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.
Slide 2
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
Slide 3
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.
Slide 4
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.
Slide 5
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.
Slide 6
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.
Slide 7
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.
Slide 8
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.
Slide 9
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.
Slide 10
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.
Slide 11
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.
Slide 12
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.
Slide 13
The trail system in the downtown area was transformed into
accessible routes which had not previously existed.
Slide 14
Natchez Historic Trails depot plaza with pavilion and seating
area with the City of Natchez backdrop.