Parkway Association Pos t Rider Winter 2015

Tecumseh Returns to the Natchez Trace for Living History Safety Pilot Program Begins Take the Fit Challenge Annual Meeting Highlights In This Issue Message from the Executive Director, 3 Message from Outgoing President Boswell, 4 Message from Superintendent Risser, 5 Message from Incoming President Jordan, 6 Grant for the Cell Phone Tour, 6 New Web Site, 6 2015 Events, 6 Pilot Program Enhances Parkway Safety, 7 Timberland Park Opens, 10 Highlights from the Annual Meeting, 12 Tecuseh Returns to the Natchez Trace, 14 Little Mountain Ride, 17 Corporate Sustaining Memberships, 18 Conference, 18 Victor's Return, 18 Are You Up for the Trail Fit Challenge?, 19 Trail Volunteers, 20 New Comfort Station, 22 Chapter News, 22 Natchez Trace B&B, 23

Post Rider Newsletter of the Association Board Members Winter 2015 : : Officers 2015 Marsha Colson Nancy Conway Dick Jordan, President Mark Burleson Judy Hayes

Joy Pace Isom, Secretary Dot Ward Tom Morales EXPLORE•COMPLETE•SUPPORT•PROTECT Susann Hamlin, Treasurer Gary Carnathan Autry Gobbel Dr. Eslick Daniel, First Vice-President Emma Crisler April Cantrell Post Rider is the newsletter of the Tom Watts, Second Vice-President Tom Watts Dr. Bridget Jones Natchez Trace Parkway Association, P. Vacant, Third Vice-President Karen Geddie Dr. Eslick Daniel O. Box 740425, Tuscumbia, AL 35674. Bryant Boswell, Past President Tonya Threet The Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. As a park support organi- Tony Turnbow, Volunteer Executive Director Lester Senter Wilson Chickasaw Nation zation, it encourages people to Explore, Mayor Butch Brown Brad Lieb Chapter Chairs Complete, Support and Protect the Natch- Alternate Brady Davis ez Trace Parkway. For more information Annie Perry, Alabama: Judy Sizemore about the Association, visit our website Brad Prewitt, Northern-Mississippi Choctaw Nation Joy Pace Isom www.natcheztrace.org. To contact us, you Bryant Boswell, Mid-Mississippi To be appointed may also email us at info@natcheztrace. Dr. Carolyn Barske Adam Gwin, Southern-Mississippi org or send correspondence to the address Bill Matthews Andy Moore, Tennessee listed above. 2 Our national

park is a learning

laboratory for local schools and universities

} Tony Turnbow

atchez Trace the parkway. The new be even more opportuni- age friends to join you in Parkway Asso- Trail Fit program is one ties for you to get involved getting involved with your ciation program- of the first to combine in 2015 as we continue local chapter and become Nming came into focus in new health and wellness to expand the programs. part of making the park an 2014 in three main areas: science with outdoor rec- Hikes, rides, and living even more important asset living history education, reation in national parks. history events are being for your community. cycling, and hiking. In Dr. Boswell has used his planned in each area. } Tony Turnbow, each, the association is decades of experience in Superintendent Mary Volunteer Executive Director working with NPS to help living history to create an Risser has brought Thank You to our create innovative pro- exciting and effective pro- new perspectives to Corporate Sustaining grams to make the most gram to interest new gen- the park during her Members of the national park in erations of young people first year. She con- our back yard. What is in history. tinues to look for learned through the cy- We have only begun to ways to enhance the cling safety pilot program tap the power the park has park experience, in partnership with Ad- to improve the quality of and the association venture Cycling Associa- life for about two million is honored to be a tion will benefit cyclists residents, and about six partner in that ef- and motorists far beyond million tourists. There will fort. Please encour- EXPLORE • COMPLETE • SUPPORT • PROTECT 3 A Message From The vote resources to improve or develop a section of the Outgoing President Trail.

