Natchez Trace Visitors Center gets a facelift, aims to get people into town

Features

Related Photos

Nancy Green

March 9, 2010

By Nancy Green The Star Herald Tue Mar 09, 2010, 10:57 AM CST

Following a recent renovation, a new look greets travelers as well as hosts and hostesses at the visitors center and museum located adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The renovation and re-arranging of the center comes 25 years after the facility opened following dedication ceremonies Nov. 1,1984. Construction of the center was funded entirely by private donations that were collected through the Kosciuszko Heritage Foundation.

Upon entry, visitors see a large aerial photograph of the courthouse square and surrounding streets. Pictures on this wall showcase Kosciusko depicting major attractions.

Another section features the area’s famous people. Pictures and memorabilia of Oprah Winfrey; Folk Artist L.V. Hull; Houston Astros Baseball Pitcher Roy Oswalt of Weir; Blues singer Charlie Musselwhite; James Meredith, first African-American to enter the University of Mississippi, are on display.

Another area is devoted to industry of the area.

The wax figure of Gen. Thadeusz Kosciuszko, the town’s namesake which was the former focal point in the entry, has been moved to a room in which The Town and The Man are the focus.

“By moving the General from the front entry we are able to put more emphasis on the town. We want visitors to see what the town offers thereby encouraging them to visit,” said Greg Cooper, vice president of the Kosciusko-Attala Development Corp. (KADC).

In the room focusing on The Man is a scaled model of West Point Military Academy which Gen. Kosciuszko designed. A DVD/power point will be provided showing The Town, The Man and the Natchez Trace Parkway. Wildlife trophies displayed in a corner are representative of what visitors might see while traveling the Natchez Trace.

Maps and pamphlets detailing points of interest have been moved to display racks where visitors may choose. Two small revolving pamphlet displays are placed on the registration counter. “These small display are very nice and I really like that,” said Jean Atwood, a volunteer on duty. She was also very complimentary of the new counter with its granite top and the storage area which is more attractive.

Restrooms have been renovated and made more attractive with granite counter tops and tile.

Mrs. Crowson and Mrs. Atwood were in agreement that the improvements at the center have added to its attractiveness and providing information portraying the town, its attractions and its namesake.

Cooper said cost of the renovation was approximately $25,000 with funds coming from the Kosciuszko Heritage Foundation and the Kosciusko Tourist Promotion Council.

Kosciusko architect Art Cook drew plans for the project and local contractors were used in the renovations. Butch Bell installed laminate flooring; John Reynolds, granite counter tops; Bo Bo Ellington, tile; Bobby Crowe, painting; A.T. Dismuke, lighting.

Kosciusko-Attala Vocational-Technical Center students built an entry gate. The Building Trades class under the direction of John Reuben Cox, and the Metal Trades class taught by Gary Brown, did the iron work.

The center is staffed year-round with volunteers. Persons wishing to become a volunteer on a regular basis or as an occasional fill-in may call the KADC office, 289-2981 or the RSVP office, 289-6964.

Text Only

Features

Bygone Days: French Camp’s Pioneer Day takes a step back into the past
French Camp’s historic district took on a look of bygone days with activities of Saturday’s Pioneer Day.

May 17, 2012 4 Photos
Flashbacks
May 17, 1962
Kosy golf team members Roscoe Herod, Cem Morgan, Bobby Hardison, Bill McCandless, Jimmy Teasley, Harry Reynolds, Earl Bryant, Jimmy Hardin, and Jimmy Bailey accepted a trophy as team winner in the Choctaw Conference Golf tournament Saturday from team coach Jim Coleman. The foursome competing in the play were Bailey, Hardison, Bryant, and Herod.

May 16, 2012
Ethel’s 30th May Day: Pageant, crafts, food, music draw people to annual event
Blue skies, sunshine, and summertime temperatures were the ingredients providing the perfect setting for activities of Ethel’s 30th annual May Day on Saturday.

May 10, 2012 4 Photos
43rd Annual Natchez Trace Festival in photos
The Kosciusko Downtown Square was filled with activity Friday night and Saturday for the 43rd Annual Natchez Trace Festival.

May 2, 2012 5 Photos
Flashbacks
May 3, 1962
Graduation activities are well underway in schools of the area as all county schools wind up the school year within the next two weeks. At Ethel High School, valedictorian of the class is Margaret Hunt, and Linda Breazeale, salutatorian. At McAdams High School, valedictorian is William Ellington, and salutatorian is Linda Allen. At McCool Grammar School, Cynthia Rainey is valedictorian, and Delores Braswell, salutatorian. Barnes High School, with a tie, has two valedictorians. They are Karleen Bailey and Melba Moore. Linda Bell is salutatorian. At Sallis High School, valedictorian is Jean Carol Aldy and salutatorian is Timmy Gray.

May 2, 2012
War buddies: Former Marines reunite after 43 years
Although 43 years have passed since they saw each other, two Marine buddies who served together in the Vietnam War found no problem with conversation when they had a reunion this week.

April 26, 2012 1 Photo
Flashbacks
The Spot Cash Tire Co., a new retail business for Kosciusko formally opens this weekend with more than the usual fanfare and promotions that feature prizes with drawings Saturday for both adult and child registrants. Managed by Jesse Hedgepeth assisted by Joe May, the new store will feature Goodyear Tires, Delco batteries, and a line of appliances and related items.

April 25, 2012
‘A pie can change your life'
“A pie can change your life.” Lee Ann Flemming can emphatically say a chocolate chess pie has brought about a new dimension to her life following release of the movie, “The Help."

April 20, 2012 2 Photos
Tell me the Story of Jesus
"His last days, in its 27th year, is performed in at Kosciusko First United Methodist Church Thursday, Friday and Saturday prior to Easter Sunday.

April 13, 2012 3 Photos
Flashbacks
April 8, 1962
Financing of the Industrial Development Corporation for the year ahead was assured Friday when the members of Attala county’s Board of Supervisors decided to again budget $5,000 for the county’s share of IDC expenses.

April 12, 2012
More Features Headlines

Features

Search Results

Related Photos

Natchez Trace Visitors Center gets a facelift, aims to get people into town

Site Map