Help your students experie

Teacher’s Information Guide

Natchez Trace Parkway 
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Introduction 3 For Teachers (Materials and Opportunities) 5 Historical Background  Prehistoric Animals 7  American Indians 8  Early Europeans 16 Trail to Road 17  Meriwether Lewis 20  Andrew Jackson 20  Decline of the Trace 21 Civil War 22 Revival of the Old Trace 22 Natchez Trace Today 25 Natchez Trace Parkway Album 24 Cultural Resources Summary 28 Natural Resources Summary 27 Animals of the Natchez Trace Parkway  Mammals 30  Birds 31  Reptiles and Amphibians 32 Plants of the Natchez Trace Parkway 34 Map of the Natchez Trace Parkway 38 Some Sites along the Parkway 42 Logistic Information for Field Trips 45

Natchez Trace Parkway 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway Tupelo, MS 38804 662-680-4027 or 1-800-305-7417 662-680-4033 FAX Ridgeland Information Cabin 601-898-9417 601-898-9506 FAX Mount Locust Historic Site 601-445-4211 601-445-4876 FAX Natchez Trace Parkway www.nps.gov/natr 

Please call at least three weeks prior to thwould like to schedule. All programs are 

Unless otherwise noted, all photos in this guide are NPS or pu

Table of Contents Contact Information 
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Bird Song Hollow Double Arch Bridge at milepost 438 Connections No matter what the time or place, human beings need a sense of self; a sense of how they got where they are, a sense that will help to shape their future. The Natchez Trace Parkway is both a historical record and a contemporary experience for travelers. Anyone who seeks an understanding of what the Natchez Trace Parkway represents will realize that it is a vignette of the history of our country. An understanding of Natchez Trace will afford a more meaningful modern-day experience of this trail with ancient roots. Visitors and scholars who take the time to learn, will develop a sense of place and realize how they fit into the continuum of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Each one of us is on our own journey through time. 

The Beginnings The Trace most likely began when meanthey followed each other through the forMississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Otraveled by American Indians, European warring armies, postriders, and many otAlthough sometimes thought of as one trwas actually a transportation corridor wintersecting routes. The Natchez Trace Parkway was establishistorical significance of the Old Natchefrom Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, the northwest corner of Alabama. The Natchez Trace today The modern Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic drive. The headquarters is located Mississippi. The roadway is the connectothe Natchez Trace National Scenic Trailhorseback riders can experience scenery travelers hundreds of years ago. The Parexperienced bicyclists and also contains boat docks, and many picnic areas. The Parkway is under the management oan agency under the United States Deparmission of the National Park Service is to cultural and natural resources importancountry, while providing of the enjoymecurrent and future generations. There arprotected National Park units, which incYellowstone National Park and the Statu

Introduction 
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A blend of cultural and natural history Many historic and natural areas are protected within the boundaries of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Old inns (stands), sections of the original trail, battlefields, and American Indian mounds are a few of the historical places along the Trace where people can explore their own sense of self in relation to historical elements. Natural resources also abound along the Parkway. Swamps, prairies, forests, streams, and wildlife are protected within park boundaries. Interaction with the natural world reminds us of the bounty of our continent as well as the challenges of the first human inhabitants. Two different full-size timeline posters and five trail posters are available for classrooms free of charge. 

“Do you think we will see a REAL bear?” Second grader on a field trip at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, Tupelo. 

Introduction continued 
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“This was a life changing experience for my students.” Fourth grade teacher, Lee County, MS

Materials and Opportunities: Free of charge 

Materials 

 Lesson Plans: K-12, multiple subject areas 

 Lesson Plan CD  Online: www.nps.gov/natr/forteachers/state-lessonplans.htm 

 Traveling Trunks 

 History  Science  Geography and GPS 

 Posters: full size 

 2 Timeline Posters  5 Trail Posters 

 Detailed maps and site bulletins  Junior Ranger booklet: www.nps.gov/natr/forkids/

beajuniorranger.htm 

Ranger Services 

 Ranger-led activities 

 Guest speakers  In-classroom lessons  Field trips 

 Service learning project development  Information assistance 

Opportunities for Educators 

 Special school events  Service learning opportunities  Teacher training and workshops  Teacher-to-Ranger to-Teacher: 

employment) 

Other Online Resources 

 Natchez Trace Parkway 

 www.nps.gov/natr 

 Natchez Trace National Scenic T

 www.nps.gov/natt 

 Brices Cross Road National Battl

 www.nps.gov/brcr 

 Tupelo National Battlefield 

 www.nps.gov/tupe 

 Trail of Tears National Historic T

 www.nps.gov/trte 

 State Pages for all 50 states (see n Event Calendar 

 Mississippi - www.nps.go

search.htm?states_filter=

 Natchez Trace Parkway e

planyourvisit/events 

 National Park Interpretation and 

the country 

 www.nps.gov/learn/ 

 Teacher Ranger Teacher Inform

 www.nps.gov/learn/trt/ 

Sometimes funds are availabtransportation for field tripscall and inquire about fundi

For Teachers 
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Mississippi: www.nps.gov/state/ms/index.htm 

Alabama: www.nps.gov/state/al/index.htm 

Tennessee: www.nps.gov/state/t

State PageIncludes links across the USadministered National ParCertified LocFederal LandHistoric Pres

Projects 

Land & Wate

Fund 

National Reg

Places 

Preserve AmRivers, Trail

Assistance 

Save AmericAmerican Ba

Program 

Online information about historic sites 
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Prehistoric Animals Animals, especially large ones, prefer to follow paths through vegetation. It is not unreasonable to assume that some of these paths were also followed by early American Indians, and subsequently by the Indians’ descendants, and finally by European settlers. Some of the earlier mammals that lived in the area were very large, including a nine-foot-tall bison, (Bison latifrons), mastodons, giant sloths, and a smaller relative of the horse.1

As American Indians settled in the area, the structure of the animal population changed. Excavations from two-thousand year old Indian mounds revealed the remains of animals still seen in this area today.2

There has been some change in the animal population. Two recent newcomers are the coyote and armadillo. Cougar and bison, whose remains were found in area mounds are no longer seen here in the 

wild. Red wolves also once roamed in the region of the Trace. Elk lived in the Carolinas and on bottomlands of west Tennessee,3 so 

they most likely also lived in the area of the Trace. An archeological village site in Arkansas contains remains of the extinct passenger pigeon which were evidently a favorite of elite American Indians in this region. 

1 Cotter, John L. 1991. "Update on Natchez Man." American Antiquity 56, no. 1: 36-39. 

JSTOR Arts & Sciences II, EBSCOhost (accessed January 20, 2012). 

