The Turning Angel, Natchez Travel Guide

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.