Standing Stone Historical Society located in Monterey, TN, is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving the Native Cherokee heritage through the planning of the annual Standing Stone Day celebration centered around the community’s historic and iconic Standing Stone Monument.
Standing Stone Monument is the pedestal on top of which is the only remaining piece of the dog-shaped monolith carved by the members of the Cherokee Nation dating to prehistoric times. The lighthouse-shaped monument bearing the stone was built in 1895 by Narragansett Tribe No. 25 and was the focal point of the first-ever Standing Stone Day that same year, in which 3,000 residents, visitors, citizens and dignitaries came to dedicate the monument and cement the Native Cherokee heritage from which Monterey was born.
Over the years, the history of the Standing Stone Monument, what it meant and where it came from was lost. In 1979, Dr. Opless Walker discovered the history behind the mysterious stone monument and worked with Attorney Dale Bohannon to have the second Thursday in October declared as Monterey’s very own holiday, Standing Stone Day. Since then, festivities have been planned and held annually by the Standing Stone Historical Society and the holiday is set to be observed on the second Saturday in October; a day Monterey cherishes, embraces and celebrates its unique Cherokee Nation heritage.
For updates and festivity information, visit and like the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StandingStoneDay.
For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Standing Stone Historical Society directly.
