DISCOVERY OF HUMAN REMAINS HALTS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON FORGE DEVELOPMENT

According to state archaeologist Nick Fielder, human remains discovered in Sevier County on what is known as the "Jake Thomas property" may be part of a native American burial site.

Thursday's find has put a temporary halt to the multi-million dollar "Riverwalk" project, planned to include restaurants, hotels, retail, condominiums, and a Pigeon Forge Civic Center. The development is located along Teaster Lane, next to the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.

Artifacts and human remains were uncovered in one area of the 185 acre development area by an archaeologist working for Riverwalk's developer. The archaeological testing was a required part of the federal permitting process in order for Riverwalk to divert a stream.