Background

Old Trace and Confederate Gravesites

Reflect on Civil War history and walk a preserved section of the Natchez Trace, where thirteen unknown Confederate soldiers rest in a quiet, wooded setting.

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A poignant stop along the Natchez Trace Parkway, this site preserves a section of the original Natchez Trace and the graves of 13 unknown Confederate soldiers. It serves as a reminder of the Civil War's impact on the region and the countless lives lost.

A brief summary to Old Trace and Confederate Gravesites

Local tips

  • Take a moment to read the inscriptions on the headstones and reflect on the lives of the unknown soldiers.
  • Bring a small token of respect, such as a flag or flower, to place on one of the graves.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the short walk along the paved path.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Old Trace and Confederate Gravesites are located directly on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 269.4, north of Tupelo, MS. From the Parkway Visitor Center near Tupelo, travel north for approximately 3.3 miles. The site is well-marked and easily accessible from the road. There is no admission fee or parking costs.

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Discover more about Old Trace and Confederate Gravesites

The Old Trace and Confederate Gravesites, located at milepost 269.4 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, offers a glimpse into both the early history of the United States and the somber legacy of the Civil War. Here, visitors can walk a preserved segment of the Natchez Trace, the historic path that once connected Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. This particular section of the Trace evokes a sense of the countless travelers, traders, and soldiers who traversed this route centuries ago. A short walk along a paved path leads to the final resting place of thirteen Confederate soldiers. The identities of these men remain a mystery, their names lost to time. Tradition suggests they were soldiers who marched and camped along the Old Trace, but the circumstances of their deaths are unknown. The original headstones disappeared long ago, adding to the enigma. In 1940, the state of Mississippi erected marble headstones, but these were later stolen. Today, the graves are marked with headstones placed by the National Park Service. The site serves as a moving reminder of the sacrifices made during the Civil War and the many soldiers who died far from home. Visitors often leave flags, flowers, and coins on the graves as tokens of respect. The peaceful setting, shaded by trees, invites contemplation and reflection on the past.

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