Grindstone Ford and Old Trace, Milepost 45.7

This next stop is known as Grindstone Ford - This ford marked the beginning of the Choctaw Nation and the end of the Old Natchez District. The site takes its name from a nearby water mill.

The half mile-long trail to the left of the wooden sign takes you to the Old Trace and Grindstone Ford. Boatmen, also known as Kaintucks, on foot or horseback crossed here, northbound, after floating cargo down to Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans and Natchez, Mississippi. Soldiers splashed across from the north to protect the Natchez District from British and Spanish threats during the War of 1812. For post riders, American Indians, and preachers, Bayou Pierre was the line between two nations.

Daniel Burnett's stand stood near here. Burnett was the speaker of the Territorial House of Representatives, a principal negotiator with the Choctaws, and a framer of the state constitution but his stand was unpretentious.  From here you may follow their path along the Old Trace to Grindstone Ford.

As trade and travel increased down the Mississippi River so did stands along the Natchez Trace. Tribes preferred to manage their own businesses on tribal land.