Gum Ridge, Mississippi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gum Ridge, Mississippi
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 Gum Ridge, Mississippi
Location in Mississippi
Gum Ridge, Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Mississippi |
| County | Jefferson |
| Elevation | 69 ft (21 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 707694 |
Gum Ridge was once a small community, or "ghost town", located in Jefferson County, Mississippi. A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left, often because something important changed, like a nearby resource running out or a major transportation route moving away.
Contents
The Story of Gum Ridge
Where Was Gum Ridge Located?
Gum Ridge was found at a special spot on the Mississippi River. It was at the eastern end of a big curve in the river, right where a smaller stream called Coles Creek joined the main river.
A Small Community Forms
In 1875, a post office was opened in Gum Ridge. This meant people could send and receive mail, and the small community was included on the mail routes that traveled along the Mississippi River.
The River's Big Change
A major event happened in 1884 when the Mississippi River changed its path. The river started flowing along a new route called the "Waterproof Cutoff". This new path was named after a nearby town called Waterproof, Louisiana. Because of this change, Gum Ridge was no longer right next to the main river. The old curve in the river, where Gum Ridge used to be, eventually filled in.
Population and Discoveries
By the year 1900, Gum Ridge had a population of 29 people. Even though it was a small place, interesting things have been found there. Aboriginal artifacts, which are tools or objects made by the original people of the land, have been discovered at Gum Ridge. These include a type of stone tool called a celt and a pipe made from sandstone.
