Manchester in Coffee County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Old Stone Fort
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 13, 2021
1. Old Stone Fort Marker
Around 2,000 years ago, Native Americans built a rock and earthen wall around a 50-acre hilltop plateau situated between the Duck and Little Duck Rivers. Here in 1966, archaeological investigations recovered artifactual and radiocarbon data indicating this hilltop enclosure was constructed during the Middle Woodland period, ranging from AD 80 to AD 550. In the 1990s archaeologists determined the entrance to this enclosure is aligned with the summer solstice sunrise (June 21), suggesting that rituals and ceremonies took place on a seasonal basis. Recent archaeological studies provide a more accurate account of this ceremonial center. Now open as a Tennessee State Park, this Native American monument is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2E 5.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list.
Location. 35° 29.659′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee and in the Highland Rim. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Old Stone Fort (approx. half a mile away); Manchester Powder Mill (approx. half a mile away); Geographic Setting of The Old Stone Fort (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named The Old Stone Fort (approx. 0.6 miles away);
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 13, 2021
2. Old Stone Fort Marker
Also see . . . Old Stone Fort. National Register of Historic Places digital archive entry: Nomination form and photographs, from 1973. (Submitted on February 15, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 473 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 15, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
