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Horseshoe Bend National Military ParkTheme(s): Native American | |
Description:
On the morning of 27 March 1814, General Andrew Jackson and an army of 3,300 men consisting of Tennessee militia, United States regulars and both Cherokee and Lower Creek allies attacked Chief Menawa and 1,000 Upper Creek or Red Stick warriors fortified in the "horseshoe" bend of the Tallapoosa River. To seal off the bend of the river, the Upper Creeks built an incredibly strong 400 yard long barricade made of dirt and logs. As the Cherokee and Lower Creek warriors swam the Tallapoosa and attacked from the rear, Jackson launched the militia and regular soldiers against the barricade. Facing overwhelming odds, the Red Sticks fought bravely yet ultimately lost the battle. Over 800 Upper Creeks died at Horseshoe Bend defending their homeland. This was the final battle of the Creek War of 1813-14, which is considered part of the War of 1812. In a peace treaty signed after the battle, both the Upper and Lower Creeks were forced to give the United States nearly 20 million acres of land in what is today Alabama and Georgia. The victory here brought Andrew Jackson national attention and helped him to be elected the seventh President of the United States in 1828. This 2,040-acre park preserves the site of the battle.
Designations:
National Military Park (August 11, 1959)
National Register of Historic Places (1976)
Accessibility:
The Visitor Center, exhibits, picnic areas and restrooms are all accesible. The nature trail is 2.8 miles long with hills and valleys. It is not completely accesible to wheelchairs.
Getting Around:
Personal vehicles, bicycles and tour buses are used along the 3 mile tour road. The nature trail is 2.8 miles long with hills and valleys. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes if you decide to walk the trail.
Activites:
Auto_Touring | Biking | Boating | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Wildlife Viewing | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Picnic Areas | Museum Exhibits | And more.
Directions to Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
Plane:
The nearest commerical airports are located in Montgomery, AL (65 miles), Birmingham, AL (85 miles) or Atlanta, GA (110 miles).
Car:
The park is located in east central Alabama, on State Highway 49, 12 miles north of the town of Dadeville, between the towns of Dadeville and New Site. Signs along U.S. Highway 280 and State Road 22 direct motorist to the park.
Public Transportation
The park is accessible only by personal vehicle or tour buses via state roads.
Attractions:
Wind Creek State Park
Phone:(256) 329-0845
Cheaha State Park
Nearby Parks:
Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site in Alabama (45 miles)
Tuskegee Airman National Historic Site in Alabama (45 miles)
Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama (45 miles)
Russell Cave National Monument in Alabama (45 miles)
Little River Canyon National Preserve in Alabama (45 miles)
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Alabama Road Maps (AL Maps)
Alabama Photos