FORT SOUTHWEST POINT

KINGSTON, TN

International Friendship Bell Oak Ridge, Tennessee

International Friendship Bell 
A Symbol of Peace to a Town Borne of War

At nearly seven feet tall and five feet wide, the 8,300-pound bronze bell symbolizes peace and reconciliation between the United States and Japan. The concept of the bell came about when Oak Ridge residents Dr. Ram Uppuluri and his wife, Shigeko visited Japan in 1987 After seeing the value of a bonshō bell hanging in Buddhist Gannyu-ji Temple, they launched "Project Peace Bell."

Designed in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 1991 by Suzanna Harris and cast in Kyoto, Japan, in 1993 by renowned Japanese bell-maker Sotetsu Iwasawa, the relief panels display peaceful images inspired by Tennessee, Japan, as well as tragedies of war between the two nations.

Recognizing the potential significance of the bell, $750,000 in donations was ultimately raised to design, fabricate, deliver, and install the bell, by citizens and foundations in communities in both Japan, and in Oak Ridge.

The bell was not without controversy when it was dedicated in 1996. There were concerns over potential noise from the bell, as well as some interpreting it as an apology for destroying Hiroshima.

Visitors are encouraged to ring the bell in times of celebration and remembrance

"The bell was built to honor the workers of the Manhattan Project, to commemorate the 50th birthday of Oak Ridge, and to become a symbol and everlasting monument for the peace. The bell is for everyone, the young and the old. I feel something very special about this town, the town borne of war living for peace and growing through science." - Shigeko Yoshino Uppulur
International Friendship Bell Credit: rocbolt

FORT SOUTHWEST POINT is a historic fort located in Kingston, Tennessee. It was built in 1792 by the United States government to protect the western frontier during the early years of the nation. The fort was built as a triangular earthwork and was situated at the confluence of the Clinch and Tennessee Rivers. The fort was designed to be a defensive position with two blockhouses, two interior barracks, and several outbuildings.

The fort was home to the 2nd Regiment of the United States Infantry. During its early years, the fort served as an important trading post for the region. It was also a stop for travelers and soldiers on their way to the frontier. It was also used as a staging area for the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814.

FORT SOUTHWEST POINT was abandoned in 1815 and most of the original structures were destroyed. It was later used as a Civil War encampment during the years of 1861-1862. In 1935, the fort was reconstructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and is now a popular tourist destination. The fort has been partially restored and is open to the public. It includes a museum and interpretive center, as well as a picnic area and nature trail. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an important part of Tennessee's history.

FORT SOUTHWEST POINT is a Historical Societies, Historic Preservation in KINGSTON TN. US MID #8404700076

The museum is classed as HSC (Historical Societies, Historic Preservation). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Southeastern (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia).

Contact FORT SOUTHWEST POINT

FORT SOUTHWEST POINT
1226 S KENTUCKY ST
KINGSTON
TN
37763

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Map of FORT SOUTHWEST POINT

FORT SOUTHWEST POINT Information

MID # 8404700076
Name FORT SOUTHWEST POINT
Alternate Name
Classification Historical Societies, Historic Preservation, , Southeastern
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
NTEECC
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM)
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 35.843649, -84.498536
CODES FIPS State Code: 47
FIPS County Code: 145
US Census Tract: 030202
US Census Block: 2011