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Greenback, Tennessee: Junior Banks' Fortress of Faith

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Address:
Lee Shirley Rd, Greenback, TN
Directions:
US Hwy 411 either one mile south of the stoplight for Hwy 95, or 3.5 miles north of the bridge across the Little Tennessee River. Turn east onto Trigonia Rd (no stoplight). Drive three-quarters of a mile. Turn left onto Lee Shirley Rd. Drive a quarter-mile. As you crest a hill, turn right onto a little driveway-size gravel road. The castle is at the road's end.
Hours:
Junior is often there 8:30-11:30, 3-dusk. Closed when he's not around. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Admission:
Free, but bring some cash for the donation box.
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

Junior Banks' Fortress of Faith.

Junior Banks' Fortress of Faith

An incomplete castle hand-built by one man, and later blessed by the Lord. Themed rooms include a throne room and dungeon.

Roadsideamerica.com Report... [11/13/2016]
Greenback, Tennessee - Junior Banks for President
Junior Banks' Fortress of Faith: We were surprised to see that Junior Banks was a write-in candidate for U.S. President in 2008 as "Castleman" Banks. [11/07/2016] Complete Story...

Visitor Tips and News About Junior Banks' Fortress of Faith

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Junior Banks Faith Castle

We made the drive out to see this place on 4/19/2020. I guess due to Covid-19 it has signs posted that it's closed. The signs should be posted at the beginning of the road so you don't get stuck on a little road looking for somewhere to turn around.

[Bri Fairbank, 04/27/2020]

Junior, despite his name, is an older gentleman, so he's probably sheltering-in-castle for his health.

Junior Banks' Fortress of Faith.

Junior Banks' Fortress of Faith

Very kind man, told us some history. Insisted we take a picture together. The fact one man has built this huge castle on his own based on his drive to please Jesus is pretty amazing. He's looking for help to keep building.

[Cozysocks, 07/17/2019]

Junior Banks.

Junior Banks' Fortress of Faith

The castle itself is amazing and quite an accomplishment for one man. As I was leaving Junior Banks himself showed up and gave me a full tour. Junior is, shockingly, not that interested in talking about all the work he has put into the castle. Junior believes that God has "taken over" the castle, and his tour focuses on the divine images that appear in the patterns of the concrete and plaster. He showed me Moses, The White Horseman, and many others. He even believes that demons are trying to sneak into the fortress, as demonic faces have appeared in the floor and walls. He told me that Roadside America says he has a room full of demons!

[Jacob Krejci, 05/23/2015]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Rock City BarnRock City Barn, Maryville, TN - 6 mi.
The Bone Yard FamilyThe Bone Yard Family, Loudon, TN - 10 mi.
Goonysaurus at Sir Goony's GolfGoonysaurus at Sir Goony's Golf, Farragut, TN - 19 mi.
In the region:
Mysterious Synchronous Fireflies, Elkmont, TN - 33 mi.

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