Frontier Forts in the Valley - The Legacy of the French Indian Wars on the Frontier

In 1756, the British were building forts on the western frontier to fortify their position during the French Indian War (1754- 1763.)

Fort Loudoun was commissioned by the British Colony of South Carolina to keep trade routes open with the Overhill Cherokee Nation.  By 1760, due to mounting tension between the British and the Overhill Cherokee Nation, the fort was captured by the Cherokee and was never again used as a military garrison.  It is said that the Overhill People destroyed the fort and the land reverted to its natural beauty.

During the Depression, a reproduction of the fort was built on the location of the original fort.   The site was designated as a state park in 1977.

Park Ranger, Joseph Gamble talks about the history of the fort and the nearby Tellico Blockhouse.  Why were these structures built?  Who lived here?

Learn more about this living history state park and the events that are held annually.

The Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council, a 501 c3 nonprofit, serves as the steering committee and editorial board for the Geotourism MapGuide website. It is comprised of volunteers from a seven state region. The Council's efforts are made possible through the generous support of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

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