Cell Phone Tour Cycling We are continuing he past two years to develop this program have flown by. The membershipwhich is on the “cutting Thank you for al- needs to know that the edge” of technology for Tlowing me to serve as your Parkway is one of the most the next generation. We Bryant Boswell President. I feel we have popular destinations for are half way through a five made tremendous pro- cyclists around the world. year contract with OnCell ters. If we had two from gress with the program- 444 miles of smooth, un- to create a cellular phone each chapter, we would ming needs of our beloved interrupted asphalt is a audio and video connec- have the financial secu- Parkway. Dick Jordan will cyclist’s dream. Through tion at historical sites rity to cover operational make a great President the Gary Holdiness Cy- along the Parkway. This expenses and produce and will take the Associa- cling Fund, the NTPA is has tremendous potential programming. Cycling tion to greater heights. now financing an effort and is an exciting pro- events, run very effec- I would like to review to educate both the cyclist gram. Donations can be tively by Donna Holdiness the progress made so you and motorist on their re- made through the General and Johnny Boswell, are will understand the com- sponsibility in making the Fund/Cell Phone Tour. the only programs that are mitment the NTPA has to Parkway as safe as possi- able to produce revenue. the future. The amount ble. It is a National Park. Sustaining That program has, very of dollars and volunteer It was constructed for rec- generously, contributed to hours donated is impres- reation along with motor Membership It is impossible to all our funds. Won’t you sive. vehicle travel. We “Share please consider becom- the Road.” The NTPA take care of the day to day needs of an organization ing a Sustaining Member? Living History sponsors cycling events This is one of our greatest The commitment was with each annual meeting. needs. made three years ago to Watch for the first annual Natchez Trace 444 Ride in | fully equip a Living His- One Park – Three 2015. The story of the tory unit to take history States to the next generation Natchez Trace is We are no longer three through military, civilian, Scenic Trail an American Story. states competing to fin- and American Indian Liv- In the past year, and It is the story of our ish a roadway. We are ing History encampments thanks to the hard work developing United one organization estab- along the Park. Several of Tony Turnbow, we

States and of the lishing programs to ben- thousand students can have begun programs to

American Indian efit all three states equally. be reached at each Liv- restore and promote the | What a joy it has been for ing History event through 66 miles of Scenic Hik- continent. this Mississippian to be structured educational ing and Equestrian Trails involved with all of you initiatives where students built by the NPS. It is our from Nashville to Natch- are bussed to re-enact- hope to link two of the five and produce quality pro- ez. I encourage you to ment encampments. We sections together to cre- gramming on basic an- travel YOUR PARK from have now held six of these ate a continuous hiking/ nual dues alone. Won’t one end to the other and events over the past three camping trail from Tupelo you please consider an in- work for the whole. It is years and have two per to Nashville. The Nature/ dividual or business Sus- a precedent set by our year planned in the future. Conservation Trail Fund taining Annual Member- Executive Director, Tony The Marty Owens Living was created to accept do- ship of $500 to $1,000 per Turnbow, and I hope will History Fund was created nations toward this effort. year. We now have three be followed in the years to to accept donations to- This is a program in which Sustaining Members from come. any of us can be involved. ward this end. three of our five Chap- Each Chapter should de- 4 One Park – Two Nation as named Dr. Brad take our beautiful Na- who have made it one of Peoples Lieb to fill one of those tional Park for granted. the most beautiful park- The story of theslots. The involvement Don’t make it just an as- ways in America. Our Natchez Trace is an Amer- of the Chickasaw Nation phalt connection between relationship with the NPS ican Story. It is the story and MS Band of Choc- two points. Remember it has never been stronger. of our developing United taws over the past two is a Park and is shared by Get to know Superinten- States and of the Ameri- years has been exciting to cyclists, joggers, and hik- dent Mary Risser. She can Indian continent. watch. The future looks ers – who are also motor- is absolutely wonderful. The Board of Directors bright for this coopera- ists. Use YOUR PARK. We are very fortunate to has established a position tive effort. Support YOUR PARK. have her. on its Board for a Choc- We own the park and taw and Chickasaw repre- Finally, let me make have entrusted its care to } Bryant Boswell, sentative. The Chickasaw one last request. Don’t the Outgoing President

