Visiting Alabama History
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

On the morning of 27 March 1814, General Andrew Jackson and an army of 3300 men consisting of Tennessee militia, United States regulars, and the Cherokee and Lower Creek allies attacked Chief Menawa and 1000 Upper Creek or Red Stick warriors fortified fortified in the "horseshoe bend" of the Tallapoosa River. The seal off the band of the river, the Upper Creeks built an incredibly strong 400 yard long barricades 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 barricades. 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 Indian war of 1813-1814 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 and 1828.

The park Visitor Center contains a 10 minute slide show and museum featuring artifacts of the battle and exhibits detail in the Creek war, the War of 1812, and Creek Indian history. Visitors to the park may also drive a 3 mile auto tour around and/or wall a 2.8 mile nature trail in order to be the horseshoe bend battlefield.

Each year, during the month of March, the park hosts a living history events designed to focus attention on the participants of the battle. Authentic Indian and military camps were set up on the battlefield behind the park visitors center. Contact the park for event information.

Facilities: Restrooms, drink machine, and water are available at the visitors center. A large picnic area with tables, pavilions, and grills is located across from the visitor center. The park maintains a boat ramp on the Tallapoosa River with a single picnic area as well. Data lodging can be found in the towns of Dadeville and Alexander City.

Camping: Camping is not allowed in the park; However, a public campground is located at Wind Creek State Park, telephone number 256329 -- 0845, about 25 miles more she Bend national military Park in the vicinity of Alexander City.

Fishing: Fishing from the banks of the Tallapoosa Rivers permitted only at the boat ramp area in Alabama fishing license is required and all state walls are in effect.

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