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Roper's Knob Tour

 October 25, 2008

On October 25, a group of approximately 45 intrepid STFB members and guests gathered to scale Roper’s Knob on a tour led by Tennessee State Archeologist Ben Nance.  Ben was the project supervisor for the archeological evaluation of the site, and also authored the 2001 report on the team’s findings.  

After a welcome by STFB Vice-president Chris Cuomo, we were off following a path cleared for us by the City of Franklin Parks Department on a tract recently transferred to the City by the Heritage Foundation.  We paused at a level area on the southeast side of the upper knob called the Platform and followed the flat Terrace, about 80 feet below the summit of the hill where it is likely that troops camped.  We then faced a challenging climb up the steep earthen Ramp which Federal troops used to haul heavy artillery up to the level of the redoubt.  At the summit, Ben described the redoubt, blockhouse and other features which were present on the site.  The commanding view of the countryside made it easy to understand why the site was useful as a signal station to Triune and Brentwood.  The tour concluded with a visit to the site of a stone house at the base of the hill which predated the fortifications and which likely was dismantled and its materials used in the construction.   

Thanks to Ben for leading an informative and enjoyable tour and for sharing his knowledge of Roper’s Knob with us.  We all left with a renewed interest and appreciation for the value of preserving this important site.

Click on the link below for a summary archaeology report on Roper's Knob by Ben Nance (See page 83)

Tour Photographs

Ben Nance, State Archaeologist describes features at the summit

Examining carvings in the stone outcroppings

Descending the Ramp