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The Turning Angel: A Natchez Cemetery Mystery

Witness the legend of Natchez's Turning Angel, a hauntingly beautiful monument with a tragic past, in the historic Natchez City Cemetery.

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The 'Turning Angel' statue in Natchez City Cemetery commemorates five young women who died in a tragic 1908 explosion at the Natchez Drug Company. Legend says the angel appears to turn and watch cars passing by, especially at night, creating a hauntingly beautiful spectacle.

A brief summary to The Turning Angel

  • 21 New St, Natchez, Mississippi, 39120, US

Local tips

  • Visit at dusk or night to possibly witness the 'turning' effect of the angel statue under the car headlights.
  • Consider taking a guided tour from the Natchez Visitor Center or the cemetery office to learn more about the cemetery's history and other notable graves.
  • Check out the annual 'Angels on the Bluff' tour in November for a candlelit living history experience within the cemetery.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Natchez, the Natchez City Cemetery is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Head north on N Commerce St towards Main St. Turn left onto Main St, then turn right onto N Union St. Continue onto Cemetery Rd, and the cemetery will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    The Natchez Transit System provides public transportation in Natchez. Contact them for routes and schedules to reach the Natchez City Cemetery. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are available in Natchez. A ride from downtown to the cemetery will likely cost between $8-$15, depending on demand and distance.

  • Driving

    From downtown Natchez, drive north on Main St, turn right onto N Union St, and continue onto Cemetery Rd. The Natchez City Cemetery will be on your left. Parking is available at the cemetery, but it can be limited, especially during events.

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Discover more about The Turning Angel

Located within the historic Natchez City Cemetery, the Turning Angel statue is more than just a beautiful monument; it's a poignant reminder of a tragic event that shook the city of Natchez. On March 14, 1908, a gas explosion at the Natchez Drug Company, a five-story brick building, killed several employees, including five young women. The company owner, John H. Chambliss, deeply affected by the disaster, purchased burial plots for the women and commissioned the angel statue to watch over their graves. The statue's nickname, 'Turning Angel,' comes from the local lore that it turns its head to follow cars as they drive along Cemetery Road, an optical illusion most visible at night when headlights illuminate the statue. This phenomenon, combined with the tragic story behind the monument, has made it a popular and intriguing landmark in Natchez. The cemetery itself, founded in 1822, offers a glimpse into the city's past with graves dating back to the 1700s and numerous local anecdotes. Visitors can explore other notable memorials, such as the grave of Florence Irene Ford, a young girl whose mother built a stairway to her coffin to comfort her during storms. The Turning Angel stands near the front left entrance of the cemetery, overlooking the graves of the five women. Their tombstones are simply marked with their last names. The inscription on the statue reads: 'Erected by the Natchez Drug Company to the memory of the unfortunate employees who lost their lives in the great disaster that destroyed its building on March 14, 1908'. Visiting the Turning Angel offers a unique and reflective experience, connecting visitors to a significant piece of Natchez history and local legend.

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