History & Culture

This 1935 photo shows a portion of the Old Trace that was modernized in Claiborne County, Mississippi.

NPS

The history and culture found along the Natchez Trace Parkway is a lifetime worth of exploration for students of history, or just the curious. The number of cultures and historic topics touched by the Natchez Trace seems boundless. To begin your exploration check out the links below to learn about the past.

 

10,000 Years of History

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  The First People

  American Indian History

  American Indians were the first people to live along and use the Natchez Trace.

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  People

  People from many Cultures Shaped It

  The Old Trace connected communities for thousands of years. It was a road home, a road to friends, a road of sadness, and of warfare.

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  Places

  History Remains to be Seen Today

  Start planning the places you want to stop at and the things you wish to see as your travel the Natchez Trace Parkway.

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  Stories

  10,000 Years of Stories

  We are working on discovering and sharing the stories of all the people who lived along and walked on the Old Trace..

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  What if I Find an Artifact?

  Artifacts are Protected Here

  Artifacts in national parks, and other places fall under strict laws. It is fun to find one, but if you do, what do you do?

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  Then and Now Historic Preservation

  Compare the Past and the Present

  Slide your mouse to uncover differences and compare the past and the present.