Lower Choctaw Boundary

"The next point of interest along our trip up the Natchez Trace Parkway is called LOWER CHOCTAW BOUNDARY.

"There's a line of trees there that have been a boundary since 1765. Then a north-south line running through this point and along these trees ran from east of Vicksburg, south as far as the 31st parallel. When you look at an outline of the state of Mississippi it looks a bit like the profile of the head of a worn toothbrush with the bristles facing left. If you look at it that way the 31st parallel runs along the bottom bristles of the toothbrush. This north-south line from up near Vicksburg down to the 31st Parallel marked the eastern boundary of the Old Natchez District. Since 1820 this same line has marked the boundary between Claiborne County and Hinds County in the state of Mississippi.

"Inns along the old road like Mount Locust were called stands, and another stand, was located at this boundary with the Choctaw Indians. This stand was known as Red Bluff Stand, it wasn't as elaborate as Mount Locust, but for several years after it was established in 1802, Red Bluff Stand was the last place travelers heading north could buy provisions.

"Join us next time when we'll learn more about the stands that grew up along the Natchez Trace as we visit Dean's Stand. I'm Frank Thomas, your guide along the Natchez Trace, a road through the wilderness."

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