Public Meeting for Fort Southwest Point State Historic Park Thursday March 12

Tennessee State Parks will hold an open house Thursday, March 12 seeking the public's input on the future of the new Fort Southwest Point State Historic Park.

The gathering will be in the large meeting room of the

The public may attend anytime from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (EDT).

The park site is currently operated by the City of Kingston and is open for use by the public, but it is transitioning into a state park.

The state is forming a Master Plan for the park and welcomes everyone to express their views on what they envision for it. The Master Plan establishes a comprehensive, long-term vision for the park, defining how the park's cultural, natural, and recreational resources will be protected, interpreted, and enhanced over time.

Further seeking comments about the park, Tennessee State Parks recently announced an online survey, which is open through March 31.

Fort Southwest Point was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 for its historical and archaeological significance. The park will provide insights into its history through a variety of interpretive programs.

Fort Southwest Point was constructed in 1797 by federal troops in what was then the "Southwest Territory" of the nation. The fort was used as a supply depot until it was abandoned in 1811. The location includes the archaeological record of pre-Contact Native Americans dating back to circa 8,000-6,000 B.C.