Today, we began our slow meandering drive up the Natchez
Trace. We were not covering more than 100 miles or so, and decided to take
multiple pullouts to read the signs, walk the paths, etc. The trace reminds us
of the Blue Ridge Parkway without hills and curves! I believe that the highest
point in Mississippi is only 603 feet. Although I have heard about Natchez
Trace for years, I didn’t know the history of it. Apparently, the road was
mainly developed as a way to move mail between Nashville and Natchez between
1801 and 1820. It was also heavily used by boatmen that brought their cargo
down the Mississippi River. Due to the current, they would sell their boats for
the lumber when they got to the end and walked back up stream. When the
steamboat came into existence around 1820, the need for the road diminished.
Towards the end of our days drive, we came across the Mississippi Craft Center.
Barbara was able to find a unique cream pitcher to add to her collection. We
ended up camping in a utility owned campground on the Ross R Barnett Reservoir.
This was a huge campground and almost full. Most of the campers seemed like
they were there full time as the owners would commute to work in Jackson and
either come back evenings or weekends. All we needed was a place to set up and
relax, so the campground met our needs. (Also, with the high heat and humidity,
we had electric to run the AC which made both of us happy!)
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