Rocky Springs Mason-Harpe Buried Loot

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Rocky Springs Mason-Harpe Buried Loot

Lost Treasure MS • Claiborne County County
Description
Natchez Trace ghost-town legend of $75,000 in gold and silver coins buried between the 1837 church and cemetery at Little Sand Creek — hidden by Samuel Mason and Wiley Harpe when pursued from their Rocky Springs camp.
Historical Notes
Rocky Springs peaked at 2,616 residents in 1860 on the Natchez Trace. Outlaw Samuel "Wolfman" Mason and Wiley Harpe operated a hideout less than a mile west of the Trace near Rocky Springs circa 1802. After a large robbery they buried loot near camp rather than carry it on mules while pursued. Both outlaws died before recovering it. Legends of America places roughly $75,000 in coins between the old Methodist church and Little Sand Creek cemetery. Governor Claiborne offered $2,000 for Mason's capture after he and Harpe attempted to board Colonel Joshua Baker's boat between Yazoo and Walnut Hills. Today milepost 54.8 on the Natchez Trace Parkway preserves the church, cemetery, and town safes.
Status / Verification legend — Legendary or approximate

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