The Legend of Fort Mountain - Part III

Posted by Leslie Horacek (Brussels, Belgium) on 23 October 2004 in Landscape & Rural.

The final chapter....

Some of the old Cherokee tales relate that the wall was built by the white “moon-eyed people.” Some historians accept this legend in their belief that the “moon-eyes” were sun-worshippers and constructed the wall for ceremonial purpose. They cite the fact that the wall extends from east to west with a precipice at each end to give an unobstructed view of the rising sun and the setting sun. Also, when the Cherokees finally attacked, the “moon-eyes” used the wall for their futile last-ditch defense.

On the other hand, some archaeologists believe the wall was built by the Cherokees for defense against rival Creek Indians invading from the south. Least accepted of all is the legend that Ferdinand DeSoto and his 200 Spanish conquistadors built the wall for defense against the Cherokees in searching for gold in the year 1540. It is historical fact that the Spaniards were in the area less than two weeks. They could not have built the massive wall in that length of time, archaeologists contend. The romantic story about a honeymoon haven for Cherokee newlyweds is believed to have been started by local wags that referred to circular pits in the wall as “love nests.”

~Georgia Department of State Parks~