Legends of Fort Mountain, Georgia
Nestled within the picturesque Cohutta Mountains, a modest range forming the southern terminus of the Appalachian chain, lies Legends of Fort Mountain, Georgia. The mountain’s name itself is derived from the enigmatic stone formation that crowns its peak, a testament to a past shrouded in mystery and speculation. This ancient structure, a zigzagging rock wall stretching an impressive 885 feet, presents a compelling puzzle that has captivated historians, archaeologists, and curious minds for generations.
The wall is constructed from stones sourced locally from the mountain’s summit. Its dimensions are noteworthy, reaching up to 12 feet in thickness and, in certain sections, attaining a height of seven feet. More typically, however, the wall stands at a more modest two to three feet. Scattered across its length are intriguing features: 29 pits, cairns, small cylinders, stone rings, and the crumbling remnants of what appears to have been a gateway. The age of this construction remains a subject of debate. While some sources suggest a construction period around 400-500 AD, others maintain that a definitive dating has yet to be established. This ambiguity only adds to the allure and mystery surrounding Legends of Fort Mountain, Georgia.
The question of who built this impressive wall has spurred numerous theories, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Legends of Fort Mountain, Georgia. Early visitors, struck by the formation’s imposing presence, dubbed it a "fort," speculating that it was erected by the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto around 1540 as a defensive measure against the Creek Indians. However, this theory was quickly challenged. As early as 1917, historians pointed out the brevity of de Soto’s presence in the area, lasting less than two weeks, making the construction of such a significant structure within that timeframe highly improbable.
Other, more fantastical legends attribute the wall’s construction to two distinct groups: the Moon-eyed people, as described in Cherokee lore, and a Welsh prince who supposedly journeyed to America in 1170.
According to Cherokee tradition, the Moon-eyed people inhabited the lower Appalachian region before the arrival of the Cherokee in the late 1700s. Their moniker, "moon-eyed," stemmed from their purported sensitivity to daylight and enhanced night vision. Physically, they were described as being of short stature, with bearded men, light eyes, and pale, white skin. Some early historians even speculated that they might have been albinos, possibly ancestors of the Kuna people of Panama, who exhibit a higher incidence of albinism. The Cherokee, who eventually displaced the Moon-eyed people, claimed that these enigmatic individuals were responsible for building the ancient structures found in the region. One legend speaks of a temple that once stood within the fortification, housing a giant stone snake with ruby eyes, adding a layer of mythical grandeur to the tale of Legends of Fort Mountain, Georgia.
The first written mention of the Moon-eyed people appears in a 1797 book by Benjamin Smith Barton. Subsequent accounts corroborate their existence, such as the 1823 book, "The Natural and Aboriginal History of Tennessee," which recounts the story of a band of white people who were either killed or driven out of Kentucky and West Tennessee.
But who were these mysterious Moon-eyed people? One intriguing theory posits a Welsh connection, centered around the story of Prince Madoc (or Madog) ab Owain Gwynedd. After the death of his father, which triggered a bloody civil war among his seven sons vying for control of the land, Madoc chose to avoid the bloodshed. In 1170, he set sail with his brother Rhirid and a small band of followers, ultimately landing somewhere near Mobile Bay, Alabama.
According to the legend, Madoc later returned to Wales to recruit more colonists, leading ten ships back to America to establish a permanent settlement. After their departure, they were never heard from again in Wales. Some believe that these Welsh colonists were the builders of the Fort Mountain wall. Furthermore, the legend suggests that the Fort Mountain stonework wasn’t their only creation. A similar fortification near DeSoto Falls, Alabama, is attributed to them, said to bear a striking resemblance in setting, layout, and construction method to Dolwyddelan Castle in Wales, Madoc’s birthplace. Minor fortifications in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area are also sometimes linked to these Welsh settlers. These stories contribute greatly to the Legends of Fort Mountain, Georgia.
In an 1810 letter, former Tennessee governor John Sevier recounted a conversation he had in 1783 with the Cherokee leader Oconostota. Oconostota told him that local mounds had been built by white people who were driven out of the area by the Cherokee. According to Sevier, Oconostota confirmed that these were Welsh people who had crossed the ocean. Madoc’s voyages, first documented in print around 1584, had been passed down through Welsh songs and stories since the 12th century.
Could the Moon-eyed people have been descendants of Madoc’s lost colonists? The connection remains speculative, yet tantalizing. The mystery surrounding Legends of Fort Mountain, Georgia continues to deepen.
Over countless generations, explorers, archaeologists, geologists, and historians have grappled with the identity of the unknown builders and the purpose of their remarkable creation. Some argue that the wall served a ceremonial function, citing its relatively low height and the absence of a readily available water source within its confines as evidence against a purely defensive purpose. The true answer to the puzzle of Legends of Fort Mountain, Georgia remains elusive.
However, the lack of definitive answers has only fueled the imagination, giving rise to contemporary legends. Some claim to have heard the distant echo of drums, seen flickering lights dancing along the collapsed wall, and even witnessed the spectral figures of men clad in bearskins.
Today, this enigmatic peak is part of Fort Mountain State Park, a destination celebrated for its unique natural beauty. The park boasts a diverse landscape, featuring a blend of hardwood and pine forests, as well as abundant blueberry thickets. A 17-acre mountain lake adds to the park’s scenic allure.
Located just seven miles east of Chatsworth, Georgia, off GA 52, Fort Mountain State Park invites visitors to explore its trails, soak in its breathtaking views, and ponder the mysteries that lie hidden within the ancient stones of Legends of Fort Mountain, Georgia. The echoes of the past resonate within this unique landscape, leaving an enduring sense of wonder and intrigue.