty. However, none quite compare to Nitta Yuma. Part ghost town and part tourist attraction, it’s home to about 20 residents, several historic buildings, and one of the state’s biggest doll collections. Keep reading to learn more about the unique town where time seems to stand still.
Nitta Yuma is a small community located along U.S. 61, about four miles north of Anguilla, MS.
google.com The name Nitta Yuma is Choctaw for bear tracks.
Not much has changed in Nitta Yuma over the past century.
Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art
But you don’t have to take our word for it. The two photos below were taken in Nitta Yuma about 100 years apart, and as you can see, they’re nearly identical.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
However, there is one thing that’s changed drastically over the past century – and that’s the population, which has dwindled from around 600 to about 20.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
Among those 20 residents are members of the Phelps family. Practically Nitta Yuma royalty, the Phelps have lived in the town for over 200 years.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
Dedicated to preserving the history of the area, the family has worked hard to restore the town’s historic structures.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
Today, Nitta Yuma is home to nine antebellum buildings, some of which date back to the late 1700s.
Picture Mississippi/Photography by Kim Hunt
But deserted buildings from the past aren’t the only intriguing thing about Nitta Yuma. There’s also a huge doll collection that includes more than 3,000 dolls!
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
The collection, which used to belong to Dorothy Cole Phelps, is on display at Nitta Yuma’s old general store.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
Caretaker’s Cottage is another must see. A former railway section house, it’s been transformed into a vintage shop that’s open on the 2nd Saturday of each month.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
In recent years, word of Nitta Yuma has spread near and far, attracting visitors from as far as France and Germany! The tiny community has even been featured in Southern Living.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
Watch the video below to get a closer look at the unique town.
google.com
The name Nitta Yuma is Choctaw for bear tracks.
Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
Picture Mississippi/Photography by Kim Hunt
So, did you know about Nitta Yuma? Ever visited? Know of another town that seems to be frozen in time? Tell us in the comments section.
This isn’t the only place you can revisit the past. Mississippi is home to lots more. Click here to read about others.
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