The National Park From the Service will celebrate our Centennial on August 25, Superintendent 2016, and we look forward sive snowfalls, to working with the Natch- t’s hard to believe that I’ve been and tempera- ez Trace Parkway Associa- here for almost a full year, and so tures that occa- tion closely over the next far, it has been a wonderful ex- sionally dipped year as we prepare for the Iperience! After spending the last 30- Photo Courtesy NPS Centennial. Tony and I to -40oF. Dur- plus years in the West, I anticipated ing the six years have already been explor- that I’d get to learn a whole new way that I worked there, the schools only ing several opportunities to partner of doing things, and that has cer- closed one day – one day in six years on projects. One of the most critical tainly happened. – and that was because the furnace undertakings will be to emphasize My first weekend here, I visited in the elementary school broke that the Natchez Trace Parkway is the Brice’s Crossroads Information down. Here, schools shut down with a national park; it is so much more Center and was given a tour by one than just a road. We will continue to of their great volunteers. It was then work on enhancing the safety of all that I learned that growing up about Parkway users with an emphasis on one and a half hours away from Get- bicyclist safety. We want to explore tysburg did not prepare me for the the possibility of having chapters Deep South’s version of the War Be- “adopt” segments of the Old Trace tween the States. and help us maintain and restore About half of my career was them. We are also exploring oppor- spent in big snow country. Some tunities to move forward with the winters at Grand Teton, the snow national “Healthy Parks, Healthy would get so deep that we would the prediction of snow or ice. People” initiative. have to shovel in front of windows I also noticed that everyone calls We have a broad set of ideas and so sunlight would come into the me “Miss Mary.” I was so impressed projects that we invite you to pick house. At Yosemite NP, if electricity with how polite and respectful and choose from so we can contin- went out, we would just bury refrig- Southern people were until I was ue to preserve and protect this very erated and frozen food in the snow talking to the receptionist in my vet’s special park – the Natchez Trace banks. Here, I watched the mainte- office and she referred to my cats as Parkway. Thank you again for your nance crew clear snow off the visitor “Miss Crystal” and “Miss Callie.” It warm welcome and support. center sidewalks with a leaf blower! put it all in perspective for me! } At Grand Teton, we would ex- Mary Risser, I have thoroughly enjoyed my Superintendent perience white-out conditions, mas- learning experience. 5 Message From The Grant for Cell Incoming President Phone Tour look forward to con- he Lewis and tion at the site where he tinuing to develop the Clark Trail Herit- is buried. programs the asso- age Foundation New technology ex- Iciation has begun to help Tawarded the associa- pands the amount of improve the visitor expe- rience on the parkway. I tion a Trails Stewardship information that can be have seen the parkway grant of $6,000 to de- provided to park visitors, develop from a construc- velop interpretation for and it allows them to se- tion project to the eighth the Meriwether Lewis lect information that in- most- visited national site. Short video clips terest them. park in the U.S. Now we will tell the story Meri- Interpretation for the are also discovering what wether Lewis’s life and War of 1812 site has been a valuable resource a na- Dick Jordan death, particularly the completed. It may be tional park in our back has seldom been a time significance of the Lewis viewed on our website. yard can be to people of greater opportunities who live nearby. and Clark Expedition. Tours for Colbert Ferry, on the horizon. From The interpretation will Chickasaw Village, Bras- The history the park- the Chickasaw Cultural give visitors a greater hears’ Stand, and Mount way preserves and in- Center and the Choctaw terprets is rich and still Museum in the planning appreciation for Lewis’s Locust are in develop- largely untapped. The stages, to the cycling contributions to the na- ment. scenery is some of the safety pilot program and most stunning in the trail development and fit- U.S. It is clear why both ness projects, your work draw motorists, cyclists, will make a difference for Web Site bikers, and hikers from the future of the parkway around the world. communities. Upgraded Please join me in As the parkway gears thanking Dr. Bryant up to be part of the NPS Boswell for his work as Centennial Campaign, he web site has been upgraded to make infor- president the past two I am convinced that the mation easier to locate and to make the site years. His development association can help easier to view on mobile phones. The use of of the Natchez Trace liv- the parkway become a Tvideos is also being expanded in conjunction with the ing history program has leader in new program- association’s new YouTube channel. Additional in- already created a new in- ming for national parks. formation will continue to be added to make the site terest in history for sev- Our local universities eral thousand students a resource to improve visitors’ understanding of the and schools will provide Natchez Trace and its cultural and natural resources. who were fortunate to go valuable partnerships in back in time in one of his the effort. With your camps. The ongoing pro- participation and Super- gram will be his legacy to intendent Risser’s guid- Upcoming Events the parkway. ance, the association is Please also join me well positioned to make in looking to the future, valuable progress over April 25, 2015 Victory Ball in Natchez rolling up your sleeves, the next two years. I am May, 2015 Symphony Event in Ridgeland, and planning to be in- honored to be part of the volved in the work of work as your president. June 13, 2015 Victory Ball in Tuscumbia your chapter. In the eighty year history of } July, 2015 Final Bicentennial Event in Nashville the association, there Dick Jordan, Incoming President 6 Pilot Program to Enhance Parkway Safety

