Mule Jail

Mule Jail is a swamp which lies principally within the confines of the city of Jackson, Mississippi. It is home to one of the oldest cypress trees in the state of Mississippi.

Mule Jail is bounded to the north by the Ross Barnett Reservoir, to the east and south by the Pearl River, and to the west by the Jackson Country Club.

Mule Jail is also home to a hunting and fishing club.

Legend

The legend associated with Mule Jail varies from family to family, but in general, Mule Jail receives its name from the one-time island that is central to the oxbow lake. During the American Civil War, as the Union army moved through the Jackson area, farmers gathered up as many of the livestock as possible and moved them to this island and cut all access to the island. Thus many animals were spared the sword, and many farmers were able to work their fields after the Union army departed.

Coordinates: 32°23′43″N 90°4′45″W / 32.39528°N 90.07917°W / 32.39528; -90.07917