2 Jackson, H. Edwin, and Susan L. Scott. 2003. "Patterns of Elite Faunal Utilization at  Moundville, Alabama." American Antiquity 68, no. 3: 552-572. JSTOR Arts & 

 Sciences II, EBSCOhost (accessed January 20, 2012). 

3 Murrow, Jennifer L., Joseph D. Clark, and E. Kim Delozier. 2009. "Demographics of  an Experimentally Released Population of Elk in Great Smoky Mountains  National Park." Journal Of Wildlife Management 73, no. 8: 1261-1268. Biological 

 Abstracts, EBSCOhost (accessed January 20, 2012). 

Black Bear, Co

Historical Background
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The earliest Indians who migrated to the southeast settled into a region with relatively mild weather, an abundance of game, and a long growing season. This combination of resources enabled these Indians to establish permanent communities and engage in farming, in addition to hunting and gathering. We do not know the names of all of the original tribes who settled in the areas surrounding the modern Natchez Trace Parkway, but more recent, large tribes include the Chickasaw, the Choctaw, and the Natchez. Mounds and villages along the Natchez Trace Living in settlement communities provided the time to build large mounds with elaborate resting places for the deceased. Later Indian communities built mounds which had the primary purpose of being ceremonial, holding temples, or housing for the elite of the tribes. Studies of mounds and village sites along the Natchez Trace and in the southeastern region of the United States, have helped to document the story of American Indians of this area. We know the local Indian villagers traded with other distant Indian tribes. Travel occurred along some of the trails that eventually became known as the Natchez Trace. Artifacts found in the mounds along the Natchez Trace come from as far south as the Gulf of Mexico and as far north as the Great Lakes. Metal work was also found, including objects made by Indians, Europeans, and white settlers. Cultivated Foods Archeological study of mounds and village sites has provided insight into foods that were commonly used by the American Indians who settled near the Trace. One trio that was commonly cultivated is known as the Three Sisters: maize (corn), beans, and squash. Other frequently cultivated plants were starchy grain seeds, such as little barley and maygrass. Little barley was widely cultivated.1 Maygrass has seeds large enough to use 

either boiled or ground. Other plants that are were probably cultivated were sunflower, sumpweed, lambsquarters, and erect knotweed.

A statue of Piomingo in Fair Park in Tupelo, Miswas a signer of the Treaty of Hopewell that markrelationship between the Chickasaw and the US GArea Indians were farmers long before European North America. They were famous for the Three beans, and squash, but they cultivated many othe

American Indians near the Old Trace 
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Nuts were used by southeastern Indians, including acorns, hickory, walnuts, and pecans. These were probably collected and not 

cultivated. Other known collected food species included grapes, persimmons, wild beans, wild plums, and sumac.2 

1 Smith, Christopher. 1996. "ANALYSIS OF PLANT REMAINS FROM MOUND S AT  THE TOLTEC MOUNDS SITE." Arkansas Archeologist 35, 51-76. America: 

 History & Life, EBSCOhost (accessed January 20, 2012). 

2 ibid. 

Erect Knotweed 

Chickasaw Plum 

Maygrass 

Persimmon 
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Emerald Mound 

Located: Milepost 10.3, 10 milTime: Mississippian Period 10Use: Ceremonial Other:  Second largest mound in t Eight acres  Lower mound 35’ tall  Upper mound 25’  Six smaller mounds once t

mound. 

Mangum Mound Located: Milepost 45.7, about 50 miles south of Jackson, MS. Time: Woodland Period 300 BC—1000 AD Use: Burial Other:  Actually a natural ridge, not a mound

American Indian Mounds 
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Boyd Site Located: Milepost 106.9, just north of Jackson, MS. Time: Late Woodland & Mississippian Periods 800AD —1700 AD Use: Burial and village site Other:  Six total mounds  Two mounds are incorporated into one 

larger mound: total 110’x60’x4’ 

Bynum Mounds 

Located: Milepost 232.Tupelo, MS Time: Woodland PerioUse: Burial and village Other:  Village site existed  Six mounds  Height 5’ to 14’ 
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Bear Creek Mound Located: Milepost 308.8, about 12 miles south of Cherokee, AL Time: Mississippian Period 1000 AD -1700 AD Use: Ceremonial Other:  Burials and village near mound  85’ long  Height 8’  Burned daub found on mound (mud/reed 

plaster) 

Pharr Mounds Located: Milepost 286.7, about 20 miles north oTupelo Time: Woodland Period 300BC-1000AD Use: Burial Other:  Eight mounds  One of largest Woodland ceremonial sites i Height 2’ - 18’  Site is over 85 acres 

American Indian Mounds 
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“Can you stay for Fourth grader to a classroom lesson. 

Pottery Pottery, even broken pieces, can last for thousands of years. Pottery found on American Indian sites in the southeast gives clues to both the culture and the individuals who created the pots. Marks made on a pot are a sort of artistic language generated by one hand and represent both creativity and traditions of the culture.  Using pottery as containers was an improvement over using hide or bark. In general, older pottery is heavier and less decorative. Woodland Period pottery frequently was thick walled clay and was unmarked, or marked with fabric or cord. Pot shapes were utilitarian. The Mississippian Period pots are evidence that pot makers learned new skills. Crushed shell was added to clay and this tempering allowed for stronger and lighter pieces. Mississippian pottery was more elaborate in both decoration and design. Many incised patterns were developed and often are typical of a particular region. Effigies, handles, painted designs, and more ornate forms became common. www.nps.gov/history/seac/outline/04-woodland/index.htm. Accessed Nov. 7, 2011. Plain and thick pottery of Woodland Period design type 

Incised, thin, shell tempered pottery of type 

Pottery of the Woodland and Mississippian Periods 
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Indian Communities Southeastern Indian communities were complex and by the Middle Woodland Period, many settlements were established and agrarian. Strong political and religious structures were in place. The homes that made up the communities were often one of two shapes, smaller round homes for winter and longer, airy rectangular homes for the summer. Homes were built of reeds covered with mud that were applied to poles sunk into the ground. 

Pushmataha: Choctaw 

Tishomingo: Chickasaw 

Tattooed Serpent: Natchez 

By 1822 the Choctaw and Chickasaw lands were being replaced by counties established by white settlers. The large yellow area shows the Choctaw holdings and the large green area in the northeast shows the Chickasaw land. The orange line shows part of the route of the Natchez Trace. The Natchez Indians, who once occupied the southwest area of Mississippi, had integrated into other tribes, mostly the Choctaw. 

