Fortknox State Park

About Fortknox State Park

It offers scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Trail, as well as a variety of wildlife habitats.

Built by artisans between 1844 and 1864, but never completely finished, it also houses a number of historic buildings, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Museum and the Tennessee Museum of Natural History.

Fort Knox was named after the first granite fortress in Maine and was located in a river valley to protect it from Navy attacks. During the Spanish-American War, about 500 Connecticut soldiers were stationed here, but no fighting was ever fought. Although there was no fighting, Fort Knox guarded the US Embassy in New York City and the United States Capitol in Washington, DC.

Today, visitors can stroll through the grounds of the large fortress and learn about the troops who served in the 19th century to protect American interests. American soldiers, many of whom lived in large tents near the main entrance, and other military personnel from around the world.