History of the Natchez Trace Parkway
While today’s travelers in Lewis County can enjoy many activities and points of interest amidst soaking up the natural beauty, the historical significance and attractions of the Natchez Trace Parkway bring thousands of visitors to the area every year.
A Scenic Drive Through Lewis County with History at Every Turn.
The heyday of this prominent pathway, considered as one of America’s first national transportation routes, was from about the 1770s to 1820s as a link from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. But the historical significance of the Natchez Trace goes back much further than the 1700s. Native Americans following traces of bison and other game for centuries prior, further improved this walking trail for foot-borne commerce between major villages located in central Mississippi and middle Tennessee.
What makes the Natchez Trace Parkway so special for Lewis County?
The Natchez Trace Parkway isn’t like any other road in America. In Lewis County, top visitor sites include the Meriwether Lewis death and burial site at milepost 385.9, the Metal Ford and Buffalo River at milepost 382.8, the Old Trace Drive (which follows the original Natchez Trace route) at milepost 375.8, and the English Camp Creek at milepost 386.4. In nearby Hohenwald, visitors can enjoy plenty of dining options, places to stay, and additional historical points of interest just a stone’s throw away from the parkway.
A Trip of Historical Significance with Modern-Day Fun Along the Way!
Just imagine driving through nearly 10,000 years of history! That’s essentially what you can do when you travel down the Natchez Trace Parkway. The original Old Natchez Trace trail and present-day Parkway (maintained by the National Park Service) is the site of significant historical events surrounding the settlement of the Southeastern United States in the mid to late 1700s and early 1800s. But people have literally walked the Natchez Trace for thousands of years.
The Old Natchez Trace was carved out along the trade and travel routes of Native American tribes as they journeyed to and from Northern Tennessee to Southwest Mississippi. Early pioneers also utilized the original route long used by the Native Americans for trade as the Southeastern U.S. was being settled in its infancy. By the time of European settlement, the route had become well known and established as the fastest means of communication between the Cumberland Plateau, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico settlements of Pensacola, Mobile, and New Orleans.
The National Park Service has a historic marker on the Old Natchez Trace near the Grinders Stand in Lewis County, which affirms that it was the first national road constructed by the Federal Government to connect the southeastern boundaries of the United States to Washington, D.C. Just try to imagine the countless remarkable individuals who roamed this significant pathway throughout history.
For Lewis County specifically, this historic road is where famed explorer Meriwether Lewis (of the Lewis and Clark Expedition) made his last journey and ultimately met his end here in the county in 1809. The death was ruled as a suicide by gunshot, but there is much uncertainty surrounding whether Lewis’ death was the result of murder. To this day, there is no definitive evidence to support either claim. Lewis was buried near the inn along the Trace, marked by a monument that you can visit today.
Discover the history and numerous recreational opportunities that can be found along the Natchez Trace Parkway, including a designated bicycle route, hiking trails, historical attractions, and much more. Needless to say, there is plenty to do and see along the parkway. Start here to chart your journey and get ready for an experience you won’t soon forget!