Some Notable Area Leaders Shrinking of Mississippian Indian Nation

Map: MS Historical So
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Many of the American Indians who lived iNatchez Trace adopted the farming methoof the white settlers. Some owned highly pHowever, their adaptation did not exclude discrimination. 

As Europeans moved into the area, the local American Indians began to align themselves with the local immigrant settlements. Eventually, the Chickasaw aligned with the British, and the Choctaw aligned with the French. This resulted in a territorial war that escalated and blew up in 1736, in what is known as the Battle of Ackia. The Chickasaw and British won against the Choctaw and French in this historic battle that took place in the area that is now Tupelo, Mississippi. 

An early map for use by the French Army showing the layout of a Chickasaw village 

Battle of Ackia 

Treaty of Hopewell with Choctaw—January 3, Treaty of Hopewell with Chickasaw—January Partly designed to allow safe passage to traderChoctaw lands. 
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Hernando de Soto is thought to have traveled alothat became the Natchez Trace. In the winter of men camped in Chickasaw lands near what is noMississippi. By the end of the winter, he had disrChickasaw to the point that they insisted he leavIn 1682, the French explorer, Rene-Robert, Cavcontact with the Natchez Indians. By 1716, the Fa palisade fort known as Fort Rosalie, on a MissiBuilt to serve for both defense and as a governmwas also known as Fort Natchez. As the French Indian lands, tensions turned into battles. By 173Natchez had moved elsewhere and the area was style development. The British took over Natchez in 1763, as a resulParis. The Spanish annexed Natchez in 1779, anLemos, became governor. Gayoso is credited wiin the town. His surveyed streets are still contemNatchez.1 1 Manuel Gayoso and Spanish Natchez by J. Elliot, Jr.  mshistory.k12.ms.us/articles/68/manuel-gayoso- Accessed Nov 04, 2011. 

Treaty of Fort Adams with Choctaw—December 17, 1801 Designed to provide for the establishment of a single wagon road along the network of northeasterly trails through Choctaw lands. 

Early Europeans 

In 1830, the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek was signed, ceding the last of Choctaw lands to the US Government, and initiating the removal of the Choctaw who were the first to be relocated from Mississippi to Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. Around 20,000 Choctaw lived in Mississippi at that time, all but five or six thousand were moved westward or died along the way on the Trail of Tears. They were moved in three waves in 1831, 1832, and 1833. They were convinced that their livestock would be replaced when they reached Oklahoma. This did not happen. Unfortunately, their removal began at the beginning of the cold season, on November 1, 1831. Some Choctaw remained in Mississippi, some returned, and today are known as the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Although spread through 10 counties, their main office is Choctaw, Mississippi, near Philadelphia, approximately 25 miles east of the Parkway at Milepost 160. Chickasaw leaders were very much opposed to being removed from their homeland. However, knowing that they had essentially no rights, they chose to move 4,000 of their people westward rather than face possible annihilation. Although their removal began with the 1832 Treaty of Pontotoc, it was not until July 4, 1837 that the first group of Chickasaw people ferried across the Mississippi River and began walking to Indian Territory. Well aware of the plight of the Choctaw and others who preceded them on the Trail of Tears, the Chickasaw people insisted on taking with them as many possessions and livestock as possible. Still, they suffered not only the loss of their homes and their homeland, but also the loss of many Chickasaw people. Choctaw and Chickasaw Removal 

De Soto Discovering the Mississippi by Jerez de lClipart courtesy FCIT

For more information about Choctaw and Chickasaw: Oklahoma Tribes: 

http://www.choctawnation.com/ http://www.chickasaw.net/ 

Mississippi Choctaw 

http://www.choctaw.org/ 
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From the time of the formation of the MMississippi’s statehood in 1817, the numthe trail increased. With this increase caAmericans and Europeans along the tracsettlers entering the area, came tensions American Indians. There were enough settlers in the area thSixth Congress, Sess. 1, Ch. 31, voted to efrom Nashville to Natchez in the Mississ

It Started in Natchez With the growth of the town of Natchez, there was an increasing demand for supplies. The most cost efficient place from where to obtain supplies was the Ohio River Valley. Settlers in that area trapped, grew crops, and obtained refined goods from the east and then hauled them to Natchez to sell. No wagon roads lead to Natchez, so the traders built flatboats and made their way to Natchez, via the Mississippi River. Unable to move their boats upriver against the current, the boatmen sold their boats as lumber. Pockets full of money or chits (which are similar to checks), the boatmen gathered in groups and headed back northeast to their homes via the network of trails now commemorated by the Natchez Trace Parkway. Mount Locust is the last remaining stand in Mississippi. It is on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 15.5. 

Boatmen built flatboats that floated tradthe strong current of the Mississippi as p

Trail to Road 
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Boatman Outfit

Europeans settling the area were known as “countrymen”. These Europeans established places of shelter (stands) for traveling traders. It was common for countrymen to marry Indian women and their children also frequently operated stands. There were many stands along the Trace, but the history of most has been lost. Much of what we know about stands was written by clergy circuit riders who wrote about their experiences. The accommodations at stands varied with the owners. Some were rough cabins without floors or fire places, and the food was meager. Others provided more comfortable settings. Sleeping space sometimes consisted of a spot on a porch, or a deer hide on a dirt floor. However, especially in bad weather this was an improvement over sleeping in the forests. 

Boatmen were also known as Kaintucks, as they came from the area of Kentucky. Most of the information we have about the way they lived and traveled was from journals written by circuit riding ministers who shared stands with these travelers. 

1 Guice, John D. W. 2010. "Bedfellows and Bedbugs: Stands 

Southern Quarterly 48, no. 1: 7-26. Literary Reference C

 (accessed January 20, 2012). 

The best food usually consisted of bacon, biscuias well as some manifestation of a corn dish. Othincluded local game like deer and turkey. At leaadvertised a “constant supply of whiskey”. In sopotatoes and hominy were commonly served. Farmers of both Indian and European descent, loften raised cattle, hogs, and crops, which they sthe travelers. 1

Pineywoods cattle are a Mississippi variety of th

Stands along the Natchez Trace 
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John and Dolly Gordon In 1812 Captain John Gordon and his wito his plantation and trading post on the River crossing. The Gordon’s operated a Duck River for Natchez Trace travelers. Family Chronicle1, while Capt. Gordon w

War in Florida, on March 2, 1818, he senbuild a brick house. That house still stanParkway. For a short period of time, one William Colbert, also known as CooshemColbert of Colbert’s Ferry. Capt. Gordon died at his home in 1819. Dsite and successfully ran the farm. She wbenevolent lady, as well as claiming to be She remained a successful business wom

1 Bond, Octavia Zollicoffer. 1928. Family Chronicle 2 ibid. 

Gordon House Historic Site: milepost 40

John McIntosh John McIntosh was a countryman who established a stand near what is now milepost 250 on the Parkway. His was probably one of the first stands as it postdated his establishment of a plantation in the Mississippi frontier. As traffic on the Old Trace increased, he profited from offering his home to travelers1. 

