United States agents to the Chickasaws lived from 1802 to 1825 west of here on the Old Natchez Trace. That Americans could peacefully travel the road through Indian lands was due in large measure to the agents. Their efforts to preserve harmony included such thankless tasks as collecting debts, recovering stolen horses, removing trespassers and capturing fugitives. Winters were lonely but spring and summer brought thousands of Kaintucks on the long journey from Natchez to their Ohio Valley homes. Many expected the agency to supply medicine or food or just a good night's rest.
