TUPELO, MS: “The next time you drive by the Chickasaw Village Site on the Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway), take a second look to figure out what you don’t see,” challenged Parkway Landscape Architect Greg Smith. “Tombigbee Electric Power Association removed the unused aerial power lines and associated poles from the Site. The power line used to bisect the site and detract from the view of this historic place.”
The Parkway is working to restore the Blackbelt Prairie. Currently, the Blackbelt Prairie comprises only 1/10th of 1 percent of its original acreage. The removal of the distribution line constituted a significant contribution towards the prairie restoration by removing a modern intrusion from the cultural landscape.
“We express our appreciation to Tombigbee Electric Power Association for their efforts to help us preserve our resources,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “Without the power lines, it will be easier for Parkway visitors to travel back in time to envision the prairie as it might have appeared when this was an important Chickasaw village.”
