Natchez - The Journey Begins

"Today we start our journey along the Natchez Trace Parkway, beginning in Natchez, Mississippi and heading to the northeast and Nashville, Tennessee.

"On the east bank of the Mississippi River in Natchez there's a large stone marker that stands at the southern terminus of the parkway. Dedicated in 1909, this was the first of many markers placed along the old Natchez Trace by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

"Below this marker is Silver street and what little remains of the notorious "Natchez Under the Hill" which tempted many a "Kaintuck" and "Boatman" in the late 1700s and early 1800s.

"After floating the produce of their farms down the mighty Mississippi and selling it in Natchez, the "Kaintucks" had money in their pockets and safety was a major concern as they prepared to strike out through the Wilderness toward the northeast and home.

"Back up on the bluff, in what is called "Natchez on the Hill," travelers of the Trace would gather at King's Tavern and form groups that would travel together for their protection. King's Tavern is still standing today and is one of the oldest structures in Natchez.

"So rest up! On our next program we'll be setting foot onto the Natchez Trace, a road through the wilderness."

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