Gordon, House and Ferry Site

"Today on our journey up the Natchez Trace Parkway from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee we are visiting the GORDON, HOUSE AND FERRY SITE west of Columbia, Tennessee near the community of Shady Grove.

"At this exhibit is one of the few buildings still remaining from the days of the Old Natchez Trace.

"By treaty George Colbert had been given control over all ferry operations on Chickasaw lands. John Gordon, an Indian scout and friend of Andrew Jackson, made an agreement with Colbert to allow Gordon to operate a trading post and a Ferry across the Duck River beginning in 1802. Though the Duck River wasn't as big as the Tennessee, it was still an obstacle to travelers during the rainy seasons.

"John Gordon was away on military duty much of the time with General Andrew Jackson, and Gordon's wife, Dorothea, oversaw construction of the house that still stands at this site today. It was finished in 1818. John Gordon died a year later, and Dorothea lived there until her death in 1859.

"The GORDON FERRY operated for more than 90 years. The first bridge across the Duck River was built in 1896.

"Join us next time when we will visit WATER VALLEY OVERLOOK and hear another RoadMusic® selection. For Natchez Trace a road through the wilderness, I'm Frank Thomas."

For more about Natchez Trace: A Road Through the Wilderness, visit eddieandfrank.com