Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, Manchester

About Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park preserves a remarkable ancient Native American earthwork enclosure dating to the Middle Woodland period, from approximately 100 BCE to 500 CE. Visitors explore the site along the Enclosure Trail, walking within the ancient earthen walls that overlook the confluence of the Duck and Little Duck rivers. The structure served as a ceremonial gathering place rather than a traditional fort, with its precise purpose remaining a subject of archaeological investigation. The park also features the Stone Fort Museum, which displays artifacts and interprets the site's significance. Later history layers include scattered mill foundations from the late 19th century and Civil War campsites from when the land served Confederate gunpowder production. The site itself, known as Site 40CF1, ranks among the region's most well-preserved prehistoric locations. Visitors encounter both the mystery of ancient Native American culture and physical evidence of industrial and Civil War history. Old Stone Fort is located in Manchester, Tennessee.