There are several towns in Mississippi whose populations have diminished tremendously over the years. However, there’s only one town where the departing residents have been replaced with dolls – and it’s Nitta Yuma. As of today, the nearly-vacant town in the Mississippi Delta has more dolls than residents. Take a look:
Classified as an unincorporated community, Nitta Yuma is located in Sharkey County, a few miles from Anguilla.
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Practically deserted, it’s home to about 20 people and more than 3,000 dolls. To put that into perspective, dolls outnumber residents 150:1.
formulanone/Flickr
But things weren’t always like this in Nitta Yuma. It was once a booming cotton community with almost 600 residents.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
And at one time, Nitta Yuma was actually setting precedents. The town had electricity before most in the U.S. – something that was covered in a Memphis paper in 1896. The article referred to Nitta Yuma as the most remarkable town on earth.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
That’s not the town’s only claim to fame, though. Nitta Yuma resident, W.H. Vick invented a unique seed that increased the pounds of cotton produced per acre, which ended up being sold commercially.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
Eventually, things slowed down in Nitta Yuma and the population steadily dwindled. The Phelps clan is one of the few families who still reside in Nitta Yuma – and they’re also the owners of the town’s massive doll collection, which is one of the state’s largest.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
The 3,000+ doll collection, which was amassed over the course of 60 years, is housed in what once served as Nitta Yuma’s general store.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
Open to the public, the collection is eerily charming. Among the slew of faces, you’ll find a few that are bound to look familiar, including Bozo, Popeye, and Howdy Doody.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
Though nearly deserted, there are a few other things to see in Nitta Yuma aside from the Phelps’ doll collection.
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
In addition to nine buildings constructed before the Civil War, the town is home to a lovely historic church and an antique store.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
Watch the video below to learn more about Nitta Yuma, and the dolls that call it home.
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formulanone/Flickr
Nitta Yuma, Mississippi/Facebook
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
Did you know about Nitta Yuma? Ever visited? If so, did you check out the doll collection? Tell us in the comments section.
This isn’t Mississippi’s only deserted town. Read about others here.
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Address: Nitta Yuma, MS 38721, USA
