The natural rock shelters located in Horse Pens 40 have seen over 15,000 years of human habitation . The park contains ancient Native American burial grounds dating from the earliest inhabitants of this area , all the way up to the time of the Cherokee removal known as the " Trail of Tears " . The Creek and Cherokee tribes at various times used the natural rock formations to trap and corral horses , as a natural fortress in times of war , and as a sheltered village area in times of peace . The site played host to the only peace treaty ever signed between the Creek and Cherokee tribes
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Horse Pens 40