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Chickasaw Village Site: A Glimpse into the Past

Explore the Chickasaw Village Site on the Natchez Trace Parkway and discover the rich history and culture of the Chickasaw Nation.

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The Chickasaw Village Site in Tupelo, MS, preserves the history of the Chickasaw people who once called this land home. Visitors can explore the grounds of a former village and fort, gaining insights into Chickasaw life and culture through interpretive signs and trails.

A brief summary to Chickasaw Village Site

  • Unnamed Road #38801, Tupelo, Mississippi, 38801, US
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Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails.
  • Bring a camera to capture the wildflowers and natural scenery.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the trails are mostly exposed.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Chickasaw Village Site is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 261.8. From Tupelo, take the Natchez Trace Parkway and follow the signs to the Chickasaw Village Site. The site is a short drive from the Parkway Visitor Center. Parking is available at the site. There are no fees for parking.

  • Walking

    The Chickasaw Village Site is accessible via the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. From the Parkway Visitor Center (milepost 266), hike south along the trail for approximately 2 miles to reach the Chickasaw Village Site. Note that part of the trail requires walking on the parkway for road and creek crossings. There are no fees for accessing the trail.

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Discover more about Chickasaw Village Site

The Chickasaw Village Site, located on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Tupelo, Mississippi, offers a window into the world of the Chickasaw Nation, who inhabited this area through the 1700s. This site is believed to have been the location of a Chickasaw fort and village. Although the buildings are no longer standing, the National Park Service has created interpretive signs and artist renderings to help visitors visualize the village as it once was. Visitors can walk the grounds and see the marked foundations of homes, imagining daily life in the village. The Chickasaw people lived in rectangular, well-ventilated houses during the summer and round houses with plaster walls in the winter. In times of danger, they sought shelter in fortified stockades. The Chickasaw Nation had a population of around 2,000 and occupied a small prairie near Tupelo. They were closely related to other tribes in the Mississippi Valley. The Chickasaw were known for their military prowess and resisted French expansion in the 18th century. They allied with the British and remained independent, posing a challenge to French control of the Mississippi River. Today, the Chickasaw Village Site offers a peaceful setting to learn about Chickasaw culture and history. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including wildflowers and bird watching. The Blackland Prairie section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail runs through the site, offering hiking opportunities. A short nature trail identifies plants and their uses by American Indians.

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