Georgia
State Pride|History

The Mysterious Wall In Georgia That Still Baffles Archaeologists To This Day

Fort Mountain State Park in Georgia features a mysterious ancient wall and offers great recreational opportunities.

Published Aug 3, 2022

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

In the modern world, it can sometimes feel like there are no mysteries left. After all, we have basically all the knowledge known to man available in our pockets at any time, so what's left to discover? However, there are still some unknowns out there, and a few of them are right here in the Peach State! One of the most baffling archaeological finds in Georgia is at the beautiful Fort Mountain State Park. This park offers great opportunities for recreation and is also home to a mysterious wall whose history is largely unknown.

Fort Mountain State Park spans approximately 4,000 acres between Chatsworth and Ellijay. The park is named after the massive wall here, though it's admittedly more of a marker than a fort.

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Mike Knight/Google Maps

The ancient wall is located atop the mountain and measures an impressive 885 feet in length. It was made using rocks from the nearby area, but little else is known with certainty about this mysterious structure.

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Some archaeologists theorize it was made by local Native Americans around AD 500 and served in religious rituals.

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There are plenty of rumors surrounding the wall, including that it was once a fort for Hernando de Soto's conquistadors.

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Gyan Ranjan/Google Maps

Others believe it was built by the moon-eyed people that feature prominently in Cherokee folktales. The moon-eyed people's actual existence is a hotly-debated topic, but they are said to be short people who lived in the Appalachian Mountains until they were defeated by the Cherokee.

The purpose served by the wall and its actual age may be in question, but one thing's for sure: this is an amazingly beautiful park.

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Vincent Jenks/Google Maps

You'll find miles of trails to explore here, including hikes that follow alongside the wall as it meanders through the park.

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Between this place's natural beauty and archaeological mystery, this is one state park in Georgia that definitely belongs on your bucket list!

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You can learn more about Fort Mountain State Park from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

What are your thoughts on this archaeological find in Georgia? Share your opinions in the comments!

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State Pride|History

We Bet You Didn’t Know That Georgia Was Home To One Of The Oldest State Parks In America

Indian Springs State Park in Georgia is considered the oldest state park in the nation and features a historic natural spring with reputed healing properties.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

Georgia might not have a lot of unique claims to fame, but when it comes to history, this state has a lot of pull. For instance, you might not have known this, but Georgia is said to have the oldest state park in the nation. Indian Springs State Park, one of the oldest state parks in the US, is located in Flovilla is a tiny state park that you might not have known to exist. But this small gem boasts some significant history, including a natural spring that is said to have healing properties.

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What you might not know about Indian Springs State Park in Georgia is that besides being a spectacular place to visit with friends and family, this state park is also thought to be the oldest state park in the nation.

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While some historians or other state residents might disagree, it's at least one of the nation's oldest state parks. Let’s discuss some of the facts.

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Indian Springs State Park was acquired by the state in 1825 and officially became a “State Forest Park” in 1927.

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However, the history of this state park in Georgia dates back centuries - as Creek Indians used the springs within the park to heal the sick within their tribe.

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As expected from the natural spring, this area was also a bustling resort town through the 1800s, drawing in visitors for the beautiful bouts of nature and the freshwater spring.

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Today, visitors are still able to sample the artesian spring water flowing from the Spring House in case they’re looking for their own healing qualities and homeopathic care.

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Besides the historic natural spring, Indian Springs State Park also has a bevy of outdoor activities to enjoy from camping and hiking to special internal events, and beyond.

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Even just wading in Sandy Creek on a warm day or walking the nature trails throughout is sure to give you some peace of mind.

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So the next time you’re looking for a dose of history smack dab in the middle of nature head on over to one of the oldest state parks in the nation - Indian Springs.

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Head to Google Maps to find out where Indian Springs State Park is in Georgia.

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Google Maps

Have you ever been to Indian Springs State Park, one of the most historic Georgia State Parks? Did you know it's one of the oldest state parks in the US? Let us know! Or if you're looking for more information about this state park, including current hours of operation and fees for entry, visit the Indian Springs State Park website or Facebook page.

Are you planning on hiking through any of our state parks this year? Make sure you check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List and download the AllTrails+ app before you hit the trails!

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State Pride|History

Few People Know The Real Reason The Olde Pink House In Georgia Is Painted Pink

The Olde Pink House in Savannah, Georgia, is famous for its unique pink color caused by red brick bleeding through white plaster.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

Situated on 23 Abercorn Street in Savannah, Georgia sits one of the most coveted restaurants in the state - The Olde Pink House. People will travel from all over to dine at this beloved Savannah staple, many walking away saying it was the best meal of their lives. And while many Georgians know the name of the house, many might not know the reason behind the famed color. Believe it or not, there is a reason behind why The Olde Pink House is pink in color and it’s not just because of a choice in paint.

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Have you ever wondered why is the Olde Pink House pink? The story begins back in the 1700s when a man named James Habersham Jr. began constructing the most elaborate mansion in Savannah, Georgia.

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James experienced a few minor mishaps during the construction of this building, as well as an unusual setback.

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The mansion’s primary structure was made of red brick, which then was covered in entirety by white plaster.

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Whether it was either the brick quality that was lacking or the plaster job that was done haphazardly, nobody knows.

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However, the red brick began bleeding through the white plaster, turning the mansion an unusual shade of pink!

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Habersham became self-conscious about the color and thought he would be the laughing stock of the neighborhood, so he decided to cover the building with white paint whenever the pink color came through.

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Yet, over the years the decedents of Habersham became annoyed with having to paint the house so often.

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Eventually in the 1920s, a woman who wanted to open a tea room purchased the mansion and decided to accept the color for what it was, and even went so far as to paint the whole building pink.

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As it stands today, the pink color of The Olde Pink House is one of the most notable characteristics of one of the most historic houses in Georgia. We can’t imagine it any other way.

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Flickr Ron Cogswell

Did you know the reason why The Olde Pink House is pink in color? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! Or if you have any more tidbits of information regarding this beloved restaurant in Savannah, then make sure to let us know. To find out more about The Olde Pink House, visit the official website.

Would you like to explore the historic side of Savannah, Georgia? Embark on the Narrated Historic Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tour by booking your spot on Viator.

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