The Natchez Trace Parkway – Clinton, MS, Visitor Center (nr. Jackson, MS)

With the motor home, Richard and I had traveled up the Trace as far north as I-20 at Jackson before pausing to explore Jackson itself (see postings on Jackson). During our stay there, we drove our truck up the Trace north from I-20 to well above the north end of Ross Barnett Reservoir at about MM 135. We turned off at MS 16 which took us into Carthage, MS. We “dined” at Little Richard’s Seafood Diner – we just had to!

Our first stop on this segment of the Trace was at the Clinton, MS, Visitor Center (+/- MM 88 or 89). This building has won numerous awards for its design incorporating the distinctive style indigenous to Mississippi. The “ell” on the left side is attached in the style known as a “dog trot”, a covered walkway open at both ends which allowed for good air circulation and a sheltered spot to sit in warm weather. One’s farm dogs could “trot” right on through. There’s a covered gallery which also invites sitting in a rocker out of the sun or during an evening.

The building’s interior was well-planned to look like a home, except this one displays racks of brochures of interest to tourists. There are display cases on the walls with historical artifacts and fine art, as well as gift items made locally.

An exhibit, “Journey Stories”, was set up in 2 or 3 of the rooms. This remarkable exhibit was organized and circulated by the Smithsonian’s Traveling Exhibition Service. The brochure states: “Journey Stories is a compelling Smithsonian exhibition that shows how our evolving mobility changed a young nation and how transportation made us grow. The accounts of travelers themselves express the hopes and promises of fresh starts, the grim realities of forced migrations and difficult journeys, and the thrills of personal travel.” For some this was a one-way journey to America; for others, an arduous trek made by covered wagon; a railroad trip across country; steamboat travel on our mighty rivers; and also stories of family vacations full of fun and adventure. It all involved travel – how apropos for the Natchez Trace Parkway!