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signed with native tribes in the area and the U.S. Army began formal improvements. Soldiers and civilian contractors labored, at President Thomas Jefferson’s behest. Conditions remained deplorable. Workers and travelers alike referred to the route as “The Devil’s Backbone” rather than the name Jefferson gave it: “The Colombian Highway.” When Jefferson’s administration closed the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, upgrading the trace became even more pressing. Its west end, in Natchez, provided direct access to the Mississippi River (the eastern border of the newly acquired territory). By 1809, the trace could be navigated end to end by wagon in two to three weeks. Trading posts and inns soon popped up to support (and profit from) weary travelers. However, highwaymen, bandits and all variety of ne’re- do-wells continued to strike fear into travelers along the more remote stretches.
Riverboat men who floated south to sell goods couldn’t fight the Mississippi’s current to return home. They would sell their rivercraft for lumber in Natchez or New Orleans and travel the trace back north. Grizzlier historical uses included the movement of enslaved people to be sold at markets, forced marches of native people to one of several points where the trace intersects with what is now called the Trail of Tears and movement of
military troops during the War of 1812. Half a century later, Union and Confederate troops would wage epic battles near the trace.
The Natchez Trace Parkway
The National Park System (NPS) includes some massive national parks and monuments. Yet, the humble Natchez Trace Parkway (NTP) covers one of the largest geographical ranges of any NPS area. Its long (444 miles) and narrow (800 feet average) shape passes through three states, 25 counties, 22 communities and contains over 350 archaeological sites. First established as part of the NPS in 1938, the modern, paved parkway wasn’t completed until 2005. Traffic on the parkway is limited, prohibiting its use for personal or business transportation. This keeps traffic on the parkway light, allowing NTP visitors to move between sites along the trace with ease. The parkway is in like-new condition, making for smooth and peaceful driving.
Speed limits are 50 mph or less along the NTP, making the total drivetime from end to end about 11 hours. However, one can hop on/off the NTP at numerous points. That’s where the advantage of aviation comes into play. There are a variety of airports adjacent to the NTP that
JULY 2024
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 7