Welcome to Johnsonville State Historic Park, a place where history echoes through the gentle rustle of leaves and the whispers of the past. Located in the serene environment of Waverly, Tennessee, this park is more than just a patch of greenery; it’s a living narrative of a pivotal moment in American history.
Back in 1864, amidst the turmoil of the Civil War, Johnsonville was a bustling Union supply depot. Steamboats chugged up the Tennessee River, laden with essential supplies—food, weapons, uniforms—for General William Tecumseh Sherman’s advancing army in Georgia. These supplies were transferred to the Nashville & Northwestern Military Railroad, a vital artery stretching 78 miles to Nashville, ensuring that the Union troops were well-equipped for their campaigns.
The site takes its name from Andrew Johnson, the Military Governor of Tennessee, and later, the 17th President of the United States. The park’s historical significance is anchored in the Battle of Johnsonville, which unfolded on November 4, 1864. Under the cloak of strategic brilliance and aided by local Confederate sympathizer Jack Hinson, General Nathan Bedford Forrest orchestrated a surprise attack on the Union depot. Despite fierce resistance from Union gunboats and soldiers, including the valiant 12th, 13th, and 100th United States Colored Troops, the battle ended in a Confederate victory.
The aftermath of this conflict saw the remnants of the depot evolve into a thriving town, which existed until the mid-20th century. The Tennessee Valley Authority’s creation of Kentucky Lake in the 1940s submerged much of Old Johnsonville, preserving its stories beneath the water’s tranquil surface. However, the legacy of Johnsonville endures through the park’s extensive interpretive signs, historical markers, and museum exhibits.
Visitors today can explore surviving Civil War fortifications, including the upper and lower redoubts of Fort Johnson, and wander along trails that reveal glimpses of the past. The Crocket Cemetery stands as a solemn reminder of those who once called Johnsonville home. You can also step inside reproduction soldiers’ huts, similar to those used by Union troops, offering a tangible connection to the lives of soldiers stationed here.
Beyond its historical canvas, Johnsonville State Historic Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 10 miles of trails, the park invites hikers and walkers to immerse themselves in its natural beauty. Birdwatchers, anglers, and picnickers also find joy in the park’s diverse recreational offerings.
Today, the park’s welcome center, opened in 2012, serves as a gateway to the past, featuring a museum and theater that delve into the details of the 1864 battle and the subsequent development of Old Johnsonville. The park rangers, through guided hikes and living history events, breathe life into these stories, ensuring that the echoes of the past resonate with every visitor.
As you explore Johnsonville State Historic Park, remember that you’re walking through a landscape where history was made—a place where the past and present intertwine to create a tapestry of stories waiting to be discovered.