veryone who uses torists and cyclists. Fre- light is at higher angles, wear dark clothing. the Natchez Trace quent curves designed to light filtering through The Parkway motor Parkway is a visi- add to the scenic beauty the tree canopy can cre- road was state of the art Etor to a National Park also limit sight distance ate an intermittent light when designed in the Service (NPS) area. and create areas where and dark pattern on the 1940’s. Traffic stand- The challenge is that low angles of sunlight pavement and act as a ards have changed since Parkway visitors use the temporarily blind mo- camouflage, especiallythen. Each lane is now same roadway for dif- torists. Even when sun- when cyclists or runners two feet more narrow ferent types of travel at L than modern high- different speeds at the ways, and there are no same time. paved shoulders. The Improving safety Parkway was designed and enjoyment for all for a leisurely drive Parkway visitors is the through a rural setting. goal of our Gary Holdi- In September, ness Cycling Fund and public meetings were the new pilot program held in Ridgeland, Tu- created in partnership pelo, and Nashville with Adventure Cycling to seek ideas how to Association and the Na- make the mixed use of tional Park Service. motoring and cycling The Parkway land- safer. Cyclists made it scape offers its own NPS workers install signs and sharrows in clear that they consider challenges for both mo- pilot test areas the Parkway one of the 7 best areas in the U.S. to distracted driving is one and hikers. motorists say that pass- bike. Because the Park- of the primary causes of The NTPA Garying in the opposite lane way is linear, and there motor vehicle/bicycle Holdiness Cycling Fund forces them into the is limited access and a accidents. Another sponsored test sharrows lane of oncoming traffic. prohibition on com- and signs in Kosciusko, Ultimately, the change mercial traffic, Parkway | Tupelo, and Leiper’s requires motorists to cyclists can take in the Natchez Trace Fork. The sharrows are treat cycles like any oth- history and nature. One Parkway selected for symbols stenciled on er vehicle on the road cyclist said, “You can feel the first pilot program the pavement to make traveling at a slower the history.” Cyclists de- to improve cycling motorists aware that cy- speed. Motorists have

scribed it as the ultimate safety in national clists may be using the no choice to slow their cycling experience, and pavement. Accompany- speed until it is safe to parks| that is why cyclists from ing signs state “Cyclists pass in the opposite lane around the world make may use the full lane.” when they encounter cycling the Parkway one The “full lane” rule is a slow-moving auto- of their bucket list rides. challenge is that many a change from the three- mobile. Will they also Motorists also get motorists who use the foot rule under state be willing to slow their the opportunity to re- Parkway for short com- law. That rule requires speed for bicycles? lax on the Parkway. The mutes do not recognize motorists who pass a cy- The program will lower speeds and pro- that they are entering a clist to maintain at least stress that cyclists also hibition of commercial National Park and do a three-foot distance. share a responsibility traffic tends to put their not consider themselves Cyclists say that three for making themselves minds on “auto pilot” as NPS visitors who feet is not a safe distance as visible as possible, and take in the scenic need to share the road when the motorist does wearing high visibil- views. Unfortunately, with cyclists, runners, not slow to pass. Some ity clothing and using

8 lights on cycles. Some group will discuss how cyclists prefer to wear to get messages out to dark colored clothing, the bicyclists’ and mo- and it will take time to torists’ communities. encourage the use of Donna Holdiness what they may consider makes it clear to audi- as less-flattering colors ences that a collision for safety. between a motorist Comments suggest and cyclist changes the that motorists have lives of both. She says slowed down in the Ko- that she promotes the sciusko area since the program to make sure test signs and sharrows that no one ever finds were installed, but some themselves in her posi- motorists have also tion, either as a mother complained of near col- of a driver responsible lisions. The next step is for an automobile colli- to request the Federal sion or the widow of a Highway Administra- cyclist struck by an au- tion evaluate the pro- tomobile. gram with demonstra- The challenge of ble metrics. making the Parkway Over the next two or safer for motorists and three months, Natch- cyclists to use the same ez Trace Parkway staff pavement is not unique and partners will form to Natchez Trace. This small work groups to pilot program will evaluate groups of com- have impact on motor- ments and identify next ing and cycling safety steps for the pilot pro- across the country. gram. For example, the National Park Ser- Federal Highway Ad- vice encourages visi- ministration (FHA) has tors’ comments on the agreed to evaluate the program and additional effectiveness of shar- methods to make the rows – stencils of a bi- parkway safer. If you cycle on the pavement have comments, feel – and signs. They will free to send them to then make recommen- NATR_Superinten- dations to us. Another [email protected].

9 New Visitor Contact Area Timberland Park Opens

he wheels of progress turn slower that many of us would like on parkway projects, but the Timberland Park opening shows that persistence pays off. Williamson County, Tennessee began work on the project over 15 years ago. NTPA board members Nancy Conway and Judy Hayes Tlearned that the State of Tennessee planned to sell about 60 acres of land it had been purchased for a craft center along the parkway.

