Old Trace Exhibit

"Just north of Jeff Busby Campground is an Old Trace Exhibit that tells how in the early 1800s, it was feared that the Mississippi Valley region would become a separate nation simply because of poor communication. This prompted Congress to establish this road as a post route between Nashville and Natchez.

"The post road itself changed. In 1801 it ran south out of Nashville along this old Trace. In 1802 post riders leaving Nashville went south to Franklin, Tennessee and then over to the Old Trace. In 1808 riders continued to Columbia, Tennessee and by 1819 to Florence, Alabama and west to join the Trace at Buzzard Roost Spring. In 1821 the post road continued from Florence down the Jackson Military Road to Columbus, Mississippi. After 1824 the post followed the newly completed Robinson road to Jackson, Mississippi, then to Raymond and Rocky Springs.

"Not only the path changed, but the frequency of the mail changed too. When Mail service first started in 1800 there was only one trip each way every month. By 1816 there were 3 trips a week. It's clear that in the early 1800s post riders along the Natchez Trace played an important role in holding the frontier and the republic together.

"Join us next time when we'll visit Pigeon Roost. 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