The ruins of a plantation where, in 1834, owner Isaac Ross's will freed 160 enslaved people and provided for their emigration to Liberia — one of the largest single manumissions in Mississippi history. Ross's relatives contested the will in court for 11 years. The Mississippi Supreme Court ultimately upheld it, and the 160 freed people sailed for Liberia in 1849, founding a settlement called Mississippi in Africa. The ruins of the main house, slave quarters, and family cemetery remain.
Quick facts
- ·Isaac Ross's 1834 will freed 160 enslaved people and funded their emigration to Liberia.
- ·Relatives contested the will for 11 years. The Mississippi Supreme Court upheld it.
- ·The 160 freed people sailed for Liberia in 1849 and founded a settlement called Mississippi in Africa.
- ·Ruins of the main house, slave quarters, and family cemetery survive.
- ·One of the largest single manumissions in Mississippi history.
- ·Located near Washington, MS. Ruins visible from the road. Exercise caution — structures are unstable.
Memories
Be the first to leave a memory at Prospect Hill Plantation Ruins.
Sign in to see memories your family has left at this place.
Editorial content compiled with AI assistance. Place details verified against public records.