Fall 2013 - Day 3 - Tupelo, Mississippi

Today was a busy day.  We travelled in four different states. (Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi) 

The time change kind of confused us.  We had three different times on three different devices.  We thought we were at breakfast for 8 am but it was actually 7.  Oh well, all was for the best as we made many stops along our route today.

The highlight of our trip began today.  We planned our route to include the Natchez Trace Parkway.  It is a national park, 444 miles in length, running from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi.

This is an ancient and historic trail used for thousands of years.  It began as an animal trail and was adopted by Indians and then traders mostly from Kentucky.  The Kentucks would build barges, load them and then float down the Mississippi River to Natchez.  Here everything would be sold including the lumber that the barges were constructed from.  It was a long hard way home taking about 30 days to walk or 20 days on horseback.  We are spending 2 days to cover the same distance.

Near Nashville on the Natchez Trace

The Natchez Trace Parkway

I didn't realize that the War of 1812 impacted so far into the US.  Apparently this route was utilized to move equipment and troops to the battlefront.

Memorial honouring soldiers in the War of 1812

 Meriwether Lewis is a very famous American.  He was an explorer, mapmaker, and even a politician.  However he only lived 35 years, died and was buried along the trace.  This monument was erected later in his honour.  There are other graves here marked with small plaques set into the ground.

Grave of  Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame

 While looking for the Lewis monument, we happened to see a collection of classic cars.  We had to go for a look.  There were about 20 altogether gathered in a parking lot. The owners were chatting and admiring the beautiful vehicles for a while.  Then everyone returned to their cars and travelled in a convoy to the next site.  Very impressive to see.

 Our last stop of the day was at the graves of thirteen unknown Confederate soldiers.  It is unclear exactly when these poor souls were put to rest. 

Grave of Unknown Confederate Soldier

Tonight we are spending the night here in Tupelo, Mississippi.  Tomorrow we continue along the Natchez Trace Parkway to Natchez.