Historic Sites
Fort Pillow State Historic Park
Fort Pillow State Historic Park is located approximately 60 miles north of Memphis overlooking the Mississippi River. This 1,646-acre park is rich in both history and archaeological significance. In 1861, because of the strategic location, the Confederate Army built extensive fortifications here and named the site for General Gideon J. Pillow of Maury County. The fort was abandoned by the Confederates and then occupied by the Union Army who controlled it during most of the war. Today, there are approximately three miles of original breastworks in many places. The inner fort that was defended by the Union forces in the 1864 battle has been restored after intensive archaeological study. Interpretive signs relate primary information about the battle. The Frank Garner Memorial Interpretive Center contains displays of Civil War artifacts and interpretive materials relating to Fort Pillow's role in the Civil War. Items on display include cannons, memorabilia related to General Forrest, and artifacts found on the park. A fifteen minute interpretive film is shown on request detailing the history of the fort. During the summer an interpretive specialist is available to guide tours and provide historic information to visitors. Park headquarters and a gift shop are also located here. Annual living history and Civil War demonstrations are conducted in the spring and fall. Check the Special Events Catalog or contact park headquarters for dates of these re-enactment's. For information call: (901)738-5581
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Johnsonville State Historic Park
Johnsonville State Historic Park is located near the town of New Johnsonville in Humphreys County. It is situated on the eastern side of Kentucky Lake, a Tennessee Valley Authority Lake. The park is named for Military Governor Andrew Johnson. This 550-acre park overlooks the site of the Battle of Johnsonville, where Cavalry forces under Lt. General Nathan Bedford Forrest sank four federal gunboats downstream and destroyed a Union Army supply depot at Johnsonville. Four of the original breastworks are beautifully preserved, and interpretive tours are available. For information call: (931)535-2789
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Port Royal State Historical Park
Port Royal State Historic Park is located in northeastern Montgomery County at the confluence of Red River and Sulphur Fork Creek. It is in a picturesque setting of rural Tennessee situated among rolling hills, bluffs, and lowland meadows. It provides the visitor a unique glimpse into Tennessee's distant past. In 1797 the area was incorporated into a town by the Tennessee State Legislature. During the early and mid 1800's it was a flourishing community of trade and commerce. Port Royal served as a stopover for supplies along the Trail of Tears in 1838. Flatboats and paddle-wheelers carried farm products and produce from the area to the Cumberland, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers and beyond. Other businesses that flourished at Port Royal included sawmills, grist and flour mills, inns, warehouses, silversmiths, cotton gins, blacksmiths, a broom factory, brick kilns and general stores. One business which was planned but never materialized was the silk industry. The town slowly faded over a period of time due to the modernization of travel by train and modern highways, both of which bypassed the town of Port Royal, Tennessee. Hiking, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, and photography are among the popular activities at the park. The Bluff Trail begins near the covered bridge and extends along the Red River. Wildflowers and birds are abundant along this leisurely 1/4 mile trail. A museum and visitor center is located in the old lodge building. Special programs and guided tours may be arranged by request to the park ranger. For information call: (931)358-9696
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Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park
Davy Crockett's Birthplace has been preserved by the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation as a historic site within the state park system. The site consists of 105 partially wooded acres of land along the Nolichuckey River in Greene County, Tennessee. Each August on the week-end closest to Davy Crockett's birthday (August 17), the park and Limestone Ruritan Club host the annual Crockett Celebration. Events include live bluegrass and gospel music, games, crafts and a beauty pageant. Barbecue pork and chicken dinners are available for purchase. There is no entrance fee. Proceeds go to help with local community projects sponsored by the Limestone Ruritan Club. For information call: (423)257-2167
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Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Area
The Pinson Mounds site consists of at least 12 mounds, an earthen geometric enclosure, and habitation areas, that cover approximately 400 acres. This site was built during what archaeologists term the Middle Woodland period, which ranges from about 200 BC to 500 AD. The archaeological evidence recovered so far, suggest that the florescence of the site occupation was during the first three centuries AD This was the largest mound center in the southeastern United States during the Middle Woodland period. Sauls Mound is 72 feet in height, which makes it the second tallest earthen mound in North America. Pinson Mounds is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed to replicate an Indian mound, Pinson Mounds visitor center and museum houses 4,500 feet of exhibit areas, an eighty seat theater, the West Tennessee Regional Archaeology office, an archaeological library, and the park offices. Pinson Mounds serves as an unique learning center for schoolchildren and adults alike. Interpretative programs, films and activities are held throughout the year. The annual Archeofest, which is held the third weekend in September, celebrates the Native American culture. Crafts, foods, native dances, and tours are just a few of the things you will find at this culturally rich event. For information call: (901)988-5614
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Tourist Attractions
Bristol Caverns
Chambers of cavern feature geologic formations and year-round temperature of 56-60 degrees. Paved walkway. For information call: (423)878-2011
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Grand Ole Opry
World-famous live radio show performed every weekend since 1925. Broadcast live on WSM AM (650) from the Grand Ole Opry House on the grounds of Opryland USA. Performances on Fri. and Sat. evenings. For information call: (615)889-3060
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Dollywood
Dolly Parton's entertainment park features a unique variety of entertainment and music, over 20 different craft showcases, and the fun of over 30 rides and attractions. For information call: (423)428-9488
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Graceland
Rock 'n' Roll your way through Elvis Presley's southern mansion. You can also see his famous pink Cadillac and climb aboard his custom jet, the Lisa Marie. Explore great souvenir shops, and dine at one of the themed restaurants to round out a fun-filled day. For information call: (800)238-2000
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Nashville Zoo
Located minutes from downtown, this natural environment zoo is home to a large collection of exotic animals such as clouded leopards, red pandas, cheetahs, white tigers, lemurs, lions, pythons, giraffes, black bears and more. Educational amphitheater and African Savannah viewing deck offer special entertainment for the entire family. For information call: (615)370-3333
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