His stand was the midpoint in the postal road established by the 6th Congress in 1800. His son, also named John McIntosh, ran the stand after his father. He founded the community of Tockshish, in the southern part of Chickasaw territory. George Colbert George Colbert or Tootemastubbe, was the son of John Logan Colbert and Minta Hoya, a Chickasaw. He operated a stand and ferry across the Tennessee River, near what is now milepost 327 on the Parkway. He was a counselor in the Chickasaw Nation. Colbert also owned farmland in both Alabama and Mississippi. He moved westward during the Indian Removal, taking his family and 150 slaves2. He died at Fort Towson, Oklahoma in 1839. Profiles of some Stand Operators 1 Guice, John D. W. 2010. "Bedfellows and Bedbugs: Stands on the Natchez Trace." 

Southern Quarterly 48, no. 1: 7-26. Literary Reference Center, EBSCOhost

 (accessed January 20, 2012). 2 Colber, George. http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/C/

 CO017.html . Accessed Dec. 20, 2011 

The site of Colbert’s Ferry: milepost 327.3 
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The War of 1812 started with a hostile declaratibetween the United States and England. At that Florida boundary was in what is now along the Nstate of Mississippi. To prevent the British from Florida, President Madison and his advisors plaexpedition to the southern frontier. On January 13, 1813, Jackson and his two infantNashville, headed for Natchez. They floated dowRiver to meet Colonel John Coffee’s US Cavalry traveled down the Trace to a town called WashiTrace. Jackson and the infantry arrived in NatchThe troops sat idle for a month and in March, thwas terminated. This angered Jackson who led hwhom were ill, back to Nashville. In 1814, he and his troops again traveled south tDecember, he was made commander. On Januatwo week battle and defeated the British, whichnot necessary. Unknown to any of the military c

In September of 1809, Meriwether Lewis, co-captain of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1803-1806, began his journey to Washington D.C. to document and defend his spending of government funds, publish the expedition journals, and meet with former President Thomas Jefferson. While traveling, he wrote his will, leaving his possessions to his mother, Lucy Marks.At Fort Pickering, near modern day Memphis, Tennessee, Lewis and his traveling companions met with James Neelly, the Chickasaw agent who would escort them through Chickasaw territory. He then traveled through the remote wilderness along the Natchez Trace north to Grinder’s Stand, an inn run by the Grinder family. Mrs. Grinder prepared a meal that evening, and made up a room for Lewis. Later that evening gunshots were heard, and Lewis was found with two gunshot wounds: one to the head, and one to the chest. Lewis’s life ended on the morning of October 11, 1809, at the age of 35. Controversy still surrounds his death. Both William Clark and Thomas Jefferson, who probably knew Lewis best, accepted that Lewis had taken his own life. Existing historical evidence supports the probability of suicide. Murder theories have developed over time but still today, most historians believe Meriwether Lewis died by his own hand. Meriwether Lewis Andrew Jackson 

Meriwether Lewis at Grinder’s Stand by Larry Janoff 

Treaty haon ChristGhent, BHowevermarched Natchez Tgeneral wmight of tNew Orlefinally reabortive fexpeditiolocal and triumphaNatchez Tthe aura obecome a ultimatel
21 

The end of the war signaled the beginning of decline of the Natchez Trace’s importance as a transportation corridor. By1820 the route established by Jefferson skirted George Colbert’s high priced ferry ride. The road was re-routed from Columbia, Tennessee, through Florence, Alabama, and then to Buzzard Roost, near Cherokee, Alabama. By 1821, most travelers were following less and less of the original Trace route, and were bypassing the Chickasaw Nation. By 1824, only 85 miles of the Old Trace ran through Choctaw territory. The Trace as a continuous route was virtually non-existent after 1825.1 Perhaps one of the most infamous uses of the Old Trace came as a direct result of a project of President Jackson. In 1830, under the guidance of President Andrew Jackson, Congress passed a law that authorized the voluntary emigration of Indians east of the Mississippi River to the west. In the act were provisions for land exchanges and compensations for improvements to property such as houses, barns and orchards. There was no authorization to seize Indian lands and the act confirmed that previously made treaties should not be violated.2 

1 Guice, John D. W. 2010. "Bedfellows and Bedbugs: Stands on the Natchez Trace." 

Southern Quarterly 48, no. 1: 7-26. Literary Reference Center, EBSCOhost

 (accessed January 20, 2012). 2 Cave, Alfred A. 2003. "ABUSE OF POWER: ANDREW JACKSON AND THE INDIAN  REMOVAL ACT OF 1830." Historian 65, no. 6: 1330-1353. Academic Search 

 Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed January 20, 2012). The New Orleans by Gary Lucy 

To support a growing white population in the Mississippi area, farmers plowed lands that once were sections of the Old Trace. 

However, this is not what happened. Statpreferential treatment to white settlers aawarded to those settlers. The Indians wrights of self government, and so they wewestward. The Old Trace was used to mopoints along what is now known as the Ttemporarily encamped very near the Old fall into place and then they too were mo

An alternate mode of travel was on the hthe first steamboat to arrive in Natchez, M1811. After steamboat mechanics were imeasier to travel home via steamboat. Motgoods with less effort. The trip home was 1840s, most people were traveling by stea

Sections of the Old Natchez Trace near dincorporated into roadways. In the more were plowed under by farmers. The Old areas, simply became part of the landscaboatmen was over. 

New mode of travel 

Decline of the Trace 
22 

Rocky Springs Area Probably one of the most historic and traumatic experiences to occur in the Rocky Springs area was in May of 1863. For more than a week General Ulysses S. Grant made it his headquarters. His army of 40,000 troops camped around there, in an area of less than 25 square miles, setting up near the church, the spring, the girl’s college, and in open fields. The passage of the Union army through Rocky Springs is a matter of important interest to military historians. Here, for the first time in the Civil War, Grant demonstrated that it was possible for a major army to cut itself off from its supply base and successfully fight a campaign while subsisting on the surrounding countryside. Local tradition has it that the Union troops enthusiastically carried out the command of General Grant in “living off the land,” reducing a prosperous community to poverty. Foraging was done under the direction of officers who were instructed to give receipts for their requisitions and to turn in an account to the quartermaster office of the property taken. 

