Natchez Trace

 For years, I read about the Natchez Trace, the ancient road running from near Nashville to Natchez, MS. This weekend, we drove a portion, between Tupelo and Jackson, MS. (The day started out rainy)

This sign…rather insulting.  I do know what they were trying to say here, but, really.

This road is truly ancient. It was first used by BISON, trekking up from the Mississippi River valley to Kentucky, where there were salt licks. Later, natives hunted the bison and other animals on the trail, and used it for a trade route. 

Molly checking out 2000 year old Indian burial mounds.  

Too pretty to just walk past  

Hernando de Soto used it, and, when Europeans fully settled into the region, they used the Mississippi river to bring goods down to New Orleans, and the Trace to go home with their profits.  So, really, older than dirt . 

We walked a little way along the old Trace  

So what?  I know. History is boring. But, for me, it was remarkable to walk in some of those footsteps. 

A cypress swamp we passed, and couldn’t resist visiting. 

The day ended sunny, along a beautiful reservoir. We drove off the Trace, and spent the night at —yes— a tea farm.