Fort Mountain's Enigmatic Wall: Legends and Lore of an Ancient Mystery

Fort MountainPhoto byWikipedia

Nestled within the Cohutta Mountains, part of the southern Appalachian range, lies Fort Mountain. Its namesake, an 885-foot-long zigzagging stone wall, has mystified explorers and fueled countless legends for centuries. Built of local stones, the wall, up to 12 feet thick and 7 feet high, features scattered pits, cairns, stone rings, and what appears to be a ruined gateway. Its estimated construction date ranges from 400-500 AD, although some sources claim it remains undetermined.

Theories and Legends

The wall's origins have been debated for years. Early theories attributed it to Hernando de Soto's expedition, but this was later refuted due to his short time in the region.

Cherokee legends tell of the "Moon-Eyed People," pale-skinned, light-eyed individuals with poor daytime vision but excellent night sight. They supposedly inhabited the area before the Cherokee arrived and were driven out in the late 1700s. According to these legends, the Moon-Eyed People built the wall, perhaps even a temple within, housing a giant stone snake with ruby eyes. Were they descendants of Welsh prince Madoc, who, fleeing civil war, sailed to America in 1170? Some believe so, pointing to the wall's resemblance to fortifications in Wales and other stone structures attributed to Madoc's colonists.

The Moon-Eyed People and Madoc

Accounts of the Moon-Eyed People appear in various historical records, and some, including former Tennessee governor John Sevier, believed they were Welsh. Sevier claimed that a Cherokee leader told him the mounds in the region were built by white people, later confirmed to be Welsh, who were ousted by the Cherokee.

Purpose and Paranormal Activity

The wall's purpose remains unclear. Its low height and lack of a water source suggest a ceremonial rather than defensive function.

Today, Fort Mountain State Park, home to this enigmatic wall, attracts visitors with its scenic beauty and air of mystery. Some claim to hear phantom drums, see flickering lights, and even encounter figures in bearskins near the wall, adding a layer of paranormal intrigue to this ancient puzzle.

Conclusion

Whether built by Moon-Eyed People, Welsh colonists, or another unknown group, Fort Mountain's wall continues to inspire wonder and speculation. Its true origins remain shrouded in the mists of time, leaving us to ponder the identity of its builders and the purpose of their enduring creation.

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