Built just before the "Great Removal" of the Cherokee Indians this original blockhouse structure stands as a grim reminder of one of history's tragedy's. The Fort was originally built near McNair's Stand just north of the Conasauga River in South Polk County but today stands in Benton, the county seat. Above photo by Joyce G. Reece, circa 1975
TENNESSEE
LOCAL HISTORY NETWORK &
TENNESSEE
HISTORY & GENEALOGY PROJECT
present
POLK COUNTY,
TENNESSEE
"A
HIDDEN TREASURE"
In the Heart
of the last stronghold of the Amohee District of the
Cherokee
Indians
Polk County, Tennessee was formed in 1839 just after the "Great Removal". It was formed from Indian lands, part of McMinn and part of Bradley County. Much of today's Polk County property is owned by the National Forest Service's Cherokee National Forest.
Polk County lies in the extreme southeastern corner of the state. These communities lie in Polk County: Wetmore, Linsdale, Benton, Ocoee, Old Fort, Conasauga, Archville, Greasy Creek, Reliance, Springtown, Farner, Turtletown, Ducktown & Copperhill. Three rivers make their way through the county. On the south end the beautiful Conasauga River passes north from Georgia's Chattahoochie National Forest (also spelled Chattahoochee) to flow just a few miles through the county. The Conasauga is one of the few 'unencumbered' rivers remaining in the region. It flows south through Georgia's drainage system. The Ocoee River heads up in north Georgia in the Blue Ridge area to meander through the Appalachian Mountains to join with the Hiwassee. The Hiwassee River heads up east of the Ocoee watershed. The Hiwassee where Murphy, North Carolina now stands and west of the mountains in the section between the mountains and the mouth of the river was once the site of several Cherokee towns & villages and is now a scenic river providing many recreational opportunities. The Ocoee feeds into the Hiwassee near the Patty/Linsdale communitys which eventually feeds into the Tennessee River near Birchwood, TN. in Bradley County.
Many, many thanks to Paula Franklin who recently agreed to allow her files from the Polk AHGP site to be placed on this site. We are very grateful.
A collection of links to web sites we hope will be beneficial and educational.
A collection of web site links to Polk County researchers
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