Remembering what happened here

Exhibitors offer a glimpse of early American life during events at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

STORY BY ERIN CHESNUTT PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & CLIFF WILLIAMS

Experiencing history at the site of a historically significant event provides a unique opportunity to learn, firsthand, what historical figures experienced during events that shaped our country’s future.

The opportunity to visit such a protected historical site exists 12 miles north of Dadeville in Tallapoosa County, just upstream of Lake Martin. The Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is the site of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend on March 27, 1814. This battle led to the end of the Creek War and, eventually, the cessation most of the southeastern U.S.

It was here that General Andrew Jackson led an Army of Tennessee Militia, with members of the Creek and Cherokee tribes joining as allies. The Army consisted of 3,300 men.

Red Stick Creek warriors had fortified the bank of the Tallapoosa River. The Red Stick Creeks, led by Chief Menawa, built an 8-foot barricade to protect their community. The tribes were not in agreement about working with the settlers and giving up their land. Jackson attacked the fort and, with the help of allied Creek and Cherokee warriors, 800 of Menawa’s 1,000 warriors were killed during the battle.

Chief Menawa survived the attack. A treaty was signed at Fort Jackson, currently the area of Wetumpka, Alabama. The treaty resulted in the United States claiming 23 million acres of land. Jackson became a war hero and was promoted to Major General after the battle. Even though the Creek and Cherokee warriors helped Jackson win the battle, he decided to claim the land and move all of the native peoples out West. Many Native Americans perished during the trip, which is known as the “Trail of Tears.”

The land has seen many changes, and it could have been lost completely, but in 1920, when Alabama Power planned to flood the area for the dam, the utility was met with local opposition due to the historical significance of the site. The land was converted to farmland until 1959 when it became a national park. The 2,040-acre property opened to the public in 1964 to commemorate the battle and preserve the land for its history.

Today, visitors are invited to enjoy the property and learn more about the battle and the people who made their homes on the land in the 1800s. Visitors can walk through the grounds and take in the history with information panels to guide them along the way. Walking through the park lets them experience the terrain and sight advantage points that made the land so desirable to the Red Stick Creeks.

Cannon and other firepower demonstrations are part of many re-enactment events

Today, the battlefield is maintained as a commemorative military national park

The park is located at 11288 Horseshoe Bend Rd. in Daviston, Alabama, and admission is free. Guests are welcome to visit the property from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. There is a visitors’ center on the property to provide additional information and maps for a walking tour. The visitors’ center is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. An auditorium is located in the center, and a 22-minute informational film is available upon request for guests. Due to COVID-19, facemasks are required in all inside areas. A donation box is located at the center, and all donations are used for special events and to provide school outreach programs.

The park also offers two picnic locations. A covered shelter near the visitors’ center can be used on a firstcome, first-served basis. Picnic tables are available near the state Route 49 boat ramp at Miller Bridge. The boat ramp is open to the public and is used primarily by canoe and kayak enthusiasts that want to travel the river the way the Creek and Red Stick warriors did. Fishing is also permitted, and fishing boats are allowed to use the ramp to gain access to the river. As the water levels change from season to season, it is encouraged that visitors check the water level before entering.

Local schools visit the park for field trips and could schedule ranger-led tours. Living history demonstrations may be arranged with advanced notice. Large groups of any kind also are welcome. Large group tours can be scheduled for specific dates and times. Special events are held periodically and are listed on the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park page on the U.S. National Park Service website. A commemorative event for the battle is scheduled for Saturday, March 26, 2022.

Hiking and biking also are fun ways to explore the park. There is a 2.8-mile nature trail that takes hikers to the battlefield and near the Tohopeka Village where the Red Stick Creeks lived. Bikers can enjoy a 3-mile paved tour road. Exploring a national park is a great way to learn about the history of the region and nation. Plan a visit to explore another treasure in the state of Alabama.