This year’s tricentennial of Natchez is a special moment for our state. The occasion marks the establishment of Fort Rosalie by French settlers in 1716, making Natchez the oldest European-built city on the lower Mississippi River. The city would later serve as the original capital of the Mississippi Territory and the original capital of the state of Mississippi.

The story of Natchez, however, extends much earlier than colonial rule. Natchez Indians inhabited the land long before the arrival of European explorers. By the beginning of the 19th century, African, French, English, and Spanish influences had reached the area.

This rich cultural heritage and strategic importance to trade are highlighted in a resolution I authored with Sen. Thad Cochran to designate 2016 as the “Natchez Tricentennial.” The resolution was unanimously passed by the Senate on June 29.

The ‘Natchez History Minute’

The city of Natchez is hosting a number of commemorative events this year, culminating in a 300th birthday party on August 3, the date when construction was completed at Fort Rosalie. The Natchez National Historical Park is also presenting a daily “Natchez History Minute” to showcase the notable people and events connected to Natchez throughout its extensive history.

Mississippians across the state can take part in the festivities. Every “Natchez History Minute” can be viewed online on the Facebook page and YouTube channel of the Natchez National Historical Park (http://bit.ly/295p2qH). I was honored to participate in a recording about Robert Huntington Adams, who was elected to the Mississippi House and later represented our state in the U.S. Senate. The segment was published on July 2 – the anniversary of Adams’s death.

A Year of Many Milestones

Natchez is just one of Mississippi’s many historic places. In 1699, present-day Ocean Springs became home to Fort Maurepas, or Old Biloxi – France’s first permanent settlement in French Louisiana. During the Civil War, the cities of Vicksburg, Jackson, Raymond, Port Gibson, Iuka, Meridian, Okolona, Tupelo, and Corinth were the sites of significant campaigns. The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway, stretching from Natchez into Tennessee, is one of the oldest trails in North America and served as a critical military highway during the War of 1812.

This year is a perfect time to explore the landmarks of the Natchez Trace, the battlefields of the Civil War, and wildlife reserves in our state. The National Park Service, which was created by Congress and signed into law on August 25, 1916, is celebrating its centennial.

This year is also the 50th anniversary of the “National Historic Preservation Act” (NHPA), which has helped preserve numerous noteworthy places across the nation. The NHPA created the National Register of Historic Places and the list of National Historic Landmarks, which are overseen by the National Park Service. In our state alone, there are more than 1,400 sites on the National Register and dozens of National Historic Landmarks. I am currently working in the Senate to have the home of Medgar Evers in Jackson added to this distinguished list.

I hope all Mississippians will take time to discover the vibrant culture and unique history that have helped make our state what it is today. There is much to learn from our heritage.