Johnsonville State Historic Park

Johnsonville State Historic Park is a 1,075-acre site along Kentucky Lake with preserved military fortifications and walking trails that lead through historically significant areas. The visitor center explains what happened here and how the land was used during wartime.

The site functioned as a major Union supply base until Confederate forces attacked it in 1864 under Nathan Bedford Forrest. This attack marked a turning point in the military control of the area.

The park honors the African-American soldiers and families who lived here during the war and shaped this place. You can visit a cemetery that still speaks to their role and presence.

The park has three clearly marked hiking trails that explore different parts of the site and its fortifications. Bring sturdy shoes and water since the paths can be muddy or uneven depending on recent weather.

The original town of Johnsonville now rests underwater beneath Kentucky Lake after the Tennessee Valley Authority flooded the valley in the 1940s. This submerged past gives the current park a poignant connection to a place that no longer exists above ground.

Location: Tennessee

Inception: 1971

Website: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/johnsonville

GPS coordinates: 36.06160,-87.96650

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:04