Explore The Ruins Of This 1,500 Year Old Ancient Village In Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Published July 18, 2019
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Tennessee has quite the illustrious history, one that spans almost the entire breadth of the United States. Since it’s situated right in the middle of the country, wedged between the early industrialization of the north and the culture of the south, Tennessee has managed to take an active part in the history of both. Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park, however, is forged in a deep history that blows the current state of the nation out of the water. At almost 2,000 years old, this is a step back in Tennessee time that everyone should take, at least once.
Built betwen 1,500 to 2,000 years ago by Native Americans, the Old Stone Fort has become a testament to the early years of the Tennessee countryside. Believed to have been built during the Middle Woodland Period, it's one of the oldest structures in the state.
It has been known as the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park since the late 1960s. Folks visit not only as history enthusiasts but also to experience the museum that boasts Native American replicas and photographs that document the story of the land.
It's believed that the local Native Americans used the surrounding areas for roughly 500 years before leaving their once bustling ceremonial gathering place abandoned. The structures were already in ruins by the time European settlers arrived in Tennessee, and the strange smattering of walls and rocks was misnamed as a fort.
Visitors can follow the wall of the Old Stone Fort along the main hiking trail, taking in the beautiful and lush Tennessee scenery along the way. There are even twelve interpretive informational panels throughout the park and along the trail that help folks learn about the expansive history just beneath their feet.
If you'd rather camp, there are spots available for a mere $25 a night. You'll have to cross the picturesque one-lane bridge to get to the campground, but the view is well worth the trouble. There are 51 campsites at the time of publication, with hookups, grills, and picnic tables for the use of guests.
Historic and beautiful, the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is well-worth a day trip or a weekend camping experience. Make sure to make reservations on the Tennessee State Park official website for a campsite, or make your way over for a quick hike through the woods.
Address: 732 Stone Fort Drive, Manchester, TN 37355
If you’re looking for more information, make sure to check out the Tennessee State Park website, right here.
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