Early Influential Men from the East

As the growning migrants and settlers expanded westward, adventurous influential leaders found their place amid the hardships, wars, and challenges along the Old Natchez Trace. These men sought to make their mark on what they considered a new frontier. Many of these men were merchants and military men.

Along the Parkway you will find many names of Scottish heritage. Some were Jacobite Scots who wanted nothing to do with the English development of the east coast of North America, move inland and found their homes among the American Indians who lived along the Old Trace. They gained land to live on when they married Chickasaw and Choctaw women and often established stands, resting places for travelers.

Others came to claim land for the newly developing United States, to fight battles with the English, and to establish alliance with the American Indian tribes.

 

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  Captain of Spies!

  John Gordon: Impressive House and Life

  Gordon moved his family permanently to the Duck River site in 1812 and shortly thereafter went to fight the Red Stick Creek Indians.

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  A Tragic End

  Meriwether Lewis: His Last Days

  In September of 1809, Lewis began his journey to Washington, D.C., to document and defend his spending of government funds. He died here.

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  Some Loved Him, Others Hated Him

  Andrew Jackson: A Complex Man

  Jackson's army widened the Trace on the way to New Orleans. After becoming president, he changed the the area by removing the native tribes.