Over the years, Mississippi has seen its fair share of tragedy. From natural disasters to deadly accidents, the Magnolia State has experienced it all. One of the most horrific, yet lesser known, tragedies is the Chunky River Train Wreck. The accident claimed dozens of lives, making it one of the state’s deadliest. Read on to learn more about the frightening train wreck.
The Chunky River Train Wreck (a.k.a. Chunky Creek Railroad Wreck) occurred on the morning of February 19, 1863.
Robert Bruce Ferguson/Wikimedia
On that fateful morning, Hercules, an engine on the Southern Rail Road, derailed and plummeted into the Chunky River in Newton County.
Brewri92535/Wikimedia In the months leading up to the wreck, heavy rains caused the river to repeatedly flood. The constant flooding combined with a build-up of debris weakened the bridge and caused it to shift. On the day of the accident, the track was about 6" out of alignment.
According to records, the train left Meridian at 3 a.m. on February 19th. It was bound for the Vicksburg Campaign to supply reinforcements to the Confederacy.
Dudemanfellabra/Wikimedia As the train barreled toward its destination, those aboard were completely unaware of the danger ahead. A lantern and a pole situated 100’ from the damaged bridge – both common methods used to stop a train at the time – were implemented but went unnoticed in the dark of night.
More than 100 people were on the train when it left the bridge and crashed into the river below. Most of them were Confederate soldiers; however, there were also several civilians aboard.
Robert Bruce Ferguson/Wikimedia A majority of the passengers died on impact or drowned as a result of being trapped under the wreckage. Those who survived the crash struggled to stay afloat in the icy water.
Luckily, soldiers from the 1st Choctaw Battalion had a camp nearby and quickly sprang into action, diving into the river and pulling survivors to safety.
Public Domain/Wikimedia According to reports, the camp heard the cries for help. Jack Amos, a Mississippi Choctaw and Confederate, ordered the men to “fly to the rescue.”
The train wreck received widespread media coverage. Newspapers throughout the U.S., including the Memphis Daily Appeal and the Fayetteville Observer, featured stories on the accident.
Robert Bruce Ferguson/Wikimedia In 2005, a commemorative marker (pictured above) was added to the crash site.
So, ever heard about this train wreck? Know of another deadly accident in the state’s past? Tell us in the comments section.
Robert Bruce Ferguson/Wikimedia
Brewri92535/Wikimedia
In the months leading up to the wreck, heavy rains caused the river to repeatedly flood. The constant flooding combined with a build-up of debris weakened the bridge and caused it to shift. On the day of the accident, the track was about 6" out of alignment.
Dudemanfellabra/Wikimedia
As the train barreled toward its destination, those aboard were completely unaware of the danger ahead. A lantern and a pole situated 100’ from the damaged bridge – both common methods used to stop a train at the time – were implemented but went unnoticed in the dark of night.
A majority of the passengers died on impact or drowned as a result of being trapped under the wreckage. Those who survived the crash struggled to stay afloat in the icy water.
Public Domain/Wikimedia
According to reports, the camp heard the cries for help. Jack Amos, a Mississippi Choctaw and Confederate, ordered the men to “fly to the rescue.”
In 2005, a commemorative marker (pictured above) was added to the crash site.
Want more Mississippi history? Read about another state disaster here.
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