After convincing the the women convinced hiking trails and a visitor water. state to give the land to the county to develop the contact area. NPS ap- The need for the park Williamson County, and land as a passive park with proval was required to co- increased over the dec- ordinate access from ades as well. Timberland the parkway. Park is located just south The lack of elec- tricity and water in | the area seemed to Timberland Park is

be insurmountable located just south

challenges in the of the spectacular late 1990’s. Tech- Double Arch| bridge nological advances over the years solved those problems. So- of the spectacular Double lar power provides Arch bridge which draws electricity and a water large numbers of tourists collection and filtra- on weekends. The trails Bike Racks at Timberland Park tion system provides are also welcome retreats 10 for the local area that has The visitor contact sta- ment of the project was Williamson County Parks seen rapid growth since tion provides restrooms spearheaded by member and Recreation Depart- the nineties. and parking. Develop- Phyllis Huffman of the ment, who is the course of her work on the pro- ject, discovered that she is a descendant of John Gordon, who developed a ferry, inn, and trading post on the old trace in partnership with Chicka- saw William Colbert. Interpretation tells the story of the timber indus- try that sprang up along that section of the old Natchez Trace. Nature education projects are in development. William- son County honored the work of the board mem- bers by developing the Nancy Conway Trail and Judy Hayes, Nancy Conway and Lynn Maddox the Judy Hayes Trail. 11 - - 8Oth Anniversary Annual Meeting Highlights

80th anniversary photo near the original Natchez Trace north terminus at the Cumberland River in Nashville. he 2014 annual the year. Gene Smith and gram and workshops meeting kicked Claudia Reynolds intro- that were held through- off near the origi- duced a video clip from out the week along the Tnal terminus of the old the living history event at parkway. Endurance Natchez Trace on the Colbert’s Ferry, as part of cyclist George Thomas Cumberland River in their Natchez Trace Film of Race Across America Nashville. Board member Project. Superintendent encouraged the associa- Tom Morales hosted the Mary Risser presented the tion to develop an annu- Tom Morales al world-class ride from lution introduced its new Nashville to Natchez. Fuel, a An afternoon “Trail healthy trail mix blended Gate” party kicked off the for hiking or cycling on Trail Fit program with the parkway. Vanderbilt University stu- NPTA Living History dents on Natchez Trace provided education sta- on the campus (likely one tions to Nashville students of routes of the old trace). at Belle Meade Plantation, Students volunteered to the site of an original take the Trail Fit chal- Natchez Trace Inn. An lenge, and FitFood Revo-

Banquet in the style of an 1814 Nashville Tavern. opening session at his his- association with a plaque toric Acme Feed and Seed acknowledging the 80th building, a new entertain- anniversary of its part- ment venue downtown. nership with NPS. Terry Congressman Marsha Wildy introduced the new Blackburn welcomed the film created for the head- group to Nashville and quarters visitor center. spoke about the impor- Virginia Sullivan and tance of the parkway to Saara Show of Adven- the nearby communities. ture Cycling Association President Bryant Boswell talked about the new Annie and Bob Perry portray

discussed the successes of cycling safety pilot pro- Chickasaw travelers. - 12 - - - end Von Unruh spoke throughout the day on various aspects of the war along the trace. A new bike ride, the James Robertson 40, was inaugurated from the northern terminus in Nashville to Leiper’s Fork. Proceeds were contributed to the Gary Holdiness Cycling Dr. Monty McInturff. Club. The meeting goal of cre- evening banquet was set in the style ating new partnerships in of a Nashville Tavern in 1814, and Nashville was a success. Out- veterinarian Monty McIntuff spoke door adventure organizations, Dr. Jim Atkinson explains early on the relationship between the sol- historic sites, local attrac- medicine. dier and the horse. On Saturday, tions, parks, and businesses reenactors portrayed the recruit- joined in to re-connect to ment of soldiers for the Battle of the parkway and the work New Orleans and speakers such as of the association. Dr. Jim Atkinson, Tonya Staggs, Dr. Tom Kanon, Jeff Brewer,and Rever-

Jeff Brewer commanded the Columbia Light infan- James Robertson 40 Ride try at our October Living History event in Nashville.

Past President Calvin Lehew

and President Bryant Boswell. - 13 - Tecumseh Returns To The Natchez Trace For Unforgettable Living History

A replica of Colbert’s Ferry boat.

14 Piqua Shawnee Chief Gary Hunt, right, portrayed Tecumseh and Vice-Chief Duane Everhart, left, portrayed Seekaboo.

t is rare to hear a student describe history as “awe- actment of an 1812 Indian Council was something that some,” but many students who attended the associa- none of the students had seen. tion’s living history presentation at Colbert’s Ferry Shawnee Chief Gary Hunt portrayed his ancestor’s Iin April gave the program their generation’s seal of ap- brother Tecumseh and reenacted the speech Tecumseh proval.M Parents later told teachers that their children gave to southeastern tribes to encourage them to rise could not stop talking about it -- Mission accomplished up against American settlers. Chickasaws, Choctaws, for the living history program. Creeks, and Cherokees debated the merits. Chickasaw The goal is to bring Natchez Trace history to life to chief George Colbert and Choctaw leader Pushmataha encourage the next generation to develop an interest in assured Americans of their friendship. At the end of learning history. The War of 1812 bicentennial reen- the event, just as in 1814, Chickasaw men were hired to 15

