Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway stop on the Natchez Trace Parkway is along a canal that connects the Tennessee River to the Tombigbee River. Information panels near the water tell its story. Prior to the canal, boats traveling on the Tennessee River had to get to the Mississippi River farther west before they could proceed south to the Gulf of Mexico. The Tombigbee River already flowed to the Gulf at what would become Mobile, Alabama, and was just south of portions of the Tennessee River. A canal between the two would mean that boats on the Tennessee could reach the Gulf much quicker.
Although the canal was proposed as far back as the mid-1700s when the area was still under French control, nothing was done until 1972. It took 13 years to complete the 43-mile canal, which opened in 1985.
Map of the canal and area
Today the Jamie L. Whitten Bridge spans the waterway. Whitten was a politician who was instrumental in creating the Natchez Trace Parkway as well as the canal.
Jamie L. Whitten Bridge spans the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
A four-table picnic area with one grill is located under some shade trees near the parking area.
Picnic area
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Last updated on December 1, 2021