Not surprisingly, there was considerable lootingother real property seem to have suffered only tMemoirs left by residents of the region complaiclothing, farm stock, and slaves. From there, Grant’s army traveled via Old TracJackson and eventually to Vicksburg. 

Church at Rocky Springs, milepost 54.8 

Northern Mississippi In 1863, the Union plan for war in the west was tConfederacy east of the Mississippi River, using William Tecumseh Sherman’s army operating ouNashville, Tennessee. General Sherman’s supplrailroad from Nashville to Chattanooga, was vulfrom the forces of Confederate Major General NForrest who was operating in Northeast Mississneeded to keep Forrest at bay in north MississipGeneral Sherman’s entire campaign depended usupply line. 

Civil War 

Tupelo National Battlefield 
23 

Reenactment at Brices Cross Roads, a site near Baldwyn, Mississippi 

Brices Cross Roads In order to keep Gen. Forrest from interfering with his plans, Sherman sent Brig. Gen Samuel Sturgis to threaten north Mississippi. Unaware that Sturgis was bait, Gen. Forrest responded and the Battle of Brices Cross Roads was fought on June 10, 1864 . Unfortunately for the Union soldiers, the Confederate army outmaneuvered them and the Union army was forced to retreat. Thanks to a series of defensive actions by a brigade of United States Colored Troops (USCT), most of Sturgis's army was able to escape almost certain capture. 

Tupelo (Harrisburg) A month later, on July 14, 1864, Shermanthe Battle of Tupelo opened. Earlier that Confederates had failed to keep the Fedeline on high ground. The armies rallied afinally concluding the battle at Old Town credited with winning this battle, but agakeeping General Forrest occupied elsewh

USCT soldier 
24 

Although, the Natchez Trace had ceased to be a continuous road long before the Civil War, interest in the old road was revived when a journalist published an article in the September, 1905 issue of “Everybody’s Magazine”. John Swain was researching the centennial of Meriwether Lewis’s death when he uncovered the history of the Natchez Trace. 

In his article, Swain stated, “The Natchez Trace itself, even if it were not so picturesque and delightful in its whole length, has played so great a part in our country’s history that by right, demands attention and a visit from us.” 

“...and who does the Natchez Tracbelong to?” Ranger to students at the end of a “Us!” Students happily respond in uniso

Voices began to echo this sentiment as chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), from the states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, also recognized the historical importance of the old trade route. In 1909, the DAR dedicated the first of many markers to indicate the route of the Old Natchez Trace. 

In a depressed economy, Mississippi RepresentatBusby, saw the advantages of reworking the histonational icon, a work project, and a tourist attrathe idea to congress. On May 21, 1934, President permission for a government survey, to investigaa commemorative road. Ground breaking was on September 16, 1937. On Natchez Trace Parkway officially became a unit o

Service. The roadway was officially completed o

Image courtesy of magazineart.org 

The Revival of the Old Trace In 1934, the Natchez Trace Association (NTA) was formed for the purpose of promoting the paving of the Natchez Trace route. Money was collected by the NTA to send representatives to Washington, DC. Roane Fleming Byrnes a NTA leader, was instrumental in encouraging the popularization of the project. 
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“I loved visiting the moundsFourth grade student on a fi

Teachers at a workshop learning about the natural resources 

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-drive through exceptional scenery and 10,000 years of North American history. Used by American Indians, “Kaintucks”, settlers, and future presidents, the Old Trace played an important role in American history. Each year six-million visitors enjoy the Parkway through a variety of activities and special events. Camping, biking, and ranger led programs are among the most popular activities and it is also a popular place for hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. Special events occur throughout the year, featuring demonstrations and celebrating many aspects of American culture. Teacher resources, training, and student activities are available to encourage the next generation to appreciate, and explore their relationship with one of America’s great National Parks. 

Students learning about the Natchez TraStudents on a field trip 

The Natchez Trace Today 
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Largest tree on Tra

George Colbert House, Colbert Co., AL 

Union Bridge over Harpeth River, Williamson Co., TN 

1812 Marker at AL, TN Line 

 Trace, Lee Co., MS 

Natchez Trace Parkway Album 

Tochshish Church, used as a black elementary 1934, Pontotoc Co., MS 
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Trace, Claiborne Co., MS 

 Trace, Pr

Trace ford, Wayne Co., TN 

Trace road marker, Lauderdale 
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29 
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Mammals Order Didelphimorphia (Common Opossums)  Opossum Didelphis virginiana Order Cingulata (Armadillos) 

Nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus

Order Rodentia (Rodents)  Beaver Castor canadensis  House mouse Mus musculus

Hispid cotton rat Sigmodon hispidusMuskrat Ondatra zibethicus

 Woodchuck Marmota monax

Eastern gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensisFox squirrel Sciurus niger Nutria Myocastor coypus 

Order Lagomorpha (Rabbits)  Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus Order Soricomorpha (Shrews & Moles)  Eastern mole Scalopus aquaticus Order Chiroptera (Bats)  Gray bat (Endangered) Myotis grisescens 

Little brown bat Myotis lucifugus 

 Southeastern myotis Myotis austroriparius Eastern pipistrelle Pipestrellus subflavus Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Eastern Red bat Lasiurus borealis

 Hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus

 Evening bat Nycticeius humeralis

 Rafinesque’s big-eared bat Plecotus rafinesquii

Order Carnivora (Carnivores) 

Bobcat Lynx rufus Coyote Canis latrans Red fox Vulpes vulpes

Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Louisiana Black bear (Threatened) Ursus americanus luteolusRaccoon Procyon lotor Mink Mustela vison 

Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis Eastern spotted skunk Spilogale putoriusRiver otter Lutra Canadensis 

Order Artiodactyla (Even-toed Ungulates) 

White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus Feral pig Sus scrofa 

Gray bat (endangered) 

Red fox pup Red wolf 

Eastern cottontail rabbit Raccoon 

White-tail d

All photos on this page courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Serv

Louisianna b

Animals of the Natchez Trace Parkway 
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Order Pelecaniformes (Pelicans and Allies)  American White Pelican  Double-crested Cormorant Order Ciconiiformes (Herons and Allies)  Green Heron  Yellow-crowned Night Heron  Little Blue Heron  Cattle Egret [X]  Snowy Egret  Great Egret  Great Blue Heron  Turkey Vulture  Black Vulture Order Anseriformes (Waterfowl)  Canada Goose  Fulvous Whistling Duck 

