David Crockett State Park facts for kids
David Crockett State Park is a fun state park located in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. This park is a special place that celebrates the life and adventures of the famous frontiersman David Crockett. It sits right on the banks of Shoal Creek, where Crockett once lived and worked.
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Discover David Crockett's Story
This park helps us remember David Crockett's history in the area. He moved here in 1817 and built a powder mill, a grist mill, and even a distillery. He used the strong water power from Shoal Creek to run all his businesses.
Crockett's Life in Lawrence County
By 1820, David Crockett owned a large amount of land, about 614 acres, near Shoal Creek. He was also an important person in the community. He served as one of Lawrence County's first commissioners and justices of the peace. This meant he helped make local decisions and kept things fair.
A New Beginning for Crockett
However, a big flood in September 1821 destroyed all of Crockett's mills and distillery. After this, he decided to leave the area. He moved to West Tennessee to start fresh. The state park was created in 1959. It covers about 1,100 acres and includes the exact spot where Crockett's businesses once stood.
What You Can Do at the Park
David Crockett State Park offers many cool things to see and do. You can explore reconstructions of a dam and a mill, showing how things looked in Crockett's time.
Explore the Museum and Lake
There is also a historical museum in the park. It is open during the summer and teaches visitors all about David Crockett's life. A beautiful covered bridge crosses Shoal Creek. The original bridge was built in 1959 but was rebuilt in 1999 after a flood. The park also has a 40-acre lake, perfect for fishing and boating.
Stay and Play 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 cozy two-bedroom cabins were built for visitors. These cabins were 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 in a way that is very good for the environment.