in 1782, wear established a stockade, which was called "wears fort," at the entrance to a cove situated in present day pigeon forge, at the confluence of walden creek and the little pigeon river (what is now pigeon forge city park). this is along the cherokee footpath known as the "indian gap trail," which passed through the valley en route to its junction with the great indian warpath. wear's fort was erected to protect the early settlers in that vicinity from indian attacks; but its location along the trail made it a popular target for small bands of cherokee warriors.