Wood Duck Mallard 

Order Falconiformes (Vultures, Hawks, and Falcons) 

Mississippi Kite 

 Sharp-shinned Hawk  Cooper’s Hawk  Broad-winged Hawk  Red-shouldered Hawk  Red-tailed Hawk  American Kestrel  Bald Eagle Order Galliformes (Turkey, Pheasants, and Quail) 

Wild Turkey Ring-necked Pheasant [X] Northern Bobwhite 

Order Charadriiformes (Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids) 

American Woodcock Killdeer Herring Gull Royal Tern 

Order Columbiformes (Pigeons and Doves) 

Mourning Dove Rock Pigeon 

Order Cuculiformes (Cuckoos and Allies) 

Yellow-billed Cuckoo 

 Black-billed Cuckoo Order Strigiformes (Owls) 

Great Horned Owl 

 Barred Owl  Eastern Screech Owl Order Caprimulgiformes (Goatsuckers and Allies)  Common Nighthawk  Chuck-wills-widow  Whip-poor-will Order Apodiformes (Swifts and Hummingbirds) 

Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird 

Order Coracieformes (Kingfishers)  Belted Kingfisher Order Piciformes (Woodpeckers)  Red-headed Woodpecker  Red-bellied Woodpecker  Northern Flicker  Yellow-shafted morph  Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  Downy Woodpecker  Hairy Woodpecker  Pileated Woodpecker Order Passeriformes (Perching Birds) 

Eastern Wood Pewee 

 Acadian Flycatcher  Eastern Phoebe  Great-crested Flycatcher 

Eastern Kingbird 

 Loggerhead Shrike  White-eyed Vireo  Red-eyed Vireo 

Yellow-throated Vireo Warbling Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Fish Crow 

Order Passeriformes (continued) 

Purple Martin Cliff Swallow Northern Rough-winged Swallow Barn Swallow Tufted Titmouse Carolina Chickadee Brown Creeper White-breasted Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch House Wren Winter Wren Carolina Wren Bewick’s Wren * Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Eastern Bluebird Wood Thrush Hermit Thrush American Robin Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher European Starling [X] Cedar Waxwing Prothonotary Warbler Blue-winged Warbler Northern Parula Yellow-rumped Warbler Black and White Warbler Cerulean Warbler Yellow-throated Warbler Prairie Warbler Pine Warbler Yellow Warbler Kentucky Warbler Hooded Warbler Worm-eating Warbler Swainson’s Warbler Louisiana Waterthrush Common Yellowthroat Yellow-breasted Chat American Redstart Summer Tanager 

O

Birds 

Eastern B
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Reptiles and Amphibians 

Reptiles 

Order Crocodylia (Crocodilians) 

 American alligator Alligator mississippiensis 

Order Testudines (Turtles) 

 Common Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina 

Alligator Snapping Turtle Macroclemys temmincki Three-toed Box Turtle Terrapene carolina triunguis Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina Carolina Smooth Soft-shell Turtle Trionyx muticus 

 Eastern Mud Turtle Kinosternon subrubrum  Chicken Turtle Deirochelys reticularia 

Mississippi Map Turtle Graptemys kohni Stinkpot Sternotherus odoratus

Razor-backed Musk Turtle Sternotherus carinatus Ringed Sawback Map Turtle (Threatened) Graptemys oculifera Southern Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta dorsalis Slider Pseudemys concinna Red-eared Slider Chrysemys scripta elegans 

 Yellow-bellied Slider Chrysemys scripta scripta  Order Squamata (Lizards and Snakes)

Green Anole Anolis carolinensis Ground Skink Scincella lateralis Five-lined Skink Eumeces fasciatus Broad-headed Skink Eumeces laticeps Southeastern Five-lined Skink Eumeces inexpectatus Eastern Fence Lizard Sceloporus undulates 

 Non-venomous Snakes 

Midland Water Snake Natrix sipedon pleuralis Diamondbacked Water Snake Nerodia rhombifera Northern Water Snake Natrix sipedon sipedon Yellow-bellied Water Snake Natrix erythrogaster flavigaster 

Eastern Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Eastern Ribbon Snake Thamnophis sauritus Smooth Earth Snake Virginia valeriae Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platyrhinos Rough Green Snake Opheodrys aestivus Mud Snake Farancia abacura Rainbow Snake Farancia erytrogramma Northern Black Racer Coluber constrictor constrictor Southern Black Racer Coluber constrictor priapus 

Gray rat snake with full stomac

Western cottonmo

American alligator 
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Non-venomous Snakes (continued) 

Corn Snake Elaphe guttata guttata Gray Rat Snake Elaphe obsoleta spiloides Black Rat Snake Elaphe obsoleta obsolete Black Kingsnake Lampropeltis getulus niger Speckled Kingsnake Lampropeltis getulus holbrooki Eastern Milk Snake Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum Mole Kingsnake Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata 

Eastern Worm Snake Carphaphis amoenus Ringneck Snake Diadophis punctatus 

Venomous Snakes

Southern Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix Western Cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma 

 Canebrake Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus atricaudatus 

Amphibians  Order Anura (Frogs and Toads)  Southern Cricket Frog Acris gryllus 

Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans Green Frog Rana clamitans melanota 

Bronze Frog Rana clamitans clamitans Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Southern Leopard Frog Rana utricularia Bird-voiced Tree Frog Hyla avivoca Gray Tree Frog Complex Hyla versicolor and Hyla chrysoscelis Green Tree Frog Hyla cinerea 

 Squirrel Tree Frog Hyla squirella 

Spring Peeper Hyla crucifer 

Upland Chorus Frog Pseudacris triseriata feriarum

American Toad Bufo americanus 

Fowler’s Toad Bufo woodhousei fowler 

Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad Gastrophryne carolinensis 

Order Caudata (Newts and Salamanders)

Red-spotted Newt Notophthalmus viridescens Mole Salamander Ambystoma talpoideum Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum Slimy Salamander Plethodon glutinosus Northern Red Salamander Pseudotriton ruber rubber Three-toed Amphiuma Amphiuma tridactylum Western Lesser Siren Siren intermedia nettingi Webster’s Salamander Plethodon websteri 

Bullfrog Chicken turtSpotted Salamphoto by Evan G
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There are thousands of species of plants along the length of the Parkway. Some are ancient and some are recent and unwelcome introductions. A few plants are endemic and have only been found along the regions along the Natchez Trace Parkway. 

All information this page from: Hatch, S. Kruse, D. 2004. The Vascular Flora of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Unpublished report submitted to Gulf Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network, Lafayette, LA. 

