As you near the cache you will see a mysterious and prehistoric
wall of loose rocks, from which Fort Mountain takes its name. No
one knows for sure how or when the wall was built.
Legends of a prehistoric white race have been handed down by
word of mouth among Cherokee Indians. Others stories refer to an
old legend of a Welsh Prince Madoc landing in the country in 1170,
and this being the northernmost encampment. Some archaeologist
believe the wall was an Indian defense against rival tribes.
The least accepted legend is that Ferdinand DeSoto and his
Spanish conquistadors built the wall for defense against the
Cherokees. But most people believe that they were not in the area
long enough to have accomplished the massive project.
The most humorous legend was probably begun by local wags who
considered this to be a honeymoon haven for Cherokee newlyweds, and
referred to the circular pits in the wall as "love nests."
Note: Cache was placed with the permission of park
management.
