Chatsworth in Murray County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Mystery Shrouds Fort Mountain
Photographed By David Tibbs, 2008
1. Mystery Shrouds Fort Mountain Marker
Plaque located at the trail head to the fort walls.
The trail to the north of this site leads to the mysterious and prehistoric wall of loose rocks from which Fort Mountain takes its name. Many generations of explorers, archaeologists, geologists, historians and sight-seers have wondered about the identity of the unknown builders and the purpose of their handiwork.
From the brink of a cliff on the east side of the mountain, the wall extends 885 feet to another precipice on the west side. Its highest parts measure about seven feet but generally it rises to a height of two or three feet. There are 29 pits scattered fairly regularly along the wall, with the ruins of a gateway at one point.
Speculation regarding the builders and their purpose covers a wide field. It includes references to sun-worship and last-ditch defense by prehistoric white people, bloody warfare between rival Indian tribes, defense fortifications for Spanish conquistadors hunting gold and a honeymoon haven for Cherokee Indian newlyweds.
Nobody knows which of the many legends and theories is true and which false. The true answer still lies buried somewhere in antiquity and may never be unearthed.
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Erected 1968 by Georgia Department of State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Forts and Castles • Native Americans.
Location. 34° 46.702′ N, 84° 42.543′ W. Marker is in Chatsworth, Georgia, in Murray County. Marker is on Old Fort Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Fort Mountain State Park, Chatsworth GA 30705, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Legends of Fort Mountain (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Mountain State Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway (approx. 2.4 miles away); Fort Mountain (approx. 2.4 miles away); Wright Hotel (approx. 3.4 miles away); Murray County (approx. 3˝ miles away); Old Federal Road (approx. 4.2 miles away); Springplace Mission (approx. 6.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatsworth.
More about this marker. The marker is located within Fort Mountain State Park. A day use fee is charged to enter the park.
A campground, as well as cabins are available. Also located in the park is a lake and swim beach, miniature golf, paddle boats and many picnic areas and trails.
The
Photographed By David Tibbs, 2008
2. A Section Of The Fort Wall
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Photographed By David Tibbs, 2008
3. A Closer View of the Wall
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2009
4. Ancient Stone Wall, Fort Mountain State Park
Photographed By David Tibbs, 2008
5. Another View
Photographed By David Tibbs, 2008
6. Trail Head Signs Near Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2009
7. North Face Trail
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2009
8. North Face Trail, Fort Mountain State Park
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. This page has been viewed 8,346 times since then and 423 times this year. Last updated on August 22, 2011, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 18, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. 4. submitted on November 10, 2009, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 5, 6. submitted on September 18, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. 7, 8. submitted on November 10, 2009, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
