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NATCHEZ HISTORIC TRAILS Natchez, Mississippi The purpose of the Natchez Historic Trails Project was to create a Museum of the Streets within the historic district. The scope included development of walking trails to provide visitors with contextual information of Natchezs history in the downtown area and the natural resources uniquely juxtaposed along the Mississippi River bluff. The Museum of the Streets was accomplished through the use of historic photographs, drawings, maps and narrative material emphasizing the history of a given site by highlighting what still exists today, what had been lost in the past with accompanying photographs and where appropriate the significance of what had taken place at that location or structure.

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Role of Landscape Architect The landscape architect was the prime consultant for the project. Other Consultants: Jordan Kaiser & Sessions, LLC Civil Engineering & Surveying Communication Arts Company Graphic Design

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Special Factors The project is unique because it ties the historic elements of the community, the natural resources of the river bluff and the commercial and residential aspects of a vibrant downtown into an understandable project for visitors and local users alike. The project had to be coordinated and approved by the Natchez Historic Preservation Commission, The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, The Mississippi Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. The project is a very important enhancement of a significant view shed on the Mississippi River. The project melds the historic elements of the city together with a highly identifiable trail head in front of the historic depot. From this point visitors are directed throughout four separate trails enhanced by historic and natural resource markers.

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The Historic Natchez Trails is anchored by the plaza in front of the historic depot. The pavilion is the location for the contextual exhibits and is the location where trail brochures may be acquired. The bluff has as its backdrop the view shed of the Mississippi River.

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The Depot Pavilion was designed to shadow another trackside structure in downtown Natchez. In addition the tile roof matches the historic depot. Light fixtures are the approved Natchez post top fixture and are used throughout the project.

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Immediately below are shown the before and after photographs of the depot plaza area. The plaza serves multiple functions including gathering points for functions and events and seating for the Cock of the Walk restaurant.

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Example of Trail Map available at the plaza pavilion and individual trail markers set in the sidewalk directing users on various trail routes. Note how rails were reintroduced to the plaza at the passenger siding at the depot.

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Fence at the top of the bluff wall is designed to hide the top of the gunite retaining wall holding the bluff in place. Notice the chain link fence it replaced. Bollard lighting was utilized to keep light pollution off of the bluff edge. Note trail below wall.

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Trail on Front Street shows the route over abandoned railroad tracks. Also note historic exhibit, lighting and crape myrtles. All crape myrtles throughout the project are of the Natchez variety.

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Exhibitry is demonstrated in the picture to the right where the panel below is seen in place in front of the house called Edelweiss. The direction of the trail following this stop is indicated by the trail marker in the sidewalk. Note trail location map in lower corner of exhibit.

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Silver Street steps access the trail seventeen feet below at the earthen bench located at the base of the bluff wall. This is the location of the majority of the natural resource exhibits. The vegetation on the bluff is a major bird watching area as it serves as a stop over along the river corridor.

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Madison Street access to trail below the bluff. These steps traverse a rise of forty-four feet. Note natural resource exhibit at the base of the steps.

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The trail system in the downtown area was transformed into accessible routes which had not previously existed.

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Natchez Historic Trails depot plaza with pavilion and seating area with the City of Natchez backdrop.