Dunn's Falls Meridian, Mississippi

The fall is along the Chunky River. The water wheel works by a nature source of power, the flowing water of the steam. The water fall is at 65 feet. The park is opened all year from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Wed - Sun. Admission is $1.50

HISTORY OF THE WATER FALL

A 34 year Irish immigrant named John Dunn was looking for a home site along the Chunky River. In 1854, John found a spot to build a cotton mill & home along a shallow river. A small stream following over the top of the bluffs would provide power before continuing down 70 feet to the river below. The 3 story building by the top of the bluff was completed in 1860. The Civil War had arrived by time the machinery arrived for the mill. It was John's dream to set up machinery in the mill, but was confiscated by the Confederate government. They also took over the builfing, allowing John to supervise the manufacturing of blankets, hats, & knives for the rebel army. Additions were made to add a distillery, a blacksmith shop, & a machine for carding wool to clothe soldiers.

Dunn's Falls began making flour, corn meal, hats & money while being used for making the things mentioned above after the war was over. Togather and enjoy the company of the neighbors it became a fine dance floor. John disappeared over the years. No one seems to know what became of him. The mill changed hands several times. the last thing that was made in it was meal before the mill vanished in the Chunky River.

The authentic 1857 grist mill & water wheel was relocated from Cave Springs, Georgia.

HISTORY OF PAT HARRISON
Byron Patton "Pat" Harrison was born August 29, 1881 & died June 22, 1941. From 1911 to 1919 Pat was a Mississippi politician who served as a Democrat in the United States House of Representatives & in The United States Senate from 1919 until he died. Pat Harrison was born in Crystal Springs, Ms. He attended the University of Mississippi & Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge where he studied law where he was admitted to the bar in 1902, & practiced in Leakesville, Ms. Pat spent 4 years on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a district attorney. The Pat Harrison Waterway District operates 9 water parks. In 1911 Pat won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives & was re-elected 3 times. He supported Woodrow Wilson's Mexican & German policies. He defeated for re-election Senator James K. Vardaman, who was an enemy of Wilson. Pat was a highly effective politician, a brilliant orator, who listened to to his district, he provided information, services, & patronage. He supported New York Governor Al Smih for President & campaigned for him across the South in 1928. At a Democratic convetion in 1932, he swung the Mississippi delegation to Franklin D. Roosevelt on the crucial third ballot, & became welcome to the White House. Harrison had become chairman of the powerfull Senate Finance Committee, Pat was one of the three key people behind the creation of the Social Security systems in 1935.

The water park has one cabin this avalible to rent, along with primitive camping sites. There's also a hiking trail where there is wild turkey, deer, & squirls along with other wild life animals.. You can also rent paddleboats & conoes. The river is also swimable. You can also picnick & fish.

You can walk all the way up the water, but there's a sign that says enter at own risk. So you have a choice nto walk out on the water. But I'm sure its slippery.

The water us crystal clear & bueatiful.

There was a huge rock on the other side of the fence so we climbed over. & was very tempted to hick my way closer to the waterfall. But it was a little chilly & the water was really cold.

This trip took place in 2009