History is alive and well on the Coosa

Yesterday we took a drive to Wetumpka, AL and literally stepped back in time. History came alive with French Marines, English troops, Creek warriors, and US Army Regulars portrayed by living history units from across Alabama and the Eastern United States.

Ft. Toulouse

Situated at the head of the Alabama River system—at the juncture of the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers—Fort Toulouse (named for the Count de Toulouse, a son of King Louis XIV) in 1717 was planned to keep the local Indians neutral, if not loyal, to the French and contain the British in their southernmost Atlantic colonies. Unlike the usual frontier settlements, Fort Toulouse was both a diplomatic post, since its officers acted as resident ministers, and a military post. Because it was located in a friendly territory adjoining an area under a rival (British) influence, the post participated in psychological warfare rather than in blood-letting. It used trade and aid, and was familiar with spies and double-agents—welcoming and debriefing British defectors; no cannon was discharged in anger at Toulouse. The most eminent figure to have been connected directly with Fort Toulouse was General Andrew Jackson, who established a military post there during the War of 1812 after his victory over the Indians at Horseshoe Bend. The outpost was named Fort Jackson in his honor and played a key role in the treaty negotiations and eventual settlement of the Indian land by Americans.

Creek Encampent

Archaeological research at the beautiful park has revealed evidence of Native American presence dating back thousands of years. The point of land formed by the confluence of the rivers was the location of a large mound and fortified village during the Mississippian era (A.D. 900-A.D. 1500).

One of the many old trees that fill the park

Fort Toulouse-Jackson is also home to many natural wonders. William Bartram, a famed 18th century botanist and friend of Benjamin Franklin, visited the site in 1776 creating notes and drawings of the area’s flora and fauna.

Butterweed

Ft. Toulouse

Cannon at Ft. Toulouse

“Big Boom” – Cannon being fired

One of the doors to the residence at Ft. Toulouse

Closeup of iron work on door

Minister’s tent

Young girl making bread

Officer explaining the French fort work in Alabama

French reenactor

Hammered Dulcimer player

Hands at work

I was fascinated by his gaitors

Tree and Spanish Moss

Creek braves at their village

Cooking vessel at the Creek village. Lunch was corn stew with peppers and onions for flavoring.

Household goods at the Creek village

Creek encampment

Creek reenactor demonstrating twining a utility bag

Tree and Spanish Moss

Blacksmith at work

Reenactor weaving a cane basket

Trail towards Ft. Jackson

More of the trail towards Ft. Jackson

Even more of the trail to Ft. Jackson

Earthwork and wood palisade of Ft. Jackson

British sentry at Ft. Jackson

British signal cannon

Laundress at British encampment

Women received half ration for their duties as a laundress with the British military. They were also allowed to charge for their services.

Union Jack

British encampment

British regulars outside their tent

British officer getting ready for the day

Dried Thistle

Butterweed

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22 Apr This entry was published on April 22, 2012 at 1:37 pm. It’s filed under Alabama, Alabama Rivers, French and Indian War, Ft. Toulouse-Jackson, Historic Forts, Military History, Photography, southern living, War of 1812 and tagged Alabama, Coosa River, Creek, General Andrew Jackson, living history, native american, nature, outdoors, photography, plants, Tallapoosa River. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post.