Introduction
Delve into the captivating history of Askew Landing and the magnificent Bridgeport Plantation, a little-known historic gem nestled near Edwards, Mississippi. This unique site, once a thriving southern plantation, played a significant role in a Civil War skirmish during the pivotal Vicksburg Campaign, and has now transformed into a modern, welcoming RV campground. Our journey reveals the enduring legacy of Askew Landing, tracing its evolution from a cotton empire to a cherished natural retreat.
The Genesis of Bridgeport Plantation
The story of Bridgeport Plantation begins in 1859, when Duklet Askew, alongside his brother, journeyed from North Carolina to Mississippi in pursuit of fertile land for a cotton enterprise. Duklet successfully acquired 2,000 acres northeast of Edwards, strategically positioned along the historic Bridgeport Road. He diligently cleared over 500 acres, cultivating cotton and establishing a vital ferry operation across the Big Black River. Over time, his entrepreneurial spirit led to the construction of a cotton gin and a general store adjacent to the bustling ferry, making Bridgeport Plantation a hub of local commerce and agriculture.
Civil War Echoes: Skirmishes at Askew Landing
Life at Bridgeport Plantation irrevocably changed on May 17, 1863, amidst the turmoil of the American Civil War. As Confederate forces, reeling from their defeat at the Battle of Champion Hill, hastily retreated towards Vicksburg, a portion of Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton’s 4th Brigade, under Colonel Alex W. Reynolds, found themselves pursued by General Ulysses S. Grant’s 15th Corps, commanded by General William T. Sherman. Skirmishing erupted on the plantation grounds as the Confederates desperately sought passage across the Big Black River via Askew’s Ferry. Following their crossing, the Rebels strategically destroyed the ferry, impeding the Union advance. This was not the sole confrontation; nearly a month later, during the Operations in Northeast Mississippi (June 13-22, 1863), another engagement took place when Confederate cavalry unsuccessfully challenged the Union picket guarding General Grant’s eastern line, further cementing Askew Landing’s place in Civil War history.
The Legacy of the Askew Bridge
Undeterred by wartime destruction, the Askew family rebuilt and continued to operate the ferry across the Big Black River until 1904, when a bridge was finally constructed. This engineering marvel, known as the Askew Bridge, connected Askew Ferry Road on the east with Freetown Road on the west, both segments of the venerable old Bridgeport Road. Built by the Virginia Bridge Company, this one-lane structure was the first to connect Hinds and Warren Counties for vehicle traffic, spanning 380 feet. Its distinctive high middle span was a testament to the lingering hope among cotton planters for the return of steamboat navigation on the Big Black River, a hope that ultimately went unfulfilled. By the early 1970s, the bridge’s condition had severely deteriorated, its iron trusses corroded, and rods missing. It was permanently closed in 1973, its surface removed for safety. Today, only scattered iron remnants, visible during periods of low water, serve as a poignant reminder of this once vital crossing.
Transformation of the Askew Property
Over generations, the expansive Bridgeport Plantation gradually diminished in size, parcelled out among heirs, sold, and partially lost during the Great Depression. Yet, a significant 300 acres remarkably remained within the Askew family’s stewardship. While the original plantation home, the historic Askew Bridge, and the first cotton gin have vanished, their foundations can still be discerned. Two original plantation buildings persist on the property, alongside two extant grain silos that once provisioned cattle grazing on Bridgeport Plantation lands. Fourth-generation descendant Sidney Knox Askew, Jr., affectionately known as “Knocky,” along with his brother Thomas, spent their childhoods in the original plantation house. Though the family moved off the plantation by the early 1950s, Knocky, after military service, became a self-employed cattleman and merchant in Edwards. He ran a successful grocery store for years while simultaneously grazing cattle on the former Bridgeport Plantation. During this period, Knocky bartered with a tenant farmer to construct an earthwork dam, transforming a small, existing pond into the impressive 15-acre Askew Lake, a true haven for avid anglers.
From Rustic Retreat to Modern RV Haven
In the late 1970s, Sidney sold his grocery store, a place where his children had learned the values of hard work. Both Knox and Roma Askew shared a lifelong passion for camping, which naturally led them to involve members of the local Good Sam camping club in Vicksburg. The allure of Bridgeport Plantation, with its inviting new lake and serene nature, quickly drew fellow campers. By 1983, club members, including skilled plumbers and electricians, began enhancing the camping sites. The burgeoning interest soon blossomed into the ambitious vision of opening a full-fledged campground. This vision gained significant momentum in 1994 when Sidney’s son, Dan Askew, returned home after college and a career in government. Dan purchased the property and embarked on its further development, culminating in the establishment of Askew’s Landing RV Campground. Today, it boasts a full-service RV park with modern conveniences: over 50 full and partial hook-up sites, two contemporary bathhouses, laundry facilities, a swimming pool, a large covered pavilion, on-site management, and Wi-Fi access. In June 2023, Dan Askew transitioned ownership, selling the property to Craig and Jennifer Alsup & Luke and Kelsey Hall, who continue to uphold its legacy.
Experiencing Askew’s Landing Today: A Blend of History and Recreation
Advertised as “Mississippi’s Best Kept Secret,” Askew’s Landing truly lives up to its moniker. This hidden jewel is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with its modern RV park harmoniously situated amidst 300 wooded acres. Conveniently located two miles north of I-20, it offers easy accessibility while providing a tranquil escape from road noise and urban hustle. Guests are immediately greeted by an old barn, original to the plantation, which once functioned as a seed house for the steam-operated cotton gin. Although the gin is gone, its old piers remain visible nearby. The campground office and store reside within another historic plantation building, which formerly served as the plantation commissary. A striking mural on the side of the pavilion vividly depicts the intense Civil War skirmish that occurred at Askew’s Ferry on May 17, 1863, a testament to the area’s storied past. The 15-acre fishing lake, teeming with bream and catfish, is a peaceful sanctuary frequented by ducks, geese, and occasional wild turkeys. Two miles of nature trails wind through the grounds, some preserving segments of the ancient Bridgeport Road, built as early as 1829. One trail leads directly to the bank of the Big Black River, a site steeped in history where the ferry once crossed, the skirmish took place, and the original Askew Bridge stood. Bird watchers and wildlife photographers will delight in the diverse species abundant across the property. Beyond the beautiful and serene natural environment, visitors are consistently met with generous, old-fashioned Southern hospitality, making every stay memorable.
Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy at Askew Landing
Askew Landing represents a remarkable confluence of history and recreation, a place where the echoes of the Civil War blend seamlessly with the tranquility of a modern natural retreat. From its origins as the thriving Bridgeport Plantation, through its pivotal role in the Vicksburg Campaign, to its transformation into a premier RV campground, the site offers an immersive experience for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and travelers alike. Its strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring significant Civil War sites such as Vicksburg, Raymond, and Champion Hill, all within easy driving distance. With its deep historical roots, picturesque natural beauty, and commitment to genuine Southern hospitality, Askew’s Landing stands as a powerful reminder of Mississippi’s rich heritage, inviting all to discover its unique charm and enduring story.
