Confederate graves on the Natchez Trace

An original section of the Natchez Trace is located at Mile Post 269 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. While the Trace saw its hey-day in the early 1800s, here is evidence that sections were still being used during the Civil War. About five minutes down the trail are thirteen graves of unknown Confederate soldiers. A side trail off of the Old Trace segment leads to the backside of the tombstones, but if you stay on the Trace you will see the front sides at eye level due to the fact that you will be walking in a gully that was worn into the ground by the thousands of men, horses, and wagons that traversed the trail over the years.

Sunken Natchez Trace as compared to the Confederate Graves

Sunken segment of the Natchez Trace at Mile Post 269.4 on the Natchez Trace Parkway

The tombstones you see today are not the originals. In fact, the original tombstones disappeared long ago (which leads me to question how anyone knew the bodies were there in the first place). The state of Mississippi placed tombstones on the graves in 1940, but they were stolen. The current tombstones were erected by the National Park Service. I’m guessing that everyone who wanted a Confederate tombstone has already stolen one, for the National Park Service replacements have stuck around for some time now.

Tombstones placed by the National Park Service

The Old Trace segment is flat and easy to hike. The total distance covered is about a quarter mile, and the hike takes about 10 minutes, round trip.

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