This Entire Town In Tennessee Was Turned Into A State Park You Can’t Pass Up
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Meghan Kraft
Author
It’s not uncommon for historic places to be dissolved and recreated by more contemporary counterparts. Of course, there’s always some kind of rejuvenation involved when it comes to historic preservation, and in Tennessee, Port Royal State Historic Park may be one of the most notable when it comes to the absorption of a place that once was…the park sits on what once was a bustling, colonial city.
Port Royal State Historic Park is now located on the land that once was home to the town of Port Royal, first founded in 1797.
Before even the town, the area was settled as a longhunter camp as early as 1775, some believe. This wasn't some podunk town though, folks.
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It wasn't a podunk town at all. Due to its location at the head of the Red River, Port Royal grew to be an important trading point that served all of Northern Middle Tennessee and Southern Central Kentucky.
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It was even a major stage line stop along the westward route. This historic, undated photo of the town should give you a quick window to the past. On a sobering note, the historic park is located on the Trail of Tears, and you can learn all about its dark role in US history both on-site and by taking a hike along the old route.
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The building that once served the town, the Port Royal Masonic Lodge, was built in 1859 and used to operate as a doctor's office, post office, and even a general store. The historic space now serves as the headquarters for the park.
The park itself only consists of a spare 26 acres of beautiful land, and was designated officially as a Tennessee State Park in 1978.
If you're looking to spend time at Port Royal, you can indulge in boating with canoe and kayak access available, hiking (the River Bottom Trail is only a half mile!), or even fishing in Red River or Sulphur Fork Creek.
You can visit for yourself at 3300 Old Clarksville Highway in Adams, Tennessee.
If you’re interested in long lost places in Tennessee, this long lost state just might interest you. It’s an incredible story!
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