Ft. Dickerson is one of the earthen Civil War (Union) forts still remaining in Knoxville, TN. It overlooked the city, was intended to defend Knoxville from Confederate forces holed up near the river, and did repulse the Confederate Cavalry forces of General Joseph Wheeler in November 1863.

That said, it's also the beginning of a romance. . .

A good friend of mine decided to take me on a Civil War tour around Knoxville. He's a huge Civil War fan and I didn't know much about it--my historical interest lying on the other side of the ocean. I was new to Knoxville and he thought it would be a good way to introduce me to both the city and it's history.

We spent a wonderful day following the path the Confederates traveled, visiting their headquarters at Bleak House and finishing the day here, at Ft. Dickerson.

Six months later that friend and I were married and I've considered this site to be the beginning of our romance ever since.

(This photo is of one of the cannons on the rampart of the fort, and was taken 27 July 2003.)

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