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Forks of the Road: A Crossroads of History

Reflect on the history of the domestic slave trade at the Forks of the Road, a significant and poignant landmark in Natchez, Mississippi.

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Forks of the Road in Natchez, MS, marks the site of the second-largest slave market in the Deep South. Today, it stands as a memorial and educational landmark, prompting reflection on a dark chapter of American history.

A brief summary to Forks of the Road

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the outdoor exhibits and surroundings.
  • Take your time to read the historical markers and reflect on the significance of the site.
  • Combine your visit with other historical sites in Natchez to deepen your understanding of the region's past.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Natchez, head east on Main Street. Continue until you reach the intersection with Liberty Road. Turn left onto Liberty Road and walk approximately 0.5 miles. Forks of the Road will be on your right at 105 Liberty Rd.

  • Public Transport

    Check for the Natchez Transit bus route that services the Liberty Road area. Exit the bus at the closest stop to Liberty Road. From there, walk towards Liberty Road and continue until you reach the intersection with Liberty Road. Turn left and walk for approximately 0.3 miles. Forks of the Road will be on your right at 105 Liberty Rd. Bus fares typically cost around $1 - $3.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Natchez, a taxi or ride-share to Forks of the Road will be a short trip. Expect to pay around $10-$20, depending on the service and demand.

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Discover more about Forks of the Road

Forks of the Road, located in Natchez, Mississippi, is a site of profound historical significance. From 1833 to 1863, this unassuming intersection served as the second-largest slave market in the Deep South. Tens of thousands of enslaved men, women, and children were trafficked through this site, torn from their homes and families in Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, and the Carolinas. The market's prominence grew after an 1833 city ordinance, driven by fears of cholera, banned interstate slave traders from housing enslaved people within Natchez city limits, making the location just outside the boundary an ideal location for the trade. Today, the Forks of the Road is a memorial and educational site managed by the National Park Service as part of the Natchez National Historical Park. Visitors can explore exhibits and wayside panels that provide information about the domestic slave trade and Natchez's role as a center of slavery. The site includes a concrete depiction of slave manacles and chains, serving as a stark reminder of the brutality of the past. The Forks of the Road encourages visitors to reflect on the history of slavery and its lasting impact on American society. The site is located at the intersection of Liberty Road and Devereux Drive, about a mile east of downtown Natchez.

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