Date Visited: 4/5/2019
This week we leave Mississippi and head into the state of Alabama. Our first stop Buzzard Roost Spring.
During the peak of travel along the Natchez trace all businesses within the boundaries of the Chickasaw nation were run either directly by the Chickasaw, or in partnership with the Europeans. One such business was the Stand at Buzzard Roost Spring. The stand was owned by Chickasaw Chief, Levi Colbert.
Levi Colbert was of mixed race ancestry. His father was Scottish and mother was Chickasaw. Being bi-lingual and having knowledge of both Chickasaw and white culture/society he was an excellent negotiator, protecting the interest of his Chickasaw homeland as well as his own interest.
The importance of his accomplishments were such that in 2012 Levi Colbert was inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame.
The house at Buzzard Roost was also Colbert’s residence. This nearby spring provided water for the residents. Travelers who stopped at the stand spoke of it favorably.
We took the short loop trail down to the river to view the spring source. A word of caution, the trail is steep and the stone stairs are slippery when wet. If the steep trail is not for you, the river can be seen from above.
This was a really quick stop taking about 15 minutes, but as always the nature scenery combined with the insight into the politics of the era were well worth the stop.
At our next stop we learn about Levi’s brother George and his shrewd business practices.
Until then…
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