More about Natchez, Mississippi

Well look who we found roaming around outside our rig last night. I think tonight I don't want to know.

Dang that's one scary creature.

This morning we got a late start not leaving for town until 11 a.m. Gail ended up taking the entire phone back to Verizon because they couldn't deliver what they promised. Not only could she not keep her number but she couldn't even keep her area code with a new number. She'll give it another try in a month or so. Everyone was hungry because none of us ate breakfast so we walked next door and went to where else? Their $5 lunch is a great deal.

Then it was off to explore more of Natchez on our own. It was really warm and sultry today. We went into the downtown area to the "biggest tourist shop" in Mississippi. Well I'm not too sure about that claim but then I haven't been to other tourist shops in Mississippi to compare, but I don't think I'd be too challenged.

We found the super store on Franklin St.

Pucker up Larry....

My sentiments exactly.

My first book.

Inside the biggest tourist store in Mississippi.

The Southern Carriage Tour that we didn't take.

There's definitely a "Frenchness" around town.

One of the old streets of Natchez.

We either missed the whole of downtown or this was it. We drove away towards the "Forks of the Roads" area where slaves were sold during the 1800s.

These shackles are all that remain of the slave trade at the Forks of the Roads in Natchez.

Driving back towards the river you can almost see set far off the streets beautiful plantation homes of the wealthy. There are far more abandoned houses. However, we did see lots of pretty houses.

Back at the river we looked for the Under the Hill area of town.

It was a very cloudy day but still the pictures are pretty.

This one road is all that remains of the toughest and deadliest section of town known as the Under the Hill.

In the early 1800's there were three streets down towards the river.

In the 1930's the Corp of Engineering rerouted and streamlined the Mississippi River to expedite traffic.

The net result is it changed what made Natchez what it once was. The river rose almost 60 feet, eliminating the two roads shown in this painting.

There was a huge shipping industry right where the Isle of Capri Casino sits today. We had lunch there yesterday.

Old picture of the Under Hill area in the 1810's.

There wasn't a lot to see, and there were no shops. Just Bed and Breakfasts and one lone Saloon. The Saloon has been in this location since the 1830's.

Lots of dollar bills stuck on the ceiling.

Today's proprietor.

After enjoying a drink at the Saloon and talking with the bartender we piled back in the truck and headed home. There are some interesting buildings along the route into the park, on State Park Road.

We've had a really nice stay at Natchez State Park. Tonight we'll have one last fire and pack up. Tomorrow we head toward New Orleans.

We had a full moon tonight. It was beautiful through the trees and with the clouds.