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.

2010 Events Schedule for Capt. Bast's Ranging Co.
Januar 7-9 - Chalmette, LA Battle of New Orleans
February 6-7 - Fort Jackson, AL, Demo Camp
March 5-7 - Fort Gaines, AL, Demo Camp
March 11-13 - Claiborne L&D River Museum Festival
March 26-28 - Horseshoe Bend Battle Anniversary
April 10-11 - Fort Jackson, AL, Demo Camp
April 17-18 - French and Indian War Encampment
May 1-2 - Fort Jackson, AL, Demo Camp
June 5-6 - Fort Jackson, AL, Demo Camp
July - Open
August 21 - Horseshoe Bend School of the Soldier
September 4-5 - Fort Jackson, AL, Demo Camp
October 2-3 - Fort Jackson, AL, Demo Camp
November 3-7 - Alabama Frontier Days
December 11-12 - Forts Toulouse/Jackson, AL,Christmas on the Coosa/Christmas Party

Changes in dates, locations and events may occur during the year.