The National Park Service historic marker on the Old Natchez Trace states that it was the first national road constructed by the Federal Government to connect the southeastern boundaries of the U.S. to Washington D.C. at that time. Meriwether Lewis used this route to travel from St. Louis, Missouri to Washington D.C. beginning in September 1809 to protest the War Department’s denial of payment vouchers he had submitted.
Lewis arrived at Grinder’s Stand on October 10, 1809 and intended to stay for the night. Mrs. Grinder, the inn owner’s wife, heard two gunshots during the night and found Lewis bleeding from his wounds, which he died from later that morning. Mystery still shrouds the exact account of what happened. Lewis was buried nearby at the site of the present-day monument.
On February 6, 1925, President Calvin Coolidge established the Meriwether Lewis National Monument, which was transferred to the National Park Service in 1933. Then, the Natchez Trace Parkway assumed responsibility for the monument in July 1939. With the construction of the Natchez Trace Parkway paralleling the monument, the site became an integral part of the Parkway. On August 10, 1961, the monument was officially transferred to the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Today, the Meriwether Lewis Burial Site Park is used by thousands of residents and visitors seeking to learn about this famous explorer and early pioneers, as well as enjoy breathtaking nature and a range of modern park amenities.
The site features periodic history reenactments and tributes to Meriwether Lewis, and the Natchez Trace Parkway operates a visitors’ center at Milepost 385.9 off the Natchez Trace Parkway (in a replica of Grinders Stand), with ranger assistance, education, and interpretative services.
National and international members of the Lewis and Clark Historical Society, along with thousands of visitors from the U.S. and abroad, travel annually to learn about this historic figure and to pay their respects for his amazing accomplishments.