 

 

guard the ferry until U.S. of George Colbert’s grand- ing a full-scale replica for the event convinced him soldiers arrived to relieve son’s ferry boat from the future events. of the importance of living them. 1830’s served as a guide. Over 1,000 middle history as an education Keith Parker and Ray Chickasaw TV took ad- school students from method, and he would en- Nunley organized local vantage of the opportuni- north Alabama and courage using it in their volunteers to build a rep- ty to capture video footage southern Tennessee par- programming. Wauseka lica of Colbert’s ferry boat that can be used for future ticipated in the event. The York, of the Mississippi to give students an under- interpretation. The rep- University of North Ala- Band of Choctaw Indians standing of Colbert’s ferry lica was so popular that it bama Public History De- also commented on how operation. A photograph inspired the idea of build- partment worked with the living history would help  association to develop les- young people in the Choc-  son plans for teachers in taw Nation learn history. advance of the event. The long-term goal of The event was the first the living history program time in 200 years that the is to present at least two Indian nations had col- major programs a year lectively discussed the his- on the parkway or near toric pre-war council and the parkway along the old the impact it had on their Natchez Trace. The as- history. Robert Thrower, sociation raises funds for Tribal Historic Preserva- the education program

tion Officer of the Poarch through its Marty Owens

  Creek Nation, said that Living History Fund. 16  - - 

2014 Little Mountain Ride

he 2014 Little Mountain to attract more serious Ride raised $6,000 for cyclists from the re- the Gary Holdiness Cy- gion. Little Mountain, Tcling Fund. The Tour d’Attala the highest point on Bike Club started the ride for the parkway in Mis- local cyclists but it soon began sissippi, presents an

especially challenging finish line for the ride. After a twen- ty-mile ride on the parkway, riders who make it to the top for the spectacular view expe- rience a justifiable moment as “king of the mountain.”

 - 17 - also adds costs. given by other companies to cre- Just as we have divided ate a major impact for their own Sustaining the work of our members into communities. chapter areas, the solution to our An annual Corporate Support financial needs is to divide finan- Sustaining Membership of $250, cial support among the chapter $500, or $1,000 is acknowledged areas and generate Corporate on our web site and on material Sponsorships Sustaining memberships. One provided at three-state events. As advantage of a park that travers- we develop our “Natchez Trace es 25 counties, three states and Family” from the two million he association is a 100% 444 miles is that it increases the residents living along the park- volunteer organization, potential numbers of corporate way, sponsorships expand the but even volunteer organi- partners to support the work for potential market area for spon- Tzations need a foundation of fi- a small contribution. The spon- sors and lets people know that nancial support for basic opera- sorships also allow companies to they are contributing to helping tions. Adding new programming add a small contribution to those the parkway improve their lives.

2014 CONTRIBUTORS WHO Individual Donations: Kosciusko Community Calvin Lehew WISH TO BE LISTED: Foundation, Inc. Jim & Aline Roberts Thomas B & Pamela K. Mr. & Mrs. James Roberts Louis H. Watson Corporate Sustaining Green Mr. Thomas E. Box Marion County Historical Members: Mississippi Development Jimmy & Lynn Dobbs Society Authority/Division of Diane & Van Behrendt James & Paula Mallory Tourism James & Fredia Barry Emma Crisler Mary Joan Weatherly Russell & Debra Welty Jan & Gilbert McSpadden Elbert & Claire Hilliard C. Neil & Beth Davis Bob & Jeannie Chunn Lorna Hainesworth Chip Crunk Michael & Laura Schenk

