Monterey in Putnam County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Standing Stone

By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 30, 2020

1. Standing Stone Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

A mysterious sandstone monolith of unknown origin stood just west of Monterey. According to local tradition, the structure resembled the shape of a large dog, which faced west over the edge of the Cumberland Plateau. Captain William Walton, builder of the Walton Road, referred to the monolith as the “Standing Stone.” What remains of the stone was removed to Monterey's Whitaker Park in 1895.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2D 57.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Native Americans • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list.

Location. 36° 8.674′ N, 85° 15.877′ W. Marker is in Monterey, Tennessee, in Putnam County. Marker is on East Commercial Avenue (Tennessee Route 62) 0.1 miles north of Elmore Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 E Commercial Ave, Monterey TN 38574, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured

By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 30, 2020

2. Standing Stone Marker

The monolith is on top of the pedestal in the background.

as the crow flies. Standing Stone Monument (here, next to this marker); Gen. John T. Wilder (approx. ¼ mile away); Stokes' Atrocity (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Standing Stone (approx. ¾ mile away); Mount Granger (approx. 7.4 miles away); France Cemetery (approx. 9.2 miles away); Cap't Champ Ferguson (approx. 9.2 miles away); White Plains (approx. 10.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monterey.

Also see . . . Standing Stone. Overview of the stone's recorded history. (Submitted on May 31, 2020, by Duane Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

The Standing Stone image. Click for full size.

By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 30, 2020

3. The Standing Stone

The monolith is perched on a pedestal in Whitaker Park.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2020, by Duane Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 31, 2020, by Duane Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.