The Ancient Old Stone Fort
The Old Stone Fort is a prehistoric Native American structure in Coffee County, Tennessee. Built between 80 and 550 AD during the Middle Woodland period, it likely served ceremonial purposes rather than defense. It is the most complex hilltop enclosure in the South and now part of the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Geographic Setting
Natural Boundaries
The Old Stone Fort sits on a peninsula formed by the Duck River and the Little Duck River. The Duck River creates the peninsula’s northwestern boundary, while the Little Duck forms the southeastern boundary. As the rivers converge, they cut deep gorges around the peninsula, highlighted by substantial waterfalls and rapids.
Location and Accessibility
Located just west of Manchester, Tennessee, the park spans 876 acres and is managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The Duck River system’s natural waterpower attracted millwrights throughout the 19th century.
Structure of the Old Stone Fort
Wall Construction
The walls, composed of stone and earthwork, are about 4-6 feet high. Originally, they consisted of inner and outer layers of stacked rocks with gravel and earthen fill between. Over time, the fill spilled over the rocks, giving the walls a mound-like appearance.
Layout and Features
The walls form three sections running parallel to the rivers, with a third section along the southern rim. These sections converge at the northeastern part, creating a small entrance. Two pedestal mounds flank the entrance, which leads to an L-shaped corridor opening into the interior.
Dimensions
The northwestern walls span 1,394 feet, the southeastern walls 1,094 feet, and the southern walls 2,116 feet. Large open sections exist between the southern walls and the rivers, likely left open due to the steep bluffs. A natural ditch, known as the “moat,” parallels the southern wall, likely an abandoned river channel.
Historical Significance
Early Uses
White long hunters and traders discovered the Old Stone Fort in the mid-18th century. It served as an important landmark and encampment site during the Cherokee–American wars. Early Coffee County residents held significant events at the fort, such as the county’s first court in 1836.
Industrial Era
The Duck River’s power made the site attractive for mills. In 1823, Samuel Murray built a rope factory, followed by W.S. Whitman’s paper mill in 1852. The Stone Fort Paper Company operated a large mill until the early 20th century. The Chumbley family later protected the land, which the state purchased in 1966 to create the archaeological park.
Archaeological Investigations
Initial Theories
Various theories attempted to identify the builders, including Buccaneers and Vikings. The first serious investigation in 1876 by Joseph Jones uncovered prehistoric artifacts. Tennessee State Archaeologist P.E. Cox conducted further studies in 1928.
University of Tennessee Excavations
In 1966, the University of Tennessee’s Department of Anthropology determined that Native Americans of the Middle Woodland period built the fort. Radiocarbon analysis dated the structure to 30-430 AD. The fort’s composition and layout resembled other Middle Woodland structures, like the Hopewell and Pinson Mound builders.
Purpose and Function
Evidence suggests the fort had a religious or ceremonial function, not military defense. The walls were not high enough for defense, and no palisade evidence was found. Few cultural artifacts were discovered, implying the area was kept clean and not continuously inhabited. Researchers now believe the “moat” may be a natural dry riverbed.
The Old Stone Fort Museum
Exhibits and Features
The Old Stone Fort Museum, built by Tennessee State Parks, is near the park entrance. It interprets theories about the fort’s builders, archaeological excavations, and Native American culture. The museum includes a theater, a welcome center, and a gift shop. An observation deck provides views of the Old Stone Fort and surrounding rivers.
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