Named for the Natchez tribe of Native Americans, who inhabited the area up through the French Colonial period, Natchez, Mississippi is the only city in Adams County, and the seat of government for the county. Situated along the Mississippi River across from Vidalia, Louisiana, Natchez is ninety miles southwest of the state capital of Jackson, Mississippi, and eighty-five miles north of Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, which is also on the Mississippi River. Founded by the French in 1716, Natchez is one of the oldest European settlements in the lower Mississippi River Valley. After passing from French to Spanish, and then English hands, it was acquired by the United States after the American Revolution, and served as the capital of the Mississippi Territory, and then the State of Mississippi. Although Natchez predated Jackson by more than a century, Jackson became the state capital in 1822, largely due to its more central location within the state. Natchez was the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace, which led from there to Nashville, Tennessee. By the mid-1800s, Natchez had become the primary port for the transport of cotton and sugar cane, both dependent upon slave labor. The city was largely undamaged by the American Civil War, as the city surrendered to Admiral David Farragut after the fall of New Orleans in May of 1862, but not before an elderly man and an eight year-old girl were killed when a Union ironclad shelled the town. There were no military deaths involved in the surrender of Natchez. Although occupied by the Union, the sympathies of whites in Natchez were with the South. Natchez became a center for Ku Klux Klan activity in the early 1960s, and the largest Klan organization in 1965 was headquartered there. The Civil Rights movement was also active in the city, most notably the Deacons for Defense, a black paramilitary group. Today, while Natchez remains a popular destination for heritage tourism, its population has declined since 1960.
Categories
Faith & SpiritualityHealth & Public SafetyPlaces to Eat | Places to StayServices & IndustriesThings to Do & Places to Go |
Recommended Resources
Accredited by the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ACCS is a non-denominational PK-12th grade Christian school in Natchez, Mississippi. Its academic and athletics programs, admissions policies, and schedules are presented.
http://adamschristian.org/
The official municipal web site publishes city agendas and minutes, bid postings, various reports and forms, and job openings, as well as a guide to local parks and recreational opportunities, citizen services, administrative and departmental contacts, and a history of the community.
http://www.natchez.ms.us/
Natchez - Adams County Chamber of Commerce
Formed in 1908, the non-profit business membership organization is made up of business owners and individuals from Natchez, Mississippi and the surrounding county area. A membership directory, services, benefits, and a member directory are presented, along with a guide to those planning to visit, plan an events in the area, or relocate to Natchez.
http://www.natchezchamber.com/
Natchez of the Mighty Mississippi
The visitor’s guide to the city of Natchez, Mississippi presents a history and profile of the community and a directory of local restaurants, hotels, motels and other guest accommodations, recreational opportunities, attractions, and events, as well as area advertising, trivia, and quotes from Natchez residents.
http://www.visitnatchez.com/
Headquartered in Natchez, Mississippi, the public school system offers a PK-12th grade curriculum through Gilmer McLaurin Elementary, Joseph L. Frazier Elementary, Susie B. West Elementary, Morgantown Middle School, Natchez Freshman Academy, Natchez High School, Robert Lewis Magnet School, and Fallin Career and Tech Center, each of which are highlighted here.
http://www.natchez.k12.ms.us/
Published in Natchez, Mississippi since 1865, the daily newspaper offers local, regional, statewide and national news, sports, and business stories, opinion columns, obituaries, classified information, and other features, some of which require a subscription for access. Its history, advertising policies, and online subscriptions are featured.
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/
Established for the purpose of encouraging tourism and business travel to the Natchez, Mississippi community, the site offers a history of Natchez, directions to its visitor center, and an online guide to local events, attractions, recreational opportunities, restaurants, and guest accommodations.
http://visitnatchez.org/
