The Natchez Trace Parkway is among America’s first super highways, making Emerald Mound one of the very first roadside attractions in our country.

The second largest Native American ceremonial mound in the country, Emerald Mound is an amazing sight to see.

Sadly, too many people choose not to drive down the narrow, winding road to get to the site, which is a National Historic Landmark.

Plans to improve access to the site have been in the works for nearly 10 years.

The concept is to relocate the existing county road that passes by the site and screen it from the view of mound visitors by planting vegetation.

A new road providing direct access to and from the Natchez Trace and Emerald Mound would be built.

The plans would both beautify the mound site but also make the site more easily reached by the thousands of Natchez Trace travelers each year.

Local attorney and former state legislator Walter Brown has been among those seeking to lead the effort since 2008.

Brown recently said he is stepping down from the lead role in the project, but that the project is in good hands with the Adams County Board of Supervisors and their attorney, Scott Slover.

We agree and urge the county to reach out to any and all others who can help lobby for funds to improve access to the site.

Improving access to Emerald Mound needs to be a priority for national, state and local leaders, as it would help provide safer access to a national treasure.