TENNESSEE’S NEWEST STATE PARK DEDICATED IN ROANE COUNTY

Kingston, TN – Tennessee has a new State Historic Park to explore, and it’s right here in Roane County.

A special dedication ceremony was held in Kingston at the newly designated Fort Southwest Point State Historic Park. The ceremony officially marked the transfer of the historic site to the State of Tennessee. State Senator Ken Yager hosted the event, with several state and local dignitaries taking part in the official dedication.

Many speakers addressed the crowd during the ceremony. Among them was Tennessee State Parks Director Chris Padgett, who announced that Fort Southwest Point becomes the 66th Tennessee State Park. Padgett said he looks forward to the opportunities the park will bring to both the Tennessee State Park system and visitors from across the region.

The new Fort Southwest Point State Historic Park will be managed by Hannah Paschall (pronounced Paskel), who now resides in Rockwood. She said she is excited to oversee the park and share the rich history of this special place with visitors.

Kingston Mayor Tim Neal spoke with us following the dedication ceremony and unveiling of the new state park sign. He discussed the importance of the State of Tennessee assuming management of Fort Southwest Point and how the designation as a state park will benefit Kingston, Roane County, and the surrounding area.

Roane County Mayor Wade Creswell also shared his thoughts during Wednesday’s dedication ceremony, highlighting the importance of preserving the historic site for future generations.

Located in Kingston, Fort Southwest Point State Historic Park preserves a lesser-known story from Tennessee’s earliest days. Built in 1797, the fort served as a federal military post along the boundary between United States and Cherokee lands. Rather than being remembered for a battlefield, the site tells the story of diplomacy, westward expansion, and the people who helped shape this region.

The site has been preserved and shared with the public for decades through the efforts of the City of Kingston and Kingston Parks and Recreation, with support from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, The Roane Alliance, the Roane County Heritage Commission, the Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and Roane Tourism.

Today, visitors can explore the reconstructed fort, museum exhibits, scenic views of Watts Bar Lake, fishing, disc golf, picnic areas, open green space, and a paved shoreline walking trail.

Fort Southwest Point State Historic Park is located at 1226 South Kentucky Street in Kingston.

Nearly 200 people attended Wednesday’s dedication ceremony and the unveiling of the new Fort Southwest Point State Historic Park sign.

We’ll have much more coverage of this historic event, including additional interviews and soundbites from those in attendance, on Friday’s newscast.