Near Hohenwald in Lewis County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Lewis' Last Journey
Footsteps Through History
While Lewis was governor, the newly elected Madison administration adopted a stricter financial approval process. When Lewis' payment voucher were denied, it put his personal credit and reputation at risk. Lewis headed to Washington, D.C. to address these matters in person.
Lewis Link
Lewis planned to get to Washington, D.C. by traveling down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, then north along the Atlantic coast. But hostile British ships were patrolling the ocean, and he feared his journals might fall into their hands. Also battling poor health, he changed his mind. Instead, he traveled over land on the Old Natchez Trace.
The renowned explorer, who helped forge a new path to the Pacific Ocean, finished his last journey here. At age 35, Lewis died at Grinder's Stand and was buried nearby. Follow this trail to the Old Natchez Trace, and walk in the final footsteps of an American hero.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration.
Location. 35° 30.479′ N, 87° 27.652′ W. Marker is near Hohenwald, Tennessee, in Lewis County. Marker can be reached from Campground Road near Summertown Highway (Route 20). The marker is located on a footpath in Meriwether Lewis Monument and Gravesite. The Monument and Gravesite may be found at MP 385.9 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hohenwald TN 38462, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Natchez Trace – Early American Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Meriwether Lewis: Life Compass (about 600 feet away); Grinder House (about 600 feet away); Natchez Trace (approx. 0.2 miles away); Meriwether Lewis (approx. ¼ mile away); Metal Ford (approx. 3.2 miles away); Steele's Iron Works (approx. 3.2 miles away); Phosphate Mine (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hohenwald.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 110 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 22, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.