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Fort Decatur: Echoes of the Creek War

Explore Fort Decatur, a serene historical landmark in Alabama, blending rich heritage with natural beauty in a tranquil woodland setting.

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Fort Decatur, near Shorter, Alabama, is a historical landmark dating back to the Creek War and the War of 1812. While the original earthen fort is gone, a stone monument marks the site of this crucial military outpost. Visitors can explore the peaceful, wooded area and reflect on the fort's history and significance.

A brief summary to Fort Decatur

  • Crimson Rd, Shorter, Alabama, 36075, US

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the unpaved paths around the historical site.
  • Bring insect repellent, especially during warmer months, as the area is heavily wooded.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Tuskegee to explore more of Alabama's rich history.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Shorter, Alabama, head north on AL-81 towards Crimson Road. Turn left onto Crimson Road and continue for approximately 2 miles. Fort Decatur will be on your right, marked by a historical marker. Parking is available near the marker. Be mindful of the unpaved road conditions as you approach the site. There are no tolls or parking fees.

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Discover more about Fort Decatur

Step back in time at Fort Decatur, a site that played a vital role in the Creek War and the War of 1812. Established in March 1814, the fort was strategically positioned on the east bank of the Tallapoosa River, near the Creek town of Tukabatchee. Named most likely for Stephen Decatur, a naval hero, the fort served as a crucial military outpost during a tumultuous period in American history. The construction of Fort Decatur was ordered by Colonel Homer Milton. The fort was intended to supply General Andrew Jackson's march, but flooding prevented the supplies from arriving. After the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, troops marched from Fort Decatur to Fort Jackson. Following the Creek War, Fort Decatur continued to be used as a military post. In 1815, President James Madison appointed Colonel John Sevier to the United States Boundary Commission, which was headquartered at Fort Decatur, to survey the boundary between the United States and the Creek Nation. While the original earthen fort no longer stands, the site is marked