Hernando de Soto’s Encampment Came to Life at the Natchez Trace Parkway

Date: September 28, 2017
Contact: Andy Danneker, [phone]

TUPELO, MS - The Natchez Trace Parkway hosted a living history encampment representing the expedition of Hernando de Soto, who traveled through this area in 1540-41. The programs took place on Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23, at the Parkway Visitor Center (milepost 266) near Tupelo, Mississippi. The Parkway welcomed more than 525 visitors including 300 local students on Friday. The encampment let visitors see what life was like for de Soto’s conquistadors when they traveled through the area. Visitors saw the weapons, food, and training required by members of de Soto’s expedition, viewed live matchlock gun demonstrations, and discovered how the Chickasaw were able to defeat de Soto and his men in battle.

In addition to the encampment, the Parkway also featured an exhibit and film commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month. Visitors can view the photo exhibit or learn more about the de Soto expedition through the short film, “Hernando de Soto in America” through October 15, 2017.

Come join us for other free ranger programs scheduled throughout the fall. You can view our latest schedule of events on our website at: https://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/calendar.htm, or call the Parkway Visitor Center at 1-800-305-7417.

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.