NATCHEZ HISTORIC TRAILS
Natchez, Mississippi
The purpose of the Natchez Historic Trails Project was to create
a “Museum of the Streets” within the historic district.
The scope included development of walking trails to provide
visitors with contextual information of Natchez’s history in the
downtown area and the natural resources uniquely juxtaposed
along the Mississippi River bluff.
The “Museum of the Streets” was accomplished through the use
of historic photographs, drawings, maps and narrative material
emphasizing the history of a given site by highlighting what still
exists today, what had been lost in the past with accompanying
photographs and where appropriate the significance of what had
taken place at that location or structure.
Role of Landscape Architect
The landscape architect was the prime
consultant for the project.
Other Consultants:
Jordan Kaiser & Sessions, LLC
Civil Engineering & Surveying
Communication Arts Company
Graphic Design
Special Factors
The project is unique because it ties the historic elements of the
community, the natural resources of the river bluff and the
commercial and residential aspects of a vibrant downtown into
an understandable project for visitors and local users alike.
The project had to be coordinated and approved by the Natchez
Historic Preservation Commission, The Mississippi Department
of Archives and History, The Mississippi Department of
Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.
The project is a very important enhancement of a significant view
shed on the Mississippi River.
The project melds the historic elements of the city together with a
highly identifiable trail head in front of the historic depot. From
this point visitors are directed throughout four separate trails
enhanced by historic and natural resource markers.
The Historic Natchez Trails is anchored by the plaza in front of the
historic depot. The pavilion is the location for the contextual exhibits
and is the location where trail brochures may be acquired. The bluff
has as its backdrop the view shed of the Mississippi River.
The Depot Pavilion
was designed to
shadow another
trackside structure in
downtown Natchez.
In addition the tile
roof matches the
historic depot. Light
fixtures are the
approved Natchez
post top fixture and
are used throughout
the project.
Immediately below are shown the before and after photographs of
the depot plaza area. The plaza serves multiple functions including
gathering points for functions and events and seating for the Cock
of the Walk restaurant.
Example of Trail Map available at
the plaza pavilion and individual
trail markers set in the sidewalk
directing users on various trail
routes. Note how rails were
reintroduced to the plaza at the
passenger siding at the depot.
Fence at the top of the bluff wall is
designed to hide the top of the
gunite retaining wall holding the bluff
in place. Notice the chain link fence
it replaced. Bollard lighting was
utilized to keep light pollution off of
the bluff edge. Note trail below wall.
Trail on Front Street shows
the route over abandoned
railroad tracks. Also note
historic exhibit, lighting and
crape myrtles. All crape
myrtles throughout the
project are of the
“Natchez” variety.
Exhibitry is demonstrated in the picture to the
right where the panel below is seen in place in
front of the house called “Edelweiss”. The
direction of the trail following this stop is
indicated by the trail marker in the sidewalk.
Note trail location map in lower corner of exhibit.
Silver Street steps access the trail
seventeen feet below at the earthen
bench located at the base of the bluff
wall. This is the location of the majority
of the natural resource exhibits. The
vegetation on the bluff is a major bird
watching area as it serves as a stop
over along the river corridor.
Madison Street access to trail below the bluff. These steps traverse
a rise of forty-four feet. Note natural resource exhibit at the base of
the steps.
The trail system in the downtown area was transformed into
accessible routes which had not previously existed.
Natchez Historic Trails depot plaza with pavilion and seating area
with the City of Natchez backdrop.