Wednesday is move day, along with being November 15th. This was my target day for our turn around at the Barber Motorcycle Museum. However we are still a couple days out from that location. Here is where we stopped for the night, after leaving Hot Springs AR.
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This photo is of the ride we took from there. We opted to ride instead of being tourists at such places as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. We're OK Elvis fans, but not enough to miss a ride!
I wanted to ride at least part of the Natchez Trace Parkway and this will do. The parkway is 444 miles traveling through 3 states and thousands of years of history. It was established as part of the park system in 1938 and was officially completed in 2005. We were on about 105 miles and all three states.
Starting as an Indian trail, the westward expansion in the late 1700's and early 1800's brought growing numbers of travelers who tramped the rough trail into a clearly marked path. In 1801 President Thomas Jefferson designated the Trace as a national post road. Although many historical figures traveled this way, most were anonymous working folks. Between 1800 and mid-1820 the "Kaintucks" from the north used it to return home after floating their cash crops, livestock and other materials down the Mississippi river to market. Once the steam Riverboats made the return trip quicker and easier the old trace was mostly abandoned.
Looking over the Black Belt, named for a once-vast prairie of rich, black soil.
Twenty Mile Bottom was typical of the many low areas along the Trace. In 1812 Reverend John Johnson wrote "I have this day swam my horse 5 times, bridged one creek, forded several other, besides the swamp we had to wade through." The new road is much improved!
After 30 miles, we found ourselves in Alabama.
At this point was Colbert's Ferry. It was operated by George Colbert from 1800 to 1819 along with his stand or Inn. Colbert, who looked after his own interests once charged Andrew Jackson $75,000 to ferry his Tennessee Army across the Tennessee river.
I liked the artwork of this information sign. It is a great representation of the travelers along the Trace.
Another 30 miles had us crossing into Tennessee.
We got off the Trace at Collinwood TN, and had lunch in the city park.
From there we took state routes and county roads back to camp. The sun came out after lunch and it was a gorgeous day. Tomorrow we finish the trip to Birmingham.
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