Last updated: April 5, 2024
Place
Phosphate Mine, Milepost 390.7
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
Natchez Trace Parkway, milepost 404.7
Significance:
Old Phosphate Mine
Amenities
4 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Trailhead
Phosphate in these limestone layers came from shellfish deposited here some 400 million years ago. Recently, geologically speaking, these limestone ledges became exposed.
Through the years, unknown and uncounted men have passed this ledge, ignorant of the wealth it held. Certainly, some of them needed the phosphate to revitalize their worn-out farms.
About 1880, man learned the importance of phosphate as a fertilizer, discovered it here and began to mine it.
From here north for approximately 40 miles the parkway passes through or near a geologic region of limestone rich in phosphate deposits.
Abandoned mine shafts in limestone ledges on both sides of the Parkway in this immediate area are silent reminders of the past mining activity.
A 5-minute walk starting at the right of the wooden sign leads to an abandoned railroad bed and a collapsed mineshaft in a limestone outcrop.
Through the years, unknown and uncounted men have passed this ledge, ignorant of the wealth it held. Certainly, some of them needed the phosphate to revitalize their worn-out farms.
About 1880, man learned the importance of phosphate as a fertilizer, discovered it here and began to mine it.
From here north for approximately 40 miles the parkway passes through or near a geologic region of limestone rich in phosphate deposits.
Abandoned mine shafts in limestone ledges on both sides of the Parkway in this immediate area are silent reminders of the past mining activity.
A 5-minute walk starting at the right of the wooden sign leads to an abandoned railroad bed and a collapsed mineshaft in a limestone outcrop.