Last updated: April 14, 2021
Place
Bethel Mission, Milepost 176.3
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
MIlepost 176.3 on the Natchez Trace Parkway
Significance:
Christian Mission and American Indian Site
Amenities
4 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table
Bethel “House of God” Mission was one of 13 church-based institutions founded by white pioneers. The settlers founded these missions to share their zeal for the Christian gospel with the local Choctaw population. In additions to bible studies, the missions’ agendas often included farming, carpentry, weaving, housekeeping, and the standard reading writing and arithmetic.The Choctaw story of creation includes that the Great Spirit molded the Choctaw people from the moist soil of Nanih Waiya, a mound located near Philadelphia, Mississippi.
In the early 1800s, federal policy for the Choctaw Indians was that of Christian assimilation. Early nineteenth century Indian Agents such as John C. Calhoun and Thomas McKenney used Christian missionaries to mold indigenous people into what they felt was the model American society. While this policy aimed to negate the traditional beliefs of the Choctaw people, the tribes saw the benefits of learning reading, writing, and arithmetic, knowing these skills would aid them in doing business with the ever-increasing numbers of settlers.
Bethel Mission was a half mile northwest of the pull-off.
In the early 1800s, federal policy for the Choctaw Indians was that of Christian assimilation. Early nineteenth century Indian Agents such as John C. Calhoun and Thomas McKenney used Christian missionaries to mold indigenous people into what they felt was the model American society. While this policy aimed to negate the traditional beliefs of the Choctaw people, the tribes saw the benefits of learning reading, writing, and arithmetic, knowing these skills would aid them in doing business with the ever-increasing numbers of settlers.
Bethel Mission was a half mile northwest of the pull-off.