List of forts in Tennessee facts for kids

A river battery at Fort Donelson

Have you ever wondered about the old buildings that helped shape a state's history? In Tennessee, many important forts were built over hundreds of years. These forts were like strongholds or military bases. They played a big role in protecting people and land.

Tennessee's forts were built for different reasons. Some were used by early settlers to defend against attacks. Others were important during wars, like the American Civil War. They helped control rivers and important travel routes. Exploring these forts helps us understand Tennessee's past. It shows us how people lived and fought long ago.

Tennessee's Historic Forts

Tennessee is home to many historic forts. Each one has a unique story. These forts were built from the 1700s to the 1800s. They show how the state grew and changed.

Early Frontier Forts

Long ago, Tennessee was a wild frontier. Early settlers built forts for safety. These forts were often simple log structures. They protected families and communities.

• Fort Loudoun: This fort was built in 1756. It was one of the first British forts in what is now Tennessee. It helped protect settlers and trade routes. You can still visit a replica of Fort Loudoun today.
• Fort Nashborough: Built in 1781, this fort was very important. It was a stockade that protected early settlers in the Nashville area. It helped establish the city of Nashville.
• Fort Southwest Point: This fort was built in 1797. It was a military post and a trading center. It also served as a meeting place for treaties. It played a key role in early Tennessee history.
• Fort Watauga: Constructed in 1775, this fort was a frontier outpost. It was important for early American settlers. It helped protect them during the American Revolutionary War.

Civil War Forts

Many forts in Tennessee were built during the American Civil War. This war took place from 1861 to 1865. These forts were crucial for controlling rivers and railroads.

• Fort Donelson: Built in 1861, this fort was very important. It guarded the Cumberland River. A major battle happened here in 1862. The Union Army captured it, which was a big win.
• Fort Henry: Also built in 1861, Fort Henry guarded the Tennessee River. It worked with Fort Donelson. Its capture by the Union Army was also a key moment in the war.
• Fort Negley: This large fort was built in 1862 in Nashville. It was built by African American laborers. It helped protect Nashville, a vital city for the Union.
• Fort Pillow: Built in 1861, this fort was on the Mississippi River. It saw a terrible battle in 1864. It is now a state park.
• Fort Wright: This fort was built in 1861 on the Mississippi River. It was part of the Confederate defenses. Today, only its powder magazine remains.

Other Notable Forts

Some forts served different purposes or had unique stories.

• Fort Assumption: This French fort was built in 1739. It was located near present-day Memphis. It was part of French efforts to control the Mississippi River.
• Fort Cass: Built in 1835, this fort was used during the Trail of Tears. It was a place where Cherokee people were held. This was before they were forced to move west.
• Fort Defiance: This fort was built in 1861. It guarded the confluence of the Cumberland and Red Rivers. Today, it has a museum and interpretive center.

Images for kids

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  Interior view of Fort Loudoun

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  Powder magazine at Fort Wright

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  Fort Southwest Point

See also

• List of international forts
• History of Tennessee
• List of archaeological sites in Tennessee
• Tennessee in the American Civil War