By Susan Crocker, F408172
July 2013
Ten motor coaches from the Blue Bird chapter rendezvoused at Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, Tennessee, the afternoon of October 21, 2012. The following day, we would begin a tour of natural and historical sites along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
As rally host, I gave out specific information about our trip southward along the Natchez Trace. That evening the Crocker, Hamrick, James, Kirby, Mickler, Olds, Peterson, Rueckwald, Vance, and Vaughn families all went to a delicious buffet at the Inn at Montgomery Bell. On the morning of October 22, the Blue Birds roared to life and left the campground in teams of two. As we left the main highway and the barrage of political signs and billboards, we were treated to a quiet, two-lane highway marked by the sights of trees and bushes in their fall colors.
Each couple had received a copy of the Milepost Gazetteer, which references points of interest along the Natchez Trace Parkway. We stopped to view Birdsong Hollow Bridge, rising majestically above the valley. The various creeks and overlooks gave us a peaceful feeling as we stopped along the way. We visited the gravesite of Meriwether Lewis and learned that chapter member Greg Peterson is a distant relative. Everyone took time to walk along parts of the Old Trace. As we carefully picked our way across the rocks and fallen leaves and branches, we talked about the bravery and fortitude of the early settlers as they faced the dangers of swamps, insects, snakes, and unfriendly Indians. It is said that the Natchez Trace is the story of people on the move, and we felt that we fit that description well. After a day of picture-perfect weather and leisurely driving, we camped at David Crockett State Park in Lawrence, Tennessee, where we enjoyed a hamburger cookout.
The second day on the Natchez Trace Parkway began with clear, sunny skies and cool temperatures. Stops along the way included the John Coffee Memorial Bridge, Colbert Ferry, and Freedom Hills Overlook, a 1/4-mile trail to Alabama’s highest point on the parkway. At Bear Creek, a large circular parking area offered room for several motorhomes, so the Kirby, Peterson, James, and Hamrick families enjoyed a picnic lunch along a beautiful river. The next two stops, Bear Creek Mound and Pharr Mounds, gave the group an opportunity to see 10 Indian mounds that were built thousands of years ago. We also paused at the gravesites of several Confederate soldiers before we arrived in Tupelo, Mississippi. The Campground at Barnes Crossing was a wonderful place to spend two nights while seeing the sights in Tupelo. That evening, the entire group met to have dinner at Johnnie’s Drive-In, reportedly Elvis Presley’s favorite spot to eat and hang out while in Tupelo.
The third day of the trip was spent entirely in Tupelo. Groups divided and went to the various sight-seeing attractions that interested them, or just hung out at the campground to rest. Many of the group took advantage of the opportunity to visit the birthplace of Elvis Presley, which included his childhood home, the church he attended, and a museum housing memorabilia from his life. The Tupelo Hardware Store, where Elvis’ mother purchased his first guitar, was a favorite adventure. Tupelo also is home to two interesting Civil War battlefields — Tupelo National Battlefield and Brice’s Cross Roads National Battlefield. The group gathered at the end of the day to share their experiences and to go over the journey highlights for the next day.
The fourth day of the trip was cloudy and rainy, but we still enjoyed the sights. We visited the Chickasaw Council House site, Tockshish, Bynum Mounds, French Camp, Upper Choctaw Boundary, Boyd Mounds, and Cowles Mead Cemetery. The most interesting stop was French Camp, where some of us purchased bread made at a bakery on-site and others enjoyed lunch at the little café. We walked around the camp looking at the log cabins and artifacts. Among these was a carriage that carried Indian chiefs to Washington, D.C.
When everyone arrived at Springridge Mobile Estates & RV Park in Clinton, Mississippi, we enjoyed pizza in the activity room, followed by an overview of the next day’s journey.
The final day was filled with spectacular sights. A great stop was Mount Locust, which is one of the original stands or inns on the Trace. Period furnishings allowed us to step back into the past while interpreters answered questions. A short walk to the back of the property took us to a slave cemetery. Some re-enactors were camping on the property when we were there. It was cold and we were thankful for the warmth of our motorhomes.
Near the end of the Trace, we were able to walk in an area where erosion and foot traffic have made the trail more dramatic than in other areas. Emerald Mound, approximately eight miles from the Natchez Trace, is the second-largest ceremonial mound in the United States, covering about eight acres. A climb to the first level and then to the second level was amazing. Our Blue Bird motorhomes looked like toys from the top of the mound.
Everyone arrived safely in Natchez — actually Vidalia, Louisiana — for our final night at River View RV Park on the banks of the Mississippi River. The evening ended with dinner together in a room provided by the park. Several families departed Sunday morning; others left Monday morning. All agreed that the trip along the Natchez Trace was beautiful, educational, and highly recommended. If you have never been on the Trace, put it on your “bucket list.”