Natches Trace

Grail, Aug 22, 21:06

Bicycling the Natchez Trace Parkway

The historic Natchez Trace Parkway extends from its start near Nashville, Tennessee southward through a corner of Alabama and on to its terminus in Natchez, Mississippi, some 444 miles later. The Parkway generally follows the original trace of a trail that developed from a game trail, Indian trading trail, route home for Americans returning from Natchez after transporting their products down the Mississippi River by flatboat, and a postal road. It served as a military march route for Andrew Jackson’s troops moving to and returning from the American victory at New Orleans at the end of the War of 1812. The development of the river steam boat ended the importance of the Trace to trade, and it gradually fell into disuse.

The Parkway developed from efforts by the Mississippi chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Mississippi Congressional delegation and local newspapers to recognize the historical value of the Trace. The New Deal Recovery Act, passed in 1933 to provide depression-era jobs, served as the basis to allot money for construction of the Parkway, and actual construction began in 1937. Today, the well-maintained modern two lane highway courses through beautiful rural lands with only one short interruption of about two miles in the vicinity of Jackson, Mississippi. Numerous historical sites are identified with signs at pull-outs along the Trace.

Tellico Village resident Retired Army Brigadier General Grail Brookshire and his son, Doctor Lee Brookshire of Las Vegas, Nevada, bicycled the entire length of the Trace during the last 9 days of September. While they made the ride unsupported, Grail’s wife Mary and his sister Ramona Amacher delivered the riders to the start south of Nashville, and picked them up in Natchez at the completion of the ride for the return to Tellico Village.

The riders stopped at many interesting sights along the Parkway for viewing and pictures. First stop was the double-arch bridge over Tennessee highway 96. The view of the valley below and bridge itself are well worth the pause.

The Meriwether Lewis stop identifies the location on the old Trace where the famous explorer died for a gunshot wound, probably self-inflected. A monument and small museum are located at the site.

Tishomingo State Park is located directly on the Trace and just inside the Mississippi state boundary. Its comfortable cabins, located deep in the woods away from noise and distractions, provided a refreshing night’s rest.

The Tennessee River-Tombigbee River waterway is a man-made canal connecting these two rivers and reducing the distance to the Gulf of Mexico by some 800 miles for commercial water traffic from the mid-South.

French Camp is the site of a stand (old name for a hotel and supply stop on the trace) dating back to 1812. The world’s best bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwiches are served here at lunch.

The Jeff Busby gas station is the only station immediately on the Trace. It is named after the Mississippi Congressman who pushed through the bill that resulted in the construction of the Parkway.

The historical town of Port Gibson is a must see stop on the Trace. The restored Bernheimer House Bed and Breakfast provided the weary riders just the boost they needed for the final 40 miles into Natchez. The numerous antebellum homes, public buildings, and churches present many picture taking opportunities. (Photos 7 and 8)

Tired and several pounds lighter, the riders arrived at the Mississippi River town of Natchez to be greeted by their pick-up crew of Mary and Ramona.

These are just a few of the many significant historical locations on and near the Natchez Trace. For those planning to drive the Trace, “Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway” by F. Lynne Bachleda will provide valuable information. For bicyclist, Glen Wanner’s “Bicycling the Natchez Trace” is a must. In addition, the National Park Service will provide travelers with maps and information. They can be contacted on the web at http://www.nps.gov/natr/siteindex.htm. Grail Brookshire also states that he will be glad to share his experience with anyone planning either an auto or bicycle trip down the Trace.