Near Vonore in Monroe County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Tellico Blockhouse
1794-1807
The United States Army constructed the site during very uncertain times. Addressing fears over European meddling in the West, officials hoped that the blockhouse might foster peaceful ties with the Cherokee, and curtail the rampant violence of the frontier. The garrison of American soldiers acted as a symbol of military power, and the government's intent to keep order between newly arrived settlers and native people. Additionally, the Tellico Factory located inside the fort brought spinning wheels, cottonseed, looms, and agricultural training to the Cherokee. These served to lighten stresses on local ecosystems caused by the fur trade, and encourage the Cherokee to adopt lifestyles similar to their neighbors.
By 1807, few Cherokee lived in the Little Tennessee River Valley. As a result, the army relocated the garrison to the Hiwassee River. A few soldiers remained at the Blockhouse through December 1811, but official gatherings took place elsewhere.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Native Americans. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1811.
Location. 35° 36.048′ N, 84° 12.38′ W. Marker is near Vonore, Tennessee, in Monroe County. Marker is on Blockhouse Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vonore TN 37885, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fort Loudon (approx. 0.3 miles away); Unicoi Turnpike Trail (approx. 0.3 miles away); Welcome to Fort Loudoun State Historic Area (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Loudoun (approx. 0.4 miles away); Militia Springs (approx. 1.3 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Loudon (approx. 1.4 miles away); Cherokee Heritage Trails (approx. 1.6 miles away); Overhill Fur & Hide Trade (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vonore.
Also see . . . Fort Loudoun State Historic Area. (Submitted on July 16, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 320 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 16, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.