Horsehoe Bend NMP Homepage

Horseshoe Bend
National Military Park

On March 27, 1814 General Andrew Jackson with troops from the 39th US Infantry and the Tennessee Militia, aided by Lower Creek and Cherokee Indian allies, defeated Chief Menawa and the Upper or Red Stick Creeks. The Red Sticks fought behind a large wooden barricade they had built across a peninsula formed by the "horseshoe" shaped bend of the Tallapoosa River. This was the final battle of the Creek War of 1813-14 and was part of the larger, War of 1812. It resulted in the largest loss of life by Native Americans in conflict with US troops. Over 800 Creeks died defending their way of life. The Creeks were then forced to give up most of their lands, thus opening large parts of Alabama and Georgia to settlement. Victory here brought national fame to Andrew Jackson for the first time and is considered his first stepping stone to the Presidency. This 2040 acre park preserves the site of the battle.

LOCATION:

Daviston, AL

VISITATION:

Highest in the spring and fall, lowest in winter.

ADDRESS:

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
11288 Horseshoe Bend Road
Daviston, Al 36256

TELEPHONE:

(205) 234-7111

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. all year, closed December 25.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Typical of Southern states, almost subtropical. July is the hottest month with an average high of 91 and average low of 67. January is the coolest month with an average high of 54 and an average low of 29. Wear comfortable sportswear according to the season, with walking shoes.

DIRECTIONS:

The park is located in east central Alabama, on State Highway 49, 12 miles north of the town of Dadeville, between the towns of Dadeville and New Site. Signs along U.S. highway 280 and state road 22 direct motorist to the park.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park:
The park is accessible only by personal vehicle or tour buses via state roads. No public transportation. The nearest commercial airports are Montgomery, AL (65 miles), Birmingham, AL (85 miles) or Atlanta, GA (110 miles).

In Park:
Personal vehicles, bicycles, and tour buses are used along the tour road.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

No admission or other fees. Donations are accepted.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center, Exhibits:
The Visitor Center contains a small museum with exhibits related to the history of the Creek Indians, the events that led up to the battle, the battle itself and what happened to those involved afterwards. A ten minute slide program on the battle is also show.

Trails, Roads:
A three mile round trip tour road goes through the battle ground and other associated sites. A two and eight tenth mile history trail traverses the battle field and through a variety of natural areas.

Programs, Activities:
Living history presentations are offer through out the year. The major living history event is held the last weekend of March to commemorate the anniversary of the battle. The park has two picnic facilities, one near the Visitor Center and the other located by the park maintained boat ramp on the Tallapoosa River.

Lodging and Camping Facilities: (in park)
None, numerous facilities are found in the surrounding area.

Food, Supplies:
None available in the park except for a soda vending machine. Nearest food available is 5 miles away

Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
The Visitor Center has bookstore managed by Eastern Parks and Monument Association.

Accessibility:
The Visitor Center and exhibits are accessible, new accessible restrooms will be constructed in the fall of 1996.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES, PARK USE:

Visiting the museum and slide program to get an orientation to the site. Driving the tour road with side trips down the trails to several interpretive shelters. This is an excellent area to view deer and wild turkey. Picnicking is popular and fishing by the boat ramp or taking a flat bottom boat up the river from the ramp offers very good fishing opportunities.

RESERVATIONS, PERMITS:

Group reservations are recommended to arrange special interpretive programs.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Plan to stay approximately one and a half hours to visit the museum and take the driving tour or two and a half hours if taking the hiking tour.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

The annual commemoration of the battle is held the last weekend of March. This involves several living history events, musket and cannon firings, cultural demonstrations, and interpretive programs. Other special interpretive programs are offered each month, call the park at 205-234-7111 for a schedule of events

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Lake Martin just 15 miles away offers very good fishing, boating and other water related activities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Call 205-234-7111 or write to:

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
11288 Horseshoe Bend Road
Daviston, AL 36256