TUPELO, MS – The Natchez Trace Parkway welcomed over 200 visitors on Saturday, May 26, 2018, 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 – known as Hikki’ya’ by the Chickasaw – on May 26, 1736.
Brian Mast, from the Black Belt Museum at the University of West Alabama, presented a special Junior Ranger program entitled “We Want YOU for the French Marines!” Junior Rangers experienced what life was like for a French Marine in 1736 by learning about their marching and drilling techniques and camp life. Mast and Smith also presented a talk about the Battle of Ackia from both the French and Chickasaw perspectives and the long-range impacts this battle had on European colonization of the area.
“The Natchez Trace Parkway is grateful for the assistance of our park partners in interpreting the complex story of the Battle of Ackia from the different perspectives,” said Park Ranger Andy Danneker.
Come join us for other free ranger programs scheduled throughout the summer. You can view our latest schedule of events by visiting www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/calendar.htm, or calling the Parkway Visitor Center at 1-800-305-7417.
