South Knoxville Alliance News

Green Light: Fort Dickerson

Fort Dickerson Park, located in South Knoxville, is part of Knoxville's 1,000 acre Urban Wilderness. A popular park among Civil War enthusiasts, the 85 acre city park contains what is widely recognized as one of the best preserved earthen forts from the Civil War era. Built by the Federal army in 1863-64, across the Tennessee River from Knoxville, the fort along this high ridge protected the city from the Confederate army. The fort also provided troops with a full view of the city from the ridges beyond Fountain City to the North to the foothills and peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the South- a view still enjoyed by visitors today. The fort came under attempted attack in November of 1863, but the Confederate cavalry retreated when they realized they could not take the fort due, in part, to its steep terrain. 

Fort Dickerson 1863

A view of Knoxville in November of 1863.

The fort is the focal point of Fort Dickerson Park which is now maintained by the City of Knoxville in conjunction the Knoxville Civil War Roundtable. Three replica cannons, numerous interpretative signs detailing the fort's history and maps and photos of the actions around Knoxville remain in homage to the fort's fascinating history. Presently, the park offers a serene view of the emerald waters of a 350-foot deep rock quarry located just below the overlook and contains picnic pavilions. 

Fort Dickerson

A view of the quarry from Fort Dickerson Park.

The Civil War Roundtable sponsors a Civil War Weekend the second weekend in November with a school day and two days of public tours and military presentations. Popular amongst hikers and mountain bikers alike, Fort Dickerson is also a stop along "Battlefield Loop"- a segment of the Urban Wilderness recreational trail system. 

Hours Open: Hours: Daylight to dusk

Visitor Fees: No Charge

Directions: From downtown Knoxville cross Gay Street Bridge, turn RIGHT, go two blocks to Chapman Hwy.  Turn LEFT, go approximately one mile to top of ridge, turh RIGHT on Ft. Dickerson Rd., travel to top of hill and Fort parking area.

Fort Dickerson Map

Posted Thursday, 06/12/2014, 08:55 AM -

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