Nestled at the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers 15 miles north of Montgomery and just south of Wetumpka, Alabama, Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site has been a part of over 6000 years of history. The 165-acre park, operated by the Alabama Historical Commission, is open year-round for the public's enjoyment where you can step back in time, wandering through the French and American forts or walking to the Mississippian Mound site. You may choose to visit the William Bartram Nature Trail, named for the famed 18th century botanist. The trail winds through the southern edge of the park to the Tallapoosa River. Browse the bookstore and museum in the Graves House, with archaeological collections featuring French colonial, early American and prehistoric Indian items. The Park also boasts of a 39-site campground overlooking the Coosa River. Almost every month includes a weekend of living history by the French Marines at Fort Toulouse along with a weekend of living history by the Tennessee Militia and the U.S. Army Regulars at Fort Jackson. One weekend a month is also set aside for historic black-smithing. There are special events throughout the year such as Frontier Days in the Fall and the French and Indian Encampment in the Spring.

What you will find at Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson State Historic Site:

• The French fort, Fort Toulouse, a re-creation of the last or 3rd French fort built between 1749 and 1751, and is a National Historic Landmark.
• The American fort, Fort Jackson, built on the site of the original fort in 1814.
• Visitor Center: The Graves House, a Carolina Tidewater Cottage built between 1825 and 1830 in Lowndes County, Alabama, which serves as the site's visitor center and museum. Books and souvenirs may be purchased and site artifacts may be viewed at the visitor center.
• Mississippian Mound.
• William Bartram Nature Trail: A boardwalk which meanders through wildflower fields, bogs and forests from the visitor's center to the fort and down to a river overlook. Shrubs and flowers are identified and picturesque ravine bridges and study glades are situated at intervals. The arboretum, also designed for the enjoyment of the elderly and handicapped, was begun in cooperation with the Garden Club of Alabama, Inc., and is named in honor of the 18th century naturalist, William Bartram.
• Boat launch on the Tallapoosa River: Available for boating, water sports and fishing on the surrounding rivers and backwater which abound in catfish, bream, bass, crappie and an assortment of other fish.
• Picnic pavilion and open picnic areas, 14 tables and grills.
• Campground: A 39 site RV campground with select sites for group camping overlooks the Coosa River. Each site includes electric and water hook up, a grill, and a picnic table. There is a centrally located shower and bath house and a refuse facility at the campground entrance. Group Tent sites available by reservation.

"Ft. Toulouse/Ft. Jackson" - WSFA 12, July 15, 2005

"Fort Toulouse Living History" - Prime Time Magazine

"Visitors Center Plans Applauded" - Montgomery Advertiser, 8-3-02

"Fort Toulouse Keeps History Alive" - Montgomery Advertiser