Meriwether Lewis Site Map (click to enlarge)
Explorer Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame is forever tied to the Natchez Trace because it was near this stop on the Natchez Trace Parkway that he was found dead on October 11, 1809. His death was shrouded in mystery, but it is believed that he committed suicide. Due to the lack of today’s forensic science, his true fate may never be known.
President Thomas Jefferson had appointed Lewis governor of the Upper Louisiana Territory, and soon after he became caught up in a financial scandal. On September 9th, he set out from New Orleans to clear his name, deciding to take the Natchez Trace instead of sailing to Washington, D. C. The Trace was well known for its thieves and murderers who preyed on travelers, so murder is definitely a possibility for anyone meeting his demise along the trail. However, supposedly Lewis had tried to commit suicide earlier and was restrained. He also wrote his will just before the journey, thus the reason for the suicide theory.
Lewis’s last night was spent at Grinder’s Stand (aka inn). According to Priscilla Grinder, the innkeeper’s wife, he retired to his room after dinner. Late in the morning she heard gunshots; Lewis had been shot in the head and stomach. He lived a few hours but died from blood loss just before dawn. He was buried near the area.
Today the site of Lewis’s grave is one of the larger parks along the Natchez Trace Parkway. In addition to the grave is the Grinder’s Stand site, an original segment of the Natchez Trace, two picnic areas, a campground, and a number of hiking trails. There is also a modern restroom as soon as you pull into the park.
Meriwether Lewis Visitor Information Center
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Last updated on November 29, 2021
