Buzzard Roost Spring

"On the parkway in Alabama, about 7 miles before we reach the Tennessee River there is an exhibit called BUZZARD ROOST SPRING.  Buzzard Roost was one of the most famous stands along the Natchez Trace, at the site of a large spring originally called BUZZARD SLEEP. In 1801 Levi Colbert built his stand near this spring. At that time this was Chickasaw land and the stands were owned by Indians.

"Levi wasn't a full-blooded Indian, his father was a Scotsman, James Logan Colbert, who spent most of his life among the Chickasaw and may have been an important military strategist for the Chickasaw in their battle against the French at Ackia.  The father's military prowess wasn't lost on Levi. One fall while most of the young men of the tribe were away on hunt, the Creek Indians attacked the Chickasaw village that was Levi Colbert's home. Levi organized the remaining men, young and old, and lead them to victory over the Creeks. For his bravery, Levi received honor at Council, seated upon a wooden bench rather than upon the ground. He received the name, Itawamba Mingo, meaning Bench Chief. As one of the mixed bloods Levi became acting chief of the entire Chickasaw Nation. Highly respected and trusted, he was known as Levi, "The Incorruptible."

"Join us next time when we will visit COLBERT FERRY. I'm Frank Thomas, your guide along the Natchez Trace a road through the wilderness."

For more about Natchez Trace: A Road Through the Wilderness, visit eddieandfrank.com