I've been looking for this stage coach route that went through Louisiana. The route came from Natchez, Ms and went across Louisiana to Jena, then westward to Natchitoches. Natchitoches is one of the oldest permanent settlements in Louisiana. The stage route split in Natchitoches. One direction, went south to Leesville, the other went to Many and crossed the Sabine river and eventually ended in Mexico City. The section that went to Mexico is called El Camino Real. BUT, it is a well paved hwy now.
I've been focusing on the section that split south to Leesville.
Legend has it that Andrew Jackson and his troops marched through here on the stage coach route. But, there are conflicting stories. One indicates he was chasing Aaron Burr as he tried to form his own empire within the neutral "no mans land" between Natchitoches, La and Nacogdoches, Tx. The other legend, as indicated in the Memoirs of Aaron Burr, stated "Jackson promised to aid Burr in his invasion of Mexico with a whole division of troops."
Other stories tell of caves that bandits and outlaws would use to hide out. There are stories of buried loot, mostly from the Murrel Gang. Gold, silver, bank notes, safes, canons, guns, etc. Of course, none of it has been found. Murrel's Cave was in an area where some of this loot was buried. What's crazy. The hill "sank" about 80ft from the word of mouth of locals. Apparantly the springs pushed all of the sand out from under the hill. Accounts say that dishes shook and fell off counters and out of cabinets.
There were also quite a few moonshine stills in the area.
I've been trying to learn as much about this area as possible. I heard stories of the old stage route, and a sign marking a stop along the way.
A section of the Stage coach route. Now, merely a fire break, but hey, atleast they bulldoze it occasionally, keeping the route visible.
Of course, I figured this would happen. I'll be back in the area with my axe and chain to get farther down the route. Unfortunately, the forestry service maps show that the trail dead ends about another 2 miles from this block. BUT, it continues on an ATV trail. I should be able to squeeze down the ATV trail, but we'll see how it goes.
I'll share more once I get to explore some more.
(these were taken tonight-after dark). I didnt have any homework, and my wife has a night class. Its an easy way to take care of my daughter, too.
I've been focusing on the section that split south to Leesville.
Legend has it that Andrew Jackson and his troops marched through here on the stage coach route. But, there are conflicting stories. One indicates he was chasing Aaron Burr as he tried to form his own empire within the neutral "no mans land" between Natchitoches, La and Nacogdoches, Tx. The other legend, as indicated in the Memoirs of Aaron Burr, stated "Jackson promised to aid Burr in his invasion of Mexico with a whole division of troops."
Other stories tell of caves that bandits and outlaws would use to hide out. There are stories of buried loot, mostly from the Murrel Gang. Gold, silver, bank notes, safes, canons, guns, etc. Of course, none of it has been found. Murrel's Cave was in an area where some of this loot was buried. What's crazy. The hill "sank" about 80ft from the word of mouth of locals. Apparantly the springs pushed all of the sand out from under the hill. Accounts say that dishes shook and fell off counters and out of cabinets.
There were also quite a few moonshine stills in the area.
I've been trying to learn as much about this area as possible. I heard stories of the old stage route, and a sign marking a stop along the way.
A section of the Stage coach route. Now, merely a fire break, but hey, atleast they bulldoze it occasionally, keeping the route visible.
Of course, I figured this would happen. I'll be back in the area with my axe and chain to get farther down the route. Unfortunately, the forestry service maps show that the trail dead ends about another 2 miles from this block. BUT, it continues on an ATV trail. I should be able to squeeze down the ATV trail, but we'll see how it goes.
I'll share more once I get to explore some more.
(these were taken tonight-after dark). I didnt have any homework, and my wife has a night class. Its an easy way to take care of my daughter, too.