Natchez Trace Parkway WAR OF 1812 Projects to be Showcased Triumphant Return - at the 2015 National Celebration Of A New Historic and Scenic Trails American Spirit Conference hen the War of 1812 ended, thousands of soldiers who fought at the Battle of New he association will host the national bienni- Orleans returned as national heroes on the al conference of the Partnership for National WNatchez Trace. One young boy later recounted that Trails Systems in June. As a member of PNTS, he saw troops passing by his home on the trace for Tthe association is part of a coalition of trails and trails months. As General Andrew Jackson and his wife Ra- friends organizations from across the nation. As host, chel returned, communities greeted them with victory the association provides volunteer help. Corporate balls. sponsorships and registration fees will fund the confer- In January, Natchez Trace Living History will ence. The conference draws high level National Park join over 1,000 reenactors from around the world to Service staff and trail experts. Attendees will visit the re-create the Battle of New Orleans near the battlefield park to learn about our new programs, and they will at Chalmette. From April to July, the association will have opportunities to contribute suggestions for im- honor the soldiers in a series of events from Natchez to provements. Nashville. 18 has an interest in promot- cal residents looking for ing wellness for the people relaxation and recreation, in its area. The next step would provide a good TRAIL FIT will involve students in environment to develop research, mapping, data some of the programming. Are You Up For The collection, program devel- It has been suggested opment, and trail mainte- that the association create Challenge? nance. a University Council, as an a trail hike become more active out- The University ofa type of advisory board, or run provide doors. As part of its Cen- North Alabama’s Health, and formally invite the unique health tennial Campaign, NPS Physical Education, and universities to participate. Cresults that cannot be is also looking for ways Recreation Department The council would pro- achieved indoors on a to connect younger gen- has provided student vol- vide students an opportu- treadmill while staring at erations to national parks. unteers to help maintain nity to work their peers in a concrete wall or televi- We discovered a ready national park trails for other states and develop sion screen? Many people market. There is a new over two decades, and it valuable hands-on experi- know instinctively that generation that is already recently provided assis- ence while still in school. a walk in the woods will part of the fitness move- Dr. Erik O’Neal of There is a new clear the mind, but will it ment and eager for out- UNA said that the key generation that is also lower blood pressure door adventure of hiking will be to develop a pro- or provide other benefits? and cycling. already part of the gram rewarding enough If so, our national park Vanderbilt University fitness movement that people want to par- trails may offer an inex- is working with the asso- and eager for ticipate without additional pensive, all-natural work- ciation to develop some outdoor adventure encouragement. The re- out environment. of the initial concepts for of hiking and wards will likely be dif- The association began the program through its cycling. ferent for different age exploring health benefits Health and Wellness De- groups. Younger genera- of the trails as part of the partment. Vanderbilt’s tance with parkway trails tions enjoy the challenges new NPS Healthy Parks/ Regional Medical Center in Tupelo. UNA is already of setting and reaching Healthy People program serves the Tennessee area conducting research on goals and comparing their to encourage people to along the parkway, and it different aspects of exer- statistics with friends. cise in the outdoor Older people enjoy social environment. The and networking opportu- university is also nities on a walk. For all planning course- age groups, the program work to train stu- may include opportunities dents to become to learn from the outdoor NPS professionals, environment. and the Trail Fit Tennessee, Alabama, program is a natu- and Mississippi residents ral fit for UNA. know the art of southern Mississippi cooking, and the popu- universities will lations also rank at the be invited to par- bottom of the lists of the ticipate in the healthiest. Trail Fit may program. The provide a way for our na- multi-use trail in tional park to begin mak- Ridgeland, already ing a difference in those Free bike repairs were offered popular with lo- rankings. at the Trail Gate party in October. 19 - - TRAIL VOLUNTEERS

he 70 -100 miles help identify the condi- Tennessee Trails As- Coats of the University of trails along tions and work needed sociation volunteered of North Alabama has the parkway pre- in each section. Sec- to clean up a section worked training stu- Tsent a constant main- tions can then be di- of the Natchez Trace dents to maintain trails tenance challenge for vided to break the trails National Scenic Trail. for over two decades. parkway staff. The up into smaller seg- In October, a group of He believes that the as- damage from just one ments to assign to local Arizona Conservation sociation can develop storm can require hun- groups. Corps spent a month an effective volunteer dreds of unexpected In May, groups of on the parkway bring- program to help main- worker hours to ing about 30 miles tain the trails. clear fallen limbs | of the Highland If young people can and trees. If young people can Rim Section trail up learn valuable practical Trail mainte- learn valuable practical to par. They were skills as they build and nance is one area joined by volunteers skills as they build and maintain trails, they where the asso- from Nashville Hik- will be well compensat-

maintain trails, they will ciation can pro- ing MeetUp. ed for their volunteer

vide volunteers to be well compensated for A long-range as- time. make a real differ- their volunteer| time. sociation goal is to Superintendent ence on the park- create a group of Risser has also encour- way. The trails can trained volunteers aged the association to be mapped as part of a high school students who can help maintain help NPS restore and

GPS metric system to and members of the the trails. Dr. Tom maintain the segments - 20 - - - -

of old Natchez Trace on time could also use parkway land. Tennes- tools of the period see History Chair Jeff to perform many Brewer suggests that of the same tasks the living history group soldiers employed can add an interpreta- during construc- tion of Jefferson’s army tion. Reeactors building the 1801 high- and the public way along the old trace. would gain new in- Reenactors wearing sight into historic army uniforms of the surveying, engi-

neering, land clearing, suggested that the asso- and construction. ciation help develop a The new volunteer special patch scouts can system will also help earn as Natchez Trace coordinate projects for surveyors and build- scout groups and other ers as they help provide student groups to tie GPS coordinates for their projects into an mapping and physical

overall plan to maintain work to maintain the

the trails. It has been trails.

