While two decades of distance seems long, in terms of Natchez’s history, it’s just a blink in time.

Twenty years ago seems like a long time. In 1988, gasoline prices were hovering just above $1 a gallon. A gallon of milk was less than $2.50 and a first-class stamp costs only 22 cents.

And 20 years ago, in Natchez a National Park was just about to hatch.

Back then it was a novel concept to some residents. How could a National Park be made about one house?

But this year, as the Natchez National Historical Park celebrates its 20th anniversary, the true vision of the park becomes clearer.

The park isn’t merely about its centerpiece, the antebellum mansion Melrose.

NNHP is about much more.

The park protects and preserves history of our hometown, the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River.

From its initial acquisition of Melrose, NNHP has grown to include the William Johnson House and plans are in the works to develop the site of Fort Rosalie, along the bluff, too.

Longer range, the NPS is studying whether it can acquire the Forks of the Road slavery market site, something we’ve long thought is an excellent way to eventually give the site the level of prominence it deserves.

Complaining about paying taxes is almost a national pastime, but visiting our National Park, one can quickly see that some of our taxes are being spent wisely here at home.

We’re lucky to have the NPS in our community, and as they celebrate the anniversary of their arrival, we wish them 20 more successful years as partners in protecting our history.