Stuckey’s Bridge is more than just a historic landmark spanning the Chunky River near Meridian, Mississippi—it’s a place steeped in eerie legend and chilling ghost stories.

Officially recognized as a Mississippi Landmark in 1984 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, this bridge carries more than just the weight of history—the sinister tale of Old Man Stuckey haunts it.

Originally built in the mid-19th century, Stuckey’s Bridge served as a critical crossing over the Chunky River. Historical records indicate that construction began around 1850, with a replacement bridge erected in 1901 by the Virginia Bridge and Iron Company. But the bridge’s history is also wrapped in a chilling story that has endured for generations.

According to local lore, a member of the infamous Dalton Gang named Stuckey settled near the river in the late 1800s, establishing a small inn by the water’s edge. Under the guise of Southern hospitality, Stuckey would wave his lantern from the bridge, beckoning weary travelers on flatboats or stagecoaches to stop for the night. Instead of a warm bed and a hearty meal, they met a horrible fate.

As the story goes, Stuckey would murder his unsuspecting guests, steal their belongings, and bury their bodies along the banks of the river.

With more than twenty victims to his name, Stuckey’s reign of terror only ended when the local sheriff caught him. His punishment? A public hanging from the very bridge where he committed his crimes.

For five days, Stuckey’s body swayed over the Chunky River before it was cut down, plummeting into the cold waters below.

Despite the replacement of the original bridge in 1901, Stuckey’s presence lingers. Visitors to the now-closed bridge report eerie sightings: an old man with a lantern wandering the riverbank, splashing sounds of what many believe is Stuckey’s body falling into the water and even the ghastly image of a lifeless figure hanging from the bridge.

Some brave souls have ventured onto the bridge at night, only to be met with a sudden push—as if Stuckey himself is still guarding his domain. Others claim to hear whispers carried by the wind or to catch glimpses of the ghostly figure of Stuckey in the moonlight.

In 2018, the Travel Channel featured Stuckey’s Bridge in its series “Most Terrifying Places in America,” dubbing it one of the “Haunted Road Trips” must-sees. Curious thrill-seekers continue to visit, eager to encounter the paranormal activity that has been reported for over a century.

While no historical records confirm Old Man Stuckey’s existence, the legend has become an inseparable part of the bridge’s identity.

Some speculate that Stuckey was nothing more than a tale spun to frighten travelers, while others believe he was a real man—a psychopath whose bloodthirsty deeds left a permanent mark on the area.

Interestingly, the bridge’s builders in 1901 allegedly uncovered human remains during construction, adding a layer of unsettling credibility to the tale. Was this the final resting place of Stuckey’s victims, or simply a coincidence?

Stuckey’s Bridge is no longer open to vehicle traffic, and its remote location means repairs are unlikely. However, its eerie reputation continues to draw visitors. Whether you’re a history buff or a ghost hunter, the bridge offers a unique blend of Mississippi history and spine-tingling folklore. 

If you’re ever near Meridian, Mississippi, take a detour and visit Stuckey’s Bridge—but tread carefully.

The story of Old Man Stuckey raises some chilling questions.

What drove this man to such horrific acts? Was he a cold-hearted psychopath, or was there more to his madness?

With no records to give us his true identity, Stuckey’s origin remains a mystery, his ghostly presence just as elusive. He might not have a proper name yet, but his legend is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.

If you’re ever near Meridian, Mississippi, take a detour and visit Stuckey’s Bridge—but tread carefully. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this place has an unsettling energy that you won’t soon forget. So, if you cross the bridge, heed the warning: don’t turn around—Stuckey might be watching.