American Indian History

Map depicting the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez nations along the Natchez Trace.

NPS Hadley Exhibit Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center

The Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez are some of the most historically significant and influential groups of people to have lived along the Natchez Trace. These American Indian nations were some of the first to establish the Natchez Trace, ushering in an era of trade and travel through this region for centuries. 

Along what is now the Natchez Trace Parkway, the Chickasaw people lived in the northmost region, the Choctaw were in the central area, and the Natchez were the southermost of these three tribes.
 
The people of the Chickasaw Nation, the Choctaw Nation and the people of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians are alive and well today. Visit their webpages to learn more about these modern American Indian tribes.

Natchez  

When you visit Natchez, MS you are visiting the heart of the ancient Natchez homelands. This great nation once thrived in this area, traversing the waterways, establishing trade and travel along the Natchez Trace, and excelling in warfare and diplomacy for years.

 

Learn about the Chickasaw

Summary of Chickasaw History

The Chickasaw are one of the most historically significant and influential groups of people to have lived along the Natchez Trace.

Learn more about the Choctaw

Summary of Choctaw History

The Choctaw were one of the most historically significant and influential groups of people to have lived along the Natchez Trace.

Learn more about the Trail of Tears

Trail of Tears

The trail of tears was the forced relocation of many American Indian nations. Over 3,000 people lost their lives on the arduous trek.

Sacred Places

Six Mound Sites on the Parkway

Six sacred mound sites ranging from only a few feet tall to the second largest mound in the US, can be visited on the Parkway.

Info Panel Audio & Transcripts

Listen to or Read Exhibit Information

Recordings that are available to hear at roadside information panels, and transcripts of the dialogue.

What does the Exhibit Look Like?

Descriptions of Exhibit Locations

Audio descriptions of the exhibit areas.

 

Duration:

5 minutes, 16 seconds

The early Chickasaw people used fire as a tool, but it was also part of their community and spiritual life. This video connects to the stories and use of fire, both historically and by the Natchez Trace Parkway fire managers of the Chickasaw Village Site.

 

The video Using Fire to Preserve and Protect can be found by following this link.