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Historic Sites in Tennessee
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Fort Pillow State Historic Park
Fort Pillow State Historic Park is located approximately 60
miles north of Memphis overlooking the Mississippi River. This
1,646-acre park is rich in both history and archaeological
significance. In 1861, because of the strategic location, the
Confederate Army built extensive fortifications here and named
the site for General Gideon J. Pillow of Maury County. The fort
was abandoned by the Confederates and then occupied by the Union
Army who controlled it during most of the war. Today, there are
approximately three miles of original breastworks in many
places. The inner fort that was defended by the Union forces in
the 1864 battle has been restored after intensive archaeological
study. Interpretive signs relate primary information about the
battle. The Frank Garner Memorial Interpretive Center contains
displays of Civil War artifacts and interpretive materials
relating to Fort Pillow's role in the Civil War. Items on
display include cannons, memorabilia related to General Forrest,
and artifacts found on the park. A fifteen minute interpretive
film is shown on request detailing the history of the fort.
During the summer an interpretive specialist is available to
guide tours and provide historic information to visitors. Park
headquarters and a gift shop are also located here. Annual
living history and Civil War demonstrations are conducted in the
spring and fall. Check the Special Events Catalog or contact
park headquarters for dates of these re-enactment's. For
information call: (901)738-5581
Johnsonville State Historic Park
Johnsonville State Historic Park is located near the town of New
Johnsonville in Humphreys County. It is situated on the eastern
side of Kentucky Lake, a Tennessee Valley Authority Lake. The
park is named for Military Governor Andrew Johnson. This
550-acre park overlooks the site of the Battle of Johnsonville,
where Cavalry forces under Lt. General Nathan Bedford Forrest
sank four federal gunboats downstream and destroyed a Union Army
supply depot at Johnsonville. Four of the original breastworks
are beautifully preserved, and interpretive tours are available.
For information call: (931)535-2789
Port Royal State Historical Park
Port Royal State Historic Park is located in northeastern
Montgomery County at the confluence of Red River and Sulphur
Fork Creek. It is in a picturesque setting of rural Tennessee
situated among rolling hills, bluffs, and lowland meadows. It
provides the visitor a unique glimpse into Tennessee's distant
past. In 1797 the area was incorporated into a town by the
Tennessee State Legislature. During the early and mid 1800's it
was a flourishing community of trade and commerce. Port Royal
served as a stopover for supplies along the Trail of Tears in
1838. Flatboats and paddle-wheelers carried farm products and
produce from the area to the Cumberland, Ohio, and Mississippi
Rivers and beyond. Other businesses that flourished at Port
Royal included sawmills, grist and flour mills, inns,
warehouses, silversmiths, cotton gins, blacksmiths, a broom
factory, brick kilns and general stores. One business which was
planned but never materialized was the silk industry. The town
slowly faded over a period of time due to the modernization of
travel by train and modern highways, both of which bypassed the
town of Port Royal, Tennessee. Hiking, picnicking, canoeing,
fishing, and photography are among the popular activities at the
park. The Bluff Trail begins near the covered bridge and extends
along the Red River. Wildflowers and birds are abundant along
this leisurely 1/4 mile trail. A museum and visitor center is
located in the old lodge building. Special programs and guided
tours may be arranged by request to the park ranger. For
information call: (931)358-9696
Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park
Davy Crockett's Birthplace has been preserved by the State of
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation as a
historic site within the state park system. The site consists of
105 partially wooded acres of land along the Nolichuckey River
in Greene County, Tennessee. Each August on the week-end closest
to Davy Crockett's birthday (August 17), the park and Limestone
Ruritan Club host the annual Crockett Celebration. Events
include live bluegrass and gospel music, games, crafts and a
beauty pageant. Barbecue pork and chicken dinners are available
for purchase. There is no entrance fee. Proceeds go to help with
local community projects sponsored by the Limestone Ruritan
Club. For information call: (423)257-2167
Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Area
The Pinson Mounds site consists of at least 12 mounds, an
earthen geometric enclosure, and habitation areas, that cover
approximately 400 acres. This site was built during what
archaeologists term the Middle Woodland period, which ranges
from about 200 BC to 500 AD. The archaeological evidence
recovered so far, suggest that the florescence of the site
occupation was during the first three centuries AD This was the
largest mound center in the southeastern United States during
the Middle Woodland period. Sauls Mound is 72 feet in height,
which makes it the second tallest earthen mound in North
America. Pinson Mounds is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Designed to replicate an Indian mound, Pinson
Mounds visitor center and museum houses 4,500 feet of exhibit
areas, an eighty seat theater, the West Tennessee Regional
Archaeology office, an archaeological library, and the park
offices. Pinson Mounds serves as an unique learning center for
schoolchildren and adults alike. Interpretative programs, films
and activities are held throughout the year. The annual
Archeofest, which is held the third weekend in September,
celebrates the Native American culture. Crafts, foods, native
dances, and tours are just a few of the things you will find at
this culturally rich event. For information call: (901)988-5614
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