Tennessee purple coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis (Beadle) Photo by J.S. Peterson@USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database 

Lyreleaf bladderpod 

(Paysonia lyrata was Lesquerella lyrata) 

Photo courtesy of Kevin England, 

University of Western Alabama

Alabama larkspur (Delphinium alabamicum) Photo courtesy of Brian Keenan, University of Western Alabama

Endemics Plants of the Natchez Trace Parkway 

Taxon State CommoAmelanchier arborea Alabama common Arabis georgiana Alabama Georgia Arenaria fontinalis Tennessee AmericaAsarum canadense Mississippi Canadian Aster ericoides Mississippi white heCacalia suaveolens Tennessee false IndCarex virescens Mississippi ribbed seCoreopsis auriculata Mississippi lobed ticDennstaedtia punctilobula Alabama eastern hDrosera brevifolia Tennessee dwarf suEnemion biternatum Alabama eastern fGentiana saponaria Alabama harvestbHydrastis canadensis Tennessee goldenseJuglans cinerea Mississippi butternuJuncus brachycephalus Tennessee smallheaLilium michiganense Tennessee MichigaLonicera flava Tennessee yellow hMarshallia trinervia Tennessee broadleaMenispermum canadense Mississippi common Mikania cordifolia Mississippi Florida KOsmorhiza longistylis Mississippi longstyle Pachysandra procumbens Alabama AlleghenPanax quinquefolius Mississippi AmericaParnassia grandifolia Tennessee largeleaf Spiranthes lucida Tennessee shining lSpiranthes ovalis Tennessee October Swertia caroliniensis Mississippi AmericaTrichomanes boschianum Mississippi AppalacTrillium sessile Alabama toadshadUvularia grandiflora Alabama largeflowXyris tennesseensis Tennessee Tennesse

Records of rare, threatened, or endange
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Jacob’s ladder: bloom

Some Flowers of the Natchez Trace Parkway Compass plant: pioneers believed the leaves of the compass plant pointed north and south. The resin of the summer flower was used as a chewing gum by some American Indians. 

Indian Pink: source of nectar. Blooms in early summer. 

Larkspur: blooms in summer, all parts of the plant are toxic. 

Sessile Trillium

Bergamot: summer blooms. Leaves used to spice black tea. 
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Rue anemone or Windflower: a common springtime flower in forests. 

Butterweed: blooms in the spring in moist areas. 

Jewelweed: an important fall flower. It attracts migrating hummingbirds who sip the nectar an feast on the insects who are also attracted to the flower. 

Virginia bluebell: an early spring flower. Its nectar is important to nectar feeding insects. 

Cardinal flowersummer, early fa

...more flowers from the Natchez Trace Parkway 

Phlox: common alospring. 
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Chickasaw plum flowerin spring and produces 

Flowering trees Flowering Dogwood: one of the early spring favorites, the flowers are actually the small yellow petals in the center of the large white bud covers. 

Redbud trees are one of the earliest bTrace Parkway. 

Red Buckeye: an understory tree that blooms early in the spring. 
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Natchez Trace Parkway from Natchez to Jackson (Milepost 0-113) Maps of the Natchez Trace Parkway 
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Natchez Trace Parkway between Jackson and Tupelo (Milepost 108-236) 
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Natchez Trace Parkway between Tupelo and the Tennessee state line (Milepost 230-341) 
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Natchez Trace Parkway between the Alabama/Tennessee line and Nashville (Milepost 336-444) 
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Road US History American Indian History 

NPS Information 

Natural History Picnic area, some with 

restrooms 

5.1 Elizabeth Female Academy Site. Founded in 1818, this was the first school for women chartered by the state of Mississippi. 10.3 Emerald Mound. The Natchez and their ancestors built and used this eightacre ceremonial mound between 1200 and 1730. A trail leads to the top. 15.5 Mount Locust. Interpretive house tours available at this restored historic stand. Exhibits, restrooms. 17.5 Coles Creek. Picnic area, restrooms. 18.4 Bullen Creek. A 15-minute, self-guiding trail goes through a hardwood-pine forest. 41.5 Sunken Trace. Self-guiding trail. Allow five minutes to walk through a deeply eroded section of the original Trace. 45.7 Grindstone Ford/Mangum Mound. North-bound travelers considered themselves in wild country once they crossed the ford on Bayou Pierre. Exhibits tell of prehistoric people who lived in this area. 52.4 Owens Creek Waterfall. Trailhead for national scenic trail. 54.8 Rocky Springs. A short trail from the upper parking area leads to the old town site. Sections of the Old Trace. Camping, picnicking, restrooms, trailhead for national scenic trail. 88.1 Cowles Mead Cemetery. Cowles Mead was a stand owner along the Old Trace and acting territorial governor (1806). 

Key: Symbols indicate the focus of Natchez Trace Parkway features 102.4 Parkway Information Cabin. Information, exhib

to multi-use trail. 104.5 Old Trace and Brashears Stand Site. The stand whouse of entertainment in the wilderness.” Part of the 106.9 Boyd Site. These burial mounds were built from 107.9 West Florida Boundary. This old boundary ran Mississippi rivers’ confluence east to the Chattahoochnational scenic trail. 122.0 Cypress Swamp. Half-mile walk through a water Trailhead for national scenic trail on west side of park122.6 River Bend. Picnic area, restrooms. 128.4 Upper Choctaw Boundary. Self-guiding trail and scenic trail. 130.9 Yockanookany. Trailhead for national scenic tr145.1 Myrick Creek. Self-guiding trail. 154.3 Holly Hill. Picnic area, restrooms. 164.3 Hurricane Creek. A short, self-guiding walk idedifferent soil conditions. 175.6 Cole Creek. Short, self-guiding trail through a wswamp. 180.7 French Camp. Louis LeFleur established a stand school opened here in 1822 and is still open. The site i193.1 Jeff Busby. Picnic area, campground, restroomsself-guiding trail or drive to one of Mississippi’s highe

Some Sites along the Parkway 
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286.7 Pharr Mounds. This 90-acre complex oabout 1,800 to 2,000 years ago. Restrooms. 293.2 Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway makeGulf of Mexico and the Tennessee River. U.Sadministers this and their nearby visitor cent304.5 Tishomingo State Park. Trails, picnickarea) 308.4 Cave Spring. A natural cave probably us308.8 Bear Creek Mound. This ceremonial str1600. 308.9 Alabama-Mississippi state line. 313.0 Bear Creek. Picnic area. (no restrooms) 317.0 Freedom Hills Overlook. A steep, 0.25-mpoint on the parkway, 800 feet. 320.3 Buzzard Roost Spring. Chickasaw Levi short trail leads to Buzzard Roost spring. 327.3 Colbert Ferry. Chickasaw George Colbthe early 1800s. Picnic area and restroom. Bo328.7 Lauderdale. Picnic area. (no restroom) 330.2 Rock Spring. A walk on this trail along Cminutes. 341.8 Tennessee-Alabama state line. 

