TUPELO, MS – The Natchez Trace Parkway welcomed over 200 visitors on Saturday, May 27, 2017, to the Battle of Ackia Commemoration and Pioneer Days events. Joseph Smith, representative of the Chickasaw Nation, presented a special Junior Ranger program entitled “Chickasaw Culture and Life.” The program focused on how the Chickasaw people lived during the 1730s at the time of the Battle of Ackia—May 26, 1736. The Chickasaw victory over the French at the Battle of Ackia, near modern-day Tupelo, prevented further expansion of the French and eventually led to their defeat during the French and Indian War.
The Tombigbee Pioneer Group demonstrated pioneer era crafts and skills at the Parkway Visitor Center. The demonstrations showed the challenges faced and creative solutions developed by those Americans who lived in the area from the 1700s to around 1860s. Civil War re-enactors were also on hand to display what life was like for soldiers fighting in the area during the Battle of Brices Cross Roads and Battle of Tupelo in the summer of 1864.
Come join us for other free ranger programs scheduled throughout the summer. You can view our latest schedule of events at at nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/calendar.htm or call the Parkway Visitor Center at 1-800-305-7417.
