Fort Loudon was built during the French and Indian War in hopes that it would act as a bridge between the people of South Carolina and the Cherokee. Now, the fort is a state park and historic site that offers plenty of amenities to the people that visit the park throughout the year and it is also a place of living history where people from all over the country can come and learn about the French and Indian War and that time period in history.
Fort Loudon was built by the British Colony of South Carolina in 1756. It was named for the Earl of Loudon and the people of South Carolina hoped that it would strengthen the ties between the Cherokee people and South Carolina during the French and Indian War. Though that bond was beneficial to begin with the talks with the Cherokee broke down and on August 7, 1760, the fort fell. The Cherokee razed the area to the ground and the site was forgotten for years. In fact it was not until 1917 that a memorial marker was established in the place that was once the site of Fort Loudon.
In modern times, you can visit a Fort Loudon that has been rebuilt to what it might have been like in its heyday. You get to experience the time period and through living history you get to talk to the people that worked the fort. The reenactors and volunteers make this an amazing visit for people of all ages. They not only appear in the clothes that the people of the 18th century would have worn but they are conversant on the topic so f the day, showing crafts and skills that the people of the garrison and the communities around the fort would have possessed. If you are really interested in that time period then you might want to plan your visit to the historic site for one of the Garrison Weekends that they have throughout the year. On those weekends, they have crafters and vendors come in with 18th century materials and they also have a mock battle between the British from the fort and the French and Indians that would raid the fort sometimes on a daily basis.
Of course, this is also a state park so there is plenty to do here besides learn about the fort. You can also play in the beautiful countryside that is East Tennessee. Most of the Fort Loudon State Park is located on an island in Tellico Lake. A boat dock, picnic areas and trails are only a few things that you will find to do. The access to Tellico lake is one of the highlights and the fishing could not be better. They even have a fishing pier that is fully handicapped accessible.
Get out in the open, spend some time outdoors. Bring the kids to the fort and let them learn about history in a whole new way. Explore the fort, do some hiking and get closer to history. Experience Fort Loudon Historic State Park.