Chickasaw Heritage Park

Scenic Location

Chickasaw Heritage Park is a 17-acre public park located in Memphis, Tennessee. Situated on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the park offers scenic views and a tranquil environment.

Ancient Native American History

The park has significant historical and cultural importance. It contains two Native American ceremonial mounds that were built by Paleo-Indians between 400-700 AD and 1000-1500 AD.

These mounds are believed to have been part of a larger prehistoric Mississippian Native American village.

Civil War Significance

During the Civil War, these mounds were repurposed and hollowed out for use as gun emplacements and munitions storage by Confederate forces.

Early European Exploration

The park is also thought to be near the location where Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto first viewed the Mississippi River in 1541.

Park History

In the early 1900s, the area was known as Jackson Mound or Jackson Mound Park. It was renamed by the Memphis Park Commission in 1913 to De Soto Park, before eventually becoming Chickasaw Heritage Park.

Community Setting

The park is located in what is known as the French Fort Community of Memphis. It provides a space for recreation and reflection, combining natural landscapes with elements of cultural heritage.