Buzzard Roost, Alabama and Chief Levi Colbert
Nestled along the historic Natchez Trace in the state of Alabama lies a place steeped in history and folklore: Buzzard Roost. During the 19th century, this site stood on lands traditionally belonging to the Chickasaw Nation. It was here that a man named Levi Colbert, a figure of significant importance to both the Chickasaw people and the burgeoning American nation, established a "stand," a type of inn, initially known as Buzzard Sleep. In 1801, Colbert christened it Buzzard Roost, transforming it into a vital stop for the countless travelers journeying along the Natchez Trace. The presence of a natural spring made it an ideal location, offering respite and refreshment to weary wayfarers.
Levi Colbert’s life was one of cultural intersection and leadership. He was one of six sons born to James Logan Colbert, a settler of Scottish descent from North Carolina, and his Chickasaw wife, Minta Hoye. Born in Alabama in 1759, Levi was raised bilingually, immersed in both Chickasaw traditions and European-American customs. Known to his people as Itawamba, he rose to become a respected leader and eventually a chief within the Chickasaw Nation. It is essential to understand that only half of the Chickasaw chiefdom’s authority was passed down through the maternal line, highlighting the complex social structure of the tribe. The story of Buzzard Roost and Levi Colbert is intertwined with the narrative of the Natchez Trace itself, a vital artery of commerce and communication in the early American frontier.
Levi’s brother, George Colbert, also played a significant role in the region’s history, operating Colbert’s Stand and Ferry across the Tennessee River, a mere five miles north of Buzzard Roost. Levi held an interest in this prosperous ferry business. One notable anecdote involves future U.S. President Andrew Jackson, who was charged a staggering $75,000 to transport his army across the river. Historians suggest that the exorbitant fee was justified because Jackson’s troops and their horses were supplied with food by the Chickasaw tribe, who were experiencing shortages. Two centuries later, descendants of General John Coffee formally thanked the Chickasaw Nation for their vital assistance during that period.
Despite his opposition to the Indian Removal Act of 1830, Levi Colbert, along with his brother George, found himself in the difficult position of becoming a prominent interpreter and negotiator in the ensuing discussions. Their hope was to maintain peace and secure the best possible outcome for their people in the face of an increasingly hostile political climate. Buzzard Roost became more than just an inn; it became a place where the fate of a nation was being discussed and debated.
Even as a young man, Levi Colbert had distinguished himself, earning the title of Itawamba Mingo, meaning "Bench Chief." This honor was bestowed upon him after he learned of an impending attack by Creek Indians on the Chickasaw. With many Chickasaw warriors away on their fall hunts, Levi acted decisively, gathering as many young Chickasaw men as he could and launching a preemptive strike against the approaching enemy. Although severely outnumbered, their surprise attack resulted in significant casualties for the Creek. Upon their return, the hunters recognized Levi’s bravery by awarding him a bench to sit upon in council, a privilege previously reserved for elders, who traditionally sat on the ground. His calm and peaceful demeanor also earned him the nickname "Okolona" among the Chickasaw, while white men, who also held him in high regard, called him "Levi the Incorruptible." Travelers stopping at Buzzard Roost Inn often remarked on the warm welcome, excellent food, and kind treatment they received.
Throughout his life, Levi Colbert married several wives, including Seletia Colbert, who resided with him at Buzzard Roost. Another wife lived at what is now known as the French Farm, near Okolona, in Monroe County, and a third, Minto-Ho-Yo, was a full-blood Chickasaw. Levi and his wives had many children. One of his daughters with Minto-Ho-Yo, Phalishta "Pat" Colbert, married an Irishman named Kilpatrick Carter. Carter settled among the Chickasaw around 1817 and was employed by Levi Colbert to construct a new home at Buzzard Roost. Later, when Levi moved on, he gifted the home to Carter and his daughter, Phalishta. This speaks to the complex relationships and cultural exchanges that took place in the region during this era, with individuals from different backgrounds coming together and forming lasting connections.
Levi’s father, James Logan Colbert, moved to Cotton Gin Port, Mississippi, around 1819. Situated on the east bank of the Tombigbee River at a crucial intersection of Indian trails, Cotton Gin Port was the first town established in northern Mississippi. As part of a U.S. Government "plan of civilization" for the Chickasaw, a cotton gin was built here in 1801. The Gaines Trace road was constructed to connect the town in 1811, running from the head of Muscle Shoals on the Tennessee River in Alabama to Cotton Gin Port, where it crossed the Tombigbee River before continuing south to Fort Stoddert, Alabama.
Levi’s father, James, built a mill for Levi in the rapidly growing town, and Levi soon joined him there. Over the years, Levi prospered and built a new home on the bluff west of the river. While living in Cotton Gin Port, he reportedly owned 4,000 cattle, 500 horses, a large herd of sheep, and numerous swine. His success reflects the adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit of the Colbert family, who were able to navigate the changing economic landscape of the American frontier.
The Colbert brothers, as leaders of the Chickasaw, signed several treaties, but in the 1830s, they began to question the terms. Meetings between the leaders and the U.S. Government continued, but Levi’s health began to fail, preventing him from attending all the meetings. In 1834, while en route to Washington, D.C., to discuss the Pontotoc Treaty, he stopped at his old home on Buzzard Roost to visit his daughter and son-in-law. He fell ill once again and died of pneumonia on June 2, 1834, years before his people finally agreed to a treaty and were removed to Indian Territory (Oklahoma). While some believe his grave is located in Oakwood Cemetery in Tuscumbia, Alabama, no official record exists. According to a member of the Chickasaw Nation, the exact location is kept secret to protect it from treasure seekers.
Itawamba County, Mississippi, and the town of Okolona, Mississippi, are both named in his honor, a testament to his enduring legacy. The once-prosperous town of Cotton Gin Port, however, no longer exists. The arrival of the Kansas City, Memphis & Birmingham Railroad caused the town to disappear as residents relocated to Amory, Mississippi.
In the meantime, Buzzard Roost continued to operate as a post office until the 1850s. Today, Buzzard Roost is a stop along Alabama’s 33-mile stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway. A marker designates the spot, and the spring is just a short walk away. Picnic tables and restrooms are available for visitors.
Buzzard Roost Spring is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 320.3.
Beyond the documented history, there are a couple of legends associated with Buzzard Roost and the Colbert Brothers. At Buzzard Roost, several visitors have reported paranormal experiences. These may be attributed to "residual memories" or the possibility that some of the many travelers along the Trace never truly left. Stories abound of disembodied voices, some so clear that visitors have turned around expecting to find someone speaking to them, only to find themselves alone. Others have described feeling touched or sensing something brushing against their face or body. Tales of ghostly encounters and lost treasure also surround the Colbert brothers at George Colbert’s Ferry and inn site, located just a few miles down the Trace. But that’s another story altogether.