They converted the money gained from their sales into a portable commodity, slaves. Large numbers of slaves were brought to Natchez where they were sold to the prospering rice and tobacco plantation owners. The money gained then could then be reinvested in land in the rich Mississippi River flood plain. Anything left over went to purchased livestock, slaves or buildings. Cash was almost always deeply discounted and gold which was scarce was also subject to thieves.
Land prove to be the most stable form of investment.
The first bank was not attempted until 1809. The river provided Natchez with an extremely varied and lively assortment of visitors and settlers. Although several churches and missionaries had formed groups of supporters among the new settlers, below the hill another life existed with gambling, brothels and other illegal activities. As one of the main towns on the edge of the wilderness many adventurers came through here such James Audubon, Andrew Jackson in his early career and James Bowie, who later died in the Alamo. In the temporary capital of the territory, the neighboring town of Washington, was held the trial for treason of Aaron Burr.