| Natchez
has a history of 'firsts'. It is also the highest: its elevation of about
200 feet above sea level makes it the highest promontory in the
Mississippi River basin. Natchez has always been a very popular location -
and for a good part of its history, an affluent one.
From prehistoric
times, all roads led to Natchez. The famous Natchez Trace started as a
well-traveled trail of the Native Americans. Eventually, with the coming
of the European settlers, it became a wagon trail and now it is a 450 mile
long National Park connecting Nashville with Natchez and the Mississippi
River.
Study after study,
publication after publication, Natchez has been cited as one of the best
cities to live in - and to retire in. With its near-ideal mix of industry
and tourism, Natchez enjoys economic stability and low taxes. And there is
an abundance of old, stately homes with always a few awaiting a new owner.
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Just
south of downtown (on US-61-S) is the Grand Village of the Natchez
Indians. This was the ceremonial mound center and the primary village of
this tribe. Sacked by the French in 1729, much has been restored which,
with the addition of a well-stocked museum gives a very picturesque
impression of the lives and culture of these Indians.
Natchez is also
famous for its three annual 'Pilgrimages': the Spring Pilgrimage
(March-April), the Fall Pilgrimage (October) and the Christmas Pilgrimage
(December). These include festivals and tours of many of the antebellum
buildings. Perhaps not another Mardi Gras but fun events for sure.
Another festival
worth attending is the annual Natchez PowWow at the Grand Village in late
March. Native American arts are on display (and for sale) plus lots and
lots of eats.
And for the kids at
heart, there's the Annual Mississippi River Balloon Race each October. And
there's much, much more. "Y'all gotta come!"
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