Fort Jackson/War of 1812 Living History

On November 24, 1812, Maj General Andrew Jackson issued a call to arms , for the defence of New Orleans and the lower Mississippi. These men were ordered to provide themselves with hunting shirts of dark blue or brown, as well as rifles and a blanket.

Men who answered this call saw action in many battles, with both the hostile Indians and the British, from Callabee Creek and the bloody Horseshoe bend and finally on to meet the British at New Orleans.

In the spring of 1814, a fort was erected at the junction of the rivers, where the French Fort Toulouse had once stood. It was here that the remaining hostile Indians, such as William Weathorford, signed the "Treaty of Fort Jackson."

Today, a group of reenactors can show the public what life was like for these men. They portray the unit known as "Donelson's Rangers," who were also the lifeguard of General Jackson.

The group is dedicated to the recreation of the life of the militia soldier at garrison in 1814. They regularly participate in many events, including ones at Horseshoe Bend, and Chalmette National Battlefield, New Orleans. As well as that, there is a regular monthly muster, during which the unit depicts the clothing, weapons, and drill of the militia units of the time. It is the attention to small details that makes the program an outstanding one.

The public is always invited to visit. See the schedule below, and come see the life of the militia in the War of 1812.

2007 Events Schedule:
January
February
March
April 14-15 - French and Indian War Encampment
May
June
July
August
September
October
November 7-11 - Alabama Frontier Days
December 8 - Christmas on the Coosa

2008 Events Schedule:
January 5-6
February 2-3
March 1-2
April 5-6
May 3-4
June 7-8
July - Open
August - Open
September 6-7
October 4-5
November 5-8 - Alabama Frontier Days
December 13 - Christmas on the Coosa