National Road Era

"The Natchez Trace's historical significance to the United States, comes from the fact that in 1801, President Thomas Jefferson decided this 450 mile long section of the old Indian trail from Nashville to Natchez should become a national road for the protection and safety of the new nation. The trail ran through the wilderness, and through lands that belonged to the historic Indian tribes, the Chickasaw and the Choctaw. In 1801 treaties were signed between the United States and these tribes allowing improvements to be made along the road.

"The road was used as a mail route, for troop movements and by pioneers. The postmaster general asked to enlist the service of the army in improving the road. It proved to be too big a job for the army, but by 1803, well over half of the 450 mile long road had been improved. The Old Natchez Trace remained an important national road until 1820 when other roads and steam powered boats plodding up and down the regions vast river system provided quicker, safer and more convenient travel.

"Next time we'll discuss the tragic Indian removal and the 'trail of tears.' 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