David Crockett State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids David Crockett State Park |
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Crockett Falls in David Crockett State Park
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| Type | state park |
| Location | Lawrenceburg, Tennessee |
| Area | 1,100 acres (4,500,000 m2) |
| Created | 1959 |
| Operated by | Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation |
| Website | David Crockett State Park |
David Crockett State Park is a fun and historical state park located in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. It's a great place to learn about the famous frontiersman David Crockett and enjoy the outdoors. The park sits right on the banks of Shoal Creek, which was very important to Crockett's life in this area.
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Davy Crockett's Story at the Park
David Crockett moved to this area in 1817. He was a pioneer and an entrepreneur. He built a powder mill, a grist mill (which grinds grain), and even a small distillery. He used the powerful flow of water from Shoal Creek to run his businesses. By 1820, he owned a large amount of land here, about 614 acres.
Crockett was also involved in his community. He helped set up Lawrence County and served as one of its first local leaders. However, a big flood in September 1821 destroyed all his businesses. After this, Crockett decided to move to West Tennessee. The state park was created in 1959 on 1,100 acres. This land includes the exact spot where Crockett had his mills and distillery.
What to See and Do at the Park
David Crockett State Park offers many activities for visitors. You can explore history or enjoy nature.
Exploring the History
The park has rebuilt some of Crockett's old structures, like a dam and a mill. These help you imagine what his businesses looked like. There's also a special museum in the park. It's open during the summer months and teaches you all about David Crockett's life and adventures. A covered bridge crosses Shoal Creek. The original bridge was built in 1959 but was washed away by a flood in 1998. A new one was built the very next year!
Fun Activities Outdoors
The park has a beautiful 40-acre lake. It's perfect for fishing if you like to cast a line. You can also go boating on the lake. It's a peaceful way to spend time on the water.
Staying at the Park
If you want to stay longer, the park has two campgrounds where you can pitch a tent or park an RV. There's also a restaurant if you get hungry. In 2010, seven new cabins were built in the park. These cabins are special because they were the first vacation homes in a U.S. state park to get a "LEED Silver" certification. This means they were built using environmentally friendly methods and materials.
