Natchez Trace

Friends of my son are planning a vacation trip to Tennessee in the next several weeks, and I asked if they were going to drive the Trace.  They had never heard of it.  Its an historic corridor of 444 miles, (710km), from Natchez Mississippi to Nashville Tennessee.  It links the Cumberland, Tennessee, and Mississippi rivers.  Its known as the Natchez Trace Parkway and Bridge.

Its an old forest trail that follows a geologic ridge line that prehistoric animals used as they grazed the dry ground going north to the salt licks of Tennessee.  Foraging bison, deer and other large animals created paths that native Americans used.  Indians blazed the trail still further and it became a well established path.

Meriwether Lewis, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, met his death while traveling on the Trace.  In October, 1809, he stopped for overnight shelter.  He had been distraught over many issues, possibly caused by his use of opium, and its believed he committed suicide with a gun.  There is some question as to whether it was suicide.  His mother believed he had been murdered, and rumors circulated about possible killers, but Thomas Jefferson and William Clark accepted the report of suicide.  He was buried near an inn along the Trace. 

A monument honoring Lewis' life was erected in 1858.  On the bicentennial of Lewis' death,(2009), the first National  public memorial service honoring Lewis was held as the last event of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  Today, the 444 mile Trace is enjoyed as a scenic drive, for camping, biking, hiking or horseback riding.  The path is commemorated by the Natchez Trace Parkway and Bridge.  Their web site gives information about the history and the current facilities available for visitors and vacationers.  Maps and current weather reports are also available.