- - 21 - New Comfort Service is developing outdoor ting, the George Colbert Chapter interpretive panels to interpret of the DAR dedicated a monu- Stations the life of George Colbert and his ment at the site to honor George Completed At ferry operation. The new exhib- Colbert’s military service and the its are expected to be installed in contribution of his ferry to travel Jeff Busby, Phar 2016. on one of the earliest roads in the Mounds, And Soon after the ribbon cut- . Colbert’s Ferry Alabama uperintendent Risser joined mem- bers of the Alabama Chapter at Chapter Meetings Colbert’s Ferry to cut the ribbon Scompleting the new visitor contact he Alabama Chapter met several times in 2014. New of- building. New comfort stations at Jeff ficers elected include Annie Perry, Chair; Verna Brenan, Busby and Phar Mounds were com- Vice-Chair, and Carol Driskel, Secretary. Angela Broyles Tand Lee Freeman will co-chair the History Committee; Gayle pleted earlier in the year. The buildings replace 1960 and 1970-era buildings to Satchel and Jennifer Berry will co-chair the Education Commit- bring the stations up to modern stand- tee, and Charles Rose and Nancy Muse will co-chair the Trails ards and make them more accessible for and Nature Committee. Dr. Wayne Higgins, director of Pope's visitors. The visitor contact building at Tavern historic site, discussed the life of John Coffee, and allowed Colbert’s Ferry provides space for on- members to view artifacts from his ancestor’s marches under site staff, but no funds are currently General Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812. Bud Pride discussed budgeted to staff it. The National Park the plans for new interpretive panels for Colbert’s Ferry. 22 ACCOMMODATING areas, buildings may have modern or rustic furnishings. NATCHEZ TRACE Randy says that today’s PARKWAY GUESTS Natchez Trace travelers ap- preciate the “scenic beauty IN HISTORIC STYLE and history. Also, the tran- quility of traveling at a slower pace without the clutter of billboards, traffic signals, tel- ephone poles, commercial traffic, etc. is a major reason why so many people visit and travel the Trace.” King's Tavern original inn. What makes staying in a bed and breakfast unique? andy Fought has been able to turn his love of history, travel, and the parkway “The primary difference is into a dream job that often does not seem like work. As owner of the Natchez the owner/innkeeper. With Trace Bed and Breakfast Reservation Service, Randy shares his understanding every B&B experience you Rof the parkway and parkway communities to help visitors get the most from their trips. will most likely be greeted and have several occasions Probably without realizing it, To make certain that guests to interact with the owner/ today’s Natchez Trace travelers will have a good experience, Randy innkeeper or in a few cases their share some common experiences has visited all the B&Bs/cottages/ assistant. Innkeepers take pride in with their early 1800- era counter- historic hotels that are part of the their B&B, their community and parts. They set out on an adventure reservation service, and he gets the Natchez Trace.” Randy adds, to explore an unknown territory, to know the owners. He takes the “Staying at B&B(s) will be some of and when they arrive at their over- time to check out the area - what the most memorable highlights of a night accommodation, the hospi- services for travelers are avail- tality can extend the warm glow able (restaurants, markets, gas of the day’s events. Experiences in stations, etc.) and what other Natchez Trace inns were the sub- attractions or points of inter- jects of many historical accounts – est off the parkway are nearby from the cooking at Young Factor’s that guests would enjoy. He Stand that James Robertson called a also tries to determine the “fine house of entertainment” to the best route to the B&B from notorious John Murrrell gang mem- the Trace - sometimes there is bers who ran King’s Inn for a time. a recommended route for bi- Their guests woke to find money or cyclists to avoid heavily trav- Mt. Locust original inn. jewelry missing. Those were just the elled roads. Cyclists also need guests who lived to wake up. information on where they can find Natchez Trace trip.” Randy says that like the best supplies, and what hills to expect so For 2015, Randy offers his fellow innkeepers of Natchez Trace history, that they can estimate their travel Natchez Trace Parkway Association many bed and breakfast owners get time. members a special 10% discount on to know their guests. Owners make Also like the early 19th century, reservations booked through his contact with guests before they ar- travelers can choose from a vari- service. Check out the accommo- rive. “They know your name, they ety of rooms. Near Natchez, homes dations on www.natcheztracetravel. know you are coming to stay with normally date to as early as the early com and you will also appreciate all them. If guests are running late they 1800’s, and they are usually filled the information he lists about the will call to see if you are okay and with antiques to give guests the ex- parkway and upcoming events. To when they can expect your arrival.” perience of earlier times. In other obtain the discount, 23 P. O. Box 740425, Tuscumbia, AL 35674

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