201.3 Ballard Creek. Picnic area. 232.4 Bynum Mounds. Prehistoric people built these mounds between 2,050 and 1,800 years ago. Exhibits. 233.2 Witch Dance. Horse trail access, picnicking, restrooms. 243.1 Davis Lake. Two-miles off of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Access point to U.S. Forest Service picnicking and summer camping area. Owl Creek Mounds. Trails. The is a fee area. Please contact U.S. Forest Service for more information. 249.6 Tockshish wayside. John McIntosh settled here in 1770. After the Natchez Trace was declared a National Post Road in 1800, the stand became the midway point where post riders from Natchez and Nashville met up, exchanged mailbags, and returned. 259.7 Tupelo National Battlefield. The 1864 battle took place one mile east on Miss. Hwy. 6. (no bus access) 261.8 Chickasaw Village Site. Exhibits portray daily life and history at the Chickasaw village that stood here. Trailhead for national scenic trail. 263.9 Old Town Overlook. Views of Old Town Creek and its floodplain. Trailhead for national scenic trail. 266.0 Parkway Visitor Center and Headquarters. Trailhead for national scenic trail, exhibits, orientation film, information, bike-only primitive campground, restrooms. 269.4 Confederate Gravesites and Old Trace. A short walk leads to the graves of 13 unknown Confederate soldiers. 275.2 Dogwood Valley. Self-guiding trail. Allow 15 minutes to walk among the dogwood trees. 283.3 Donivan Slough. Self-guiding trail. Allow 20 minutes to walk through an area where occasional flooding influences plant varieties. 
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403.7 Old Trace. Take a pleasant walk on a 2,000-foot trace. 404.7 Jackson Falls. Named for Andrew Jackson, the fJackson Branch that empties into the Duck River. 407.7 Gordon House Historic Site. From 1801 until trathe Gordons ran a ferry across Duck River here. Natu423.9 Tennessee Valley Divide. The 1796 this boundarStates to the north and the Chickasaw Nation to the so425.4 Burns Branch. Picnic area. Trailhead for nationrestrooms) 426.3 Old Trace. The U.S. Army cleared this section in southward with consent of the Chickasaw Nation. Tratrail. 427.6 Garrison Creek. Named for a nearby 1801–02 UNatchez Trace National Scenic Trail. Restrooms. 444.0 Northern Terminus. Intersection with Tenn. Hw

There are many more sites to enjoy along the NaThe places listed above are most suitable for visiis something else which interests you, please conTrace Parkway. 

343.5 Cypress Creek. Picnic area. (no restroom) 346.2 Holly. Picnic area. (no restroom) 350.5 Sunken Trace. Three sections of the original road show how the route was relocated to avoid mud holes. (short walk) 363.0 Sweetwater Branch. Self-guiding trail. A fast-flowing stream parallels this 20-minute walk; seasonal wildflowers. 364.5 Glenrock Branch. Picnic area, restrooms. 375.8 Old Trace Drive. A one way, 2.5-mile drive along the Old Trace begins here. Not accessible for buses. 377.8 Jacks Branch. Picnic area, restrooms. 382.8 Metal Ford. Travelers crossed the Buffalo River here; an ironworks and McLish’s stand were nearby. 385.9 Meriwether Lewis Site. Gravesite of Meriwether Lewis, of Lewis and Clark fame, who died here in 1809. Campground, hiking trails, exhibits, picnic area, restrooms. Information is available seasonally, please call the number listed on page two before you plan your trip. 390.7 Phosphate Mine. Short walk along a historic phosphate mining area. 391.9 Fall Hollow. Short walk to a waterfall. 394 Devils Backbone State Natural Area. (Not accessible for buses.) 397.4 Old Trace wayside sign. Here the trace marked the boundary of Chickasaw lands ceded to the United States in 1805 and 1816. 401.4 Tobacco Farm. Exhibits explain tobacco growing. A one-way-north, twomile drive along the Old Trace begins here. Drive is not accessible for buses. 
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Please schedule at least three weeks in advance. Safety: Please review and be aware of safety concerns addressed in the safety lesson available on our website, or through email. Students should be reminded that the Natchez Trace Parkway is a natural area, and they should exhibit caution used in any outdoor area. If working with a park ranger, please notify him or her of any special concerns or medical conditions. Please be sure that every group has at least one adult with a functional cell phone. But please note that there are many places along the Parkway without cell phone coverage. Map: Carry your map with you. A map of Natchez Trace Parkway is include in this guide. Additional maps may be obtained online or by calling the numbers below. If you need specific directions to your destination call ahead of time. Where to meet: Unless other arrangement are made, with rangers, students, teachers, and chaperones please meet at your designated Natchez Trace Parkway information center. Those would be one of the following: Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center in Tupelo, Parkway Information Cabin in Ridgeland, Mount Locust Historic Site, or the Meriwether Lewis Site. Please be sure you know exactly where you are meeting a park ranger. Call if you have any questions. Restrooms: When you arrive, your students may need to use the restroom. Please designate one teacher to meet with a ranger, while other teachers assist in a restroom break. Most restrooms have only one or two stalls, so please take this into consideration. 

Discipline: The teacher is responsible foprogram. Please remind your chaperoneassist with this duty. Rangers should not students. Lunch: Lunches will be kept on the bus fprogram. Please make arrangements witstudents to eat their lunches. Contact the information. Weather Conditions: The day before youstudents to wear appropriate footwear athat includes some outdoor time. Flip florecommended. Temperatures and weathRain jackets or ponchos rather than umbCall if weather is a concern. Chaperones: Large classes or groups mayou schedule your program, a ranger wilneed to be. Please have groups divided bWe require that a minimum of one teachavailable for every ten students to maintalearning experience. Please share materithey are prepared for the program and hinteract with the students. Late Arrival: Please call to notify us of yomay impact other scheduled groups and your scheduled activities. Being more thin your forfeiting your entire program. Cancellations: Please contact us immedi

Logistical Information for a Successful Field Trip Phone Numbers Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center , Tupelo: (662) 680-4027 or 1-800-305-7417 Parkway Information Cabin at Ridgeland: (601) 898-9417 Mount Locust Historic Site: (601) 445-4211 Parkway Emergency: 911 
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EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA TM