Among the damage at the David Crockett Birthplace State Park by Hurricane Helene was the destruction of a monument that stood almost 60 years.
The monument was surrounded by a circular shaped wall which included fifty stones from each state and was dedicated in August of 1967. It was the culmination of two years of work by the Limestone Ruritan Club and was unveiled at the 10th Annual Davy Crockett Celebration. The stones differ in type, color, lettering, and historical significance.
The raging waters of the Nolichuckey swept nearly every structure at the park, including the wall and center stone. Park rangers recovered over forty of the stones from thick mud left behind. Also damaged, but left standing, was the large limestone monument marking Davy Crockett’s birth. While damaged, it remained in place. The United States and Tennessee flags that were a part of the monument were found still on their pole, which was bent and covered with mud. Both flags were erected at the entrance sign the day following the flood.
The flood waters also washed away all the farmstead buildings, cabins, and playgrounds. The pavilion next to the former pool remained standing, as did a restroom building and adjacent pavilion, but they were severely damaged.
The two donkeys, Jenny and Jack, that were residents of the state park were evacuated from the farm and are safe.
Thank you to Maggie Gigandet for sharing photos she took during a 2023 visit to the park, and photos posted by the Tennessee Association of Park Rangers.
