The Natchez Trace

The Natchez Trace starts in Natchez, Mississippi and ends near Nashville, Tennessee. This stretch of land is rich in culture and history. In the early 1800s, the Trace was the prime route for the selling and trading of African American Slaves. During this time, slavery was especially on the rise with the growth of the cotton industry in the south. Accordingly, this makes the Natchez Trace the prime stomping grounds for outlaws and bandits such as John A. Murrell. 

Background

- Origianlly a game trail used by the local Native Americans.

- Used as a trail to transport shipped goods.

- Began to decline when steampowered boats and other technolgoies arose.

Slavery

- Slaves were shipped in by boat from around the world, and were transported across the Natchez Trace to states such as Virginia. 

- Fancy Maids- Mistreated young, female slaves along the Trace. 

Facts

- The Trace ran through Native American Lands- Choctaw and Chickisaw.

- Served as the basis for many homesteads.

- It wasn't a standard road- it was smaller and had many intertwined and connected paths.