Off the Beaten Path: Hamburg, Mississippi

I recently rode with my husband Norm to his office in Meadville, Mississippi, which is about 75 miles southeast of Vicksburg. On our way home, we detoured "off the beaten path," if you can call rural Mississippi Highway 33, a "beaten path." Norm has always admired the architectural style of depots, and wanted to show me an old depot in what remains of the small community of Hamburg, Mississippi. The deserted depot sits at a four-way stop intersection of Hamburg Road and Railroad Avenue, surrounded by trees and overgrown grass. The front of the depot is striking ... and I could almost picture it during its "heyday," when it was a bustling depot. You can click on the pictures to get a closer look at the architectural details ... I was curious about how old the depot is, and while doing a little research into the history of Franklin County, found the following information: On August 10, 1884, the first passenger train passed over the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad in Franklin County and Hamburg. The Depot may have already been constructed and corporate limits of the town established [at that time]. If you would like to read more about the history of Hamburg and Franklin County, you can click on this link: The Story of Hamburg, Mississippi. Across the road from the depot is this old store which has long been abandoned. Can't you just imagine the stories that were swapped on that old bench while its occupants enjoyed an ice cold Coke with peanuts in it! I makes me sad to see the toll time and neglect take on historic buildings like this beautiful old depot. In 2005, a group of concerned citizens of the Hamburg area attempted to save it, but finally gave up due to lack of funds. Hopefully, one day someone with an interest in historic preservation (and lots of money!) will venture "off that beaten path" and rescue the depot before it's too late. If not, at least I have captured it forever in my photographs as it was on that Tuesday afternoon in May 2012.