November 2020. While visiting in Alabama, we decided to take in a few of the local historical sites. One such excursion was to Fort Toulouse and Fort Jackson in Wetumpka, AL.
In 1717, the French were invited by the Alabama Indians to garrison and built Fort Toulouse. The fort was manned by French Marines and established friendly trade and relations with the surrounding Creek Indian Confederacy. The French prospered at Fort Toulouse until losing it--and all of French Louisiana--at the end of the French and Indian War in 1763.
In April 1814, General Andrew Jackson and his army arrived at the site following his victory over the Red Stick Creeks at Horseshoe Bend. The American forces built Fort Jackson on the same ground as the French had built Fort Toulouse many years prior. It was here that the Creek War officially ended on August 9, 1814, with the signing of the Fort Jackson Treaty and the ceding of 20 million acres of land to the United States by the Creek Nation.
Fort Toulouse - Fort Jackson Park
Located in Elmore County, AL, one mile south of Wetumpka and two miles west of US Hwy 231.
2521 W. Fort Toulouse Rd.
Wetumpka, AL 36093
Ph: 334.567.3002
Web: ahc.alabama.gov
Park grounds open 8am-5pm daily
Visitor Center open 9am-4pm, Monday-Saturday
Admission:
Adults: $2.00
Age 6-18: $1.00
5 & under: FREE