Northern Terminus

Natchez Trace: A Road Through the Wilderness

"At 4:30 in the afternoon, Saturday June 22, 1996 the National Park Service officially opened the last five miles of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tennessee. The public along with Vice President Al Gore attended the formal ribbon cutting event near TN Highway 100.

"Following this event there was a parade of antique vehicles to represent each year the Parkway has been under construction. The parade of cars traveled from the Highway 100 terminus down to Highway 96 and assembled for public viewing below the Highway 96 Arch Bridge where there was a concert featuring country music star Amy Grant followed by music from the 101st Airborne Division Military Band.

"During that afternoon beneath the 96 bridge, visitors could see Civil War and frontier-era encampments along with characters dressed in the traditional costumes of Kaintucks and post riders. Throughout the day, prior to the ribbon cutting, hikers, runners and cyclists enjoyed the final section of the parkway making their way down to the events and exhibits below the unique and impressive Highway 96 bridge.

"It was an extremely hot and humid day there near Nashville, but the people gathered to see and be a part of the continuing story of a road that has played such an important role in shaping this great "nation of people."

"Join us next time for the final program in this series when we will complete our journey and take a last look at this outstanding parkway and the people it commemorates. I'm Frank Thomas, your guide along the Natchez Trace a road through the wilderness."

For more about Natchez Trace: A Road Through the Wilderness, visit eddieandfrank.com