Day 5: Natchez MS to Chicot State Park, LA

Posted byweegtravelPosted in2024, Louisiana

Last night was drizzly after a day of rain. Although we were camped on a lake again, we didn’t get to appreciate it. And the Starlink paid for itself as we could snuggle inside and imfirtably watch a movie.

Today is a beautiful day and we are exploring Natchez, MS starting with the Emerald Mound and the Natchez Trace.

The Emerald Mound

Emerald Mound is a large Native American ceremonial mound that was constructed by the Mississippian culture around 1250-1600 AD. It is the second largest ceremonial mound in the United States and was used for social, religious, and political activities by the indigenous peoples of the region. The mound is roughly 35 feet high and covers an area of about 8 acres.

The Natchez Trace

The Natchez Trace is a historic forest trail that stretches approximately 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. It follows an ancient Native American pathway that was later used by early European explorers, traders, and settlers. Today, the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic drive maintained by the National Park Service, parallels much of the original route and provides visitors with opportunities to explore the natural beauty, history, and culture of the region.

The Natchez Trace is a historic forest trail that runs from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. It was originally created and used by Native American tribes for trade and travel purposes. Later on, it became an important route for early European-American settlers and frontiersmen, especially the Kaintucks, who used it to transport goods and livestock between the Ohio River and the deep south.

The Kaintucks were early American settlers who traveled down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to settle in the frontier regions of the Southeastern United States, particularly in Tennessee and Kentucky. These settlers often traveled on flatboats or keelboats, transporting goods and supplies to new settlements while also searching for new land to homestead.

The Natchez Trace played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States, serving as a vital link between the frontier settlements and the established eastern cities.

Natchez, MS

The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Natchez people, before the arrival of Europeans. French colonists established Fort Rosalie in the area in 1716, and the settlement soon became an important trading post and hub for the slave trade.

During the antebellum period, Natchez was known for its large plantations and wealth, much of which was built on the backs of enslaved African Americans. The city was a major center of cotton production and a key player in the southern economy.

Natchez was also a key site in the Civil Rights Movement, with major events such as the Natchez Bus Boycott in 1965 leading to significant progress in the fight for civil rights and desegregation.

Today, Natchez is known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture, including historic homes and buildings that attract visitors from around the world. The city’s history is a complex tapestry of triumphs and tragedies, reflecting the broader story of the American South.

Forks of the Road

The slaves sold at Forks of the Road primarily came from the surrounding Southern states, particularly areas like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. This intersection in Natchez, Mississippi, was one of the largest and most active slave markets in the South during the antebellum period, serving as a hub for the domestic slave trade. Many slaves were sold and traded there, with large numbers coming from plantations in the region and sometimes from further away through the interstate trade network.

Forks of the Road was once one of the busiest slave markets in the southern United States, second only to New Orleans.

The site got its name due to its location at the intersection of two major roads that led to the city of Natchez. From the early 19th century until the Civil War, Forks of the Road was a significant hub for the domestic slave trade, with thousands of enslaved people being bought and sold at the market.

Today, Forks of the Road is a recognized historic site that serves as a reminder of the dark legacy of slavery in America. Efforts have been made to preserve the site and educate visitors about its history, as well as the broader impact of slavery on American society.

Rosalie and Fort Rosalie

Rosalie at the location of the former Fort Rosalie

The Melrose estate

We took a tour of the main house on the Melrose estate and learned more about antebellum economy and the wealthy northerners who made a fortune in the south on the backs of the slaves. Natchez was the seat of business and the place where the northern wealthy came to ‘be seen’.

Melrose Estate was built in the late 18th century and is one of the most well-preserved antebellum homes in the region. The main house at Melrose is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture and is surrounded by lush gardens and grounds. The plantation has a rich history, including its role in the cotton industry and its use as a hospital during the Civil War. Today, Melrose is open to the public for tours and events, allowing visitors to step back in time and learn about the history of the American South.

Natchez is the prettiest of the cities we have visited in Mississippi so far. Situated on the bluffs of the Mississippi, it had stately homes and beautiful gardens, in full bloom with azaleas and irises at the moment.

Crossing the Mississippi at Natchez

We crossed the river here into Louisiana where we headed south along the levees on the west Bank. Not much to see for the first hour except miles and miles of farmland waiting to be planted. We stopped for lunch atop one of the levees and arrived in our campsite about 4 pm. It’s a beautiful day and we have been out for several days, time to do a bit of hand laundry, baking for breakfast, make some ice tea and some tidying up.

Lunch stop view, a picnic on the levee

We also have the BBQ out for the first time. It’s Saturday and the campground is FULL.