A Trip To This Little Known Ancient Ruin Near Nashville Is Truly One In A Million
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Most people driving southeast from Nashville to Manchester are probably on their way to visit the famous barns and stills of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. But most people don’t realize that Manchester is also home to some of the most ancient ruins in the entire state! In the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, you can walk trails that take you through a nearly 2,000-year-old Native American fort. You’ve got to see it to believe it.
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park sits on the banks of the Duck River in Coffee County. In fact, it's been there for over 1500 years!
The park's history is truly incredible. Not only are some of the walls of the ancient structure still visible, they actually align with the sunrise on the summer solstice. Historians believe that this site was used for summer rituals.
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The park has multiple hiking trails, a small museum, and it has waterfalls that drop in to pools so clear, you can see all the way to the bottom!
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Native Americans used the site for over 500 years, but it is believed that it was never actually used as a fort. The name came when European settlers found it and noticed its resemblance to a fort.
Because of its location on the Duck River, settlers built multiple paper mills where the park is now today. You can still see some of their ruins today as well.
The trails will take you all through and over the site of the Native American construction. Can you imagine walking through so much history?
The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day, with the museum closing at 4:30 p.m. Visit in Manchester at 732 Stone Fort Drive.
Looking for more places to explore? This swimming hole near Nashville is the perfect place to cool down this summer.
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