RIDGELAND, MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) and the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi hosted a trail dedication on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Old Trace and Brashears Stand Site of the Parkway. About 30 community representatives joined staff from the Parkway to dedicate the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail. Joseph Wolf, Community Liaison for Historic Preservation of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Gene McGee, Mayor of the city of Ridgeland, and Mary Risser, Superintendent of the Natchez Trace Parkway unveiled the new trail sign.
Participants heard Mr. Wolf speak about the Choctaw connection to the area. Chisha Foka, which roughly translates to “among the post oaks,” was the Choctaw settlement that once stood where the City of Jackson is today. During a program at the Mississippi Craft Center, Mr. Wolf shared additional Choctaw history and culture with participants, including Choctaw removal from their homelands in the 1830s through the growing, vibrant nations they are today.
“As people walk, run, or bicycle on the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail, they will see the new signs. We hope these signs will remind trail users of the rich Choctaw heritage along the Parkway,” said Superintendent Mary Risser.
Four new signs are located along the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail at:
- Choctaw Agency (milepost 100.7)
- Parkway Information Cabin (milepost 102.4)
- Old Trace and Brashears Stand Site (milepost 104.5)
- Reservoir Overlook (milepost 105.6)
The Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is located within the boundaries of and runs parallel to the Parkway and is adjacent to the City of Ridgeland. The trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset. All trail users are reminded to be aware of their surroundings, stay hydrated during excessive heat, and carry a cell phone to call 911 for emergencies. For additional information about the Natchez Trace Parkway, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/natr.
