The 75th Anniversary of the Natchez Trace Parkway was celebrated exactly 75 years from the day the Natchez Trace Parkway became an independent unit of the National Park System. Longtime supporters, legislators, NPS and Federal Highway Administration officials recognized the efforts that made the parkway a reality. As Senator Roger Wicker reminded the crowd, it may seem now that completion of the parkway was inevitable, but for many years, people doubted that it would ever be finished. Malcolm Gardner, Jr., whose father was the first Natchez Trace Parkway superintendent, and Stephen Harriman, who father was its first chief ranger, attended the ceremony. Harry Martin and Jean Ratliff, who were critical parts of the “Finish the Trace” work that completed the motor road were present. The public enjoyed a vintage car show, Choctaw culture, living history, as well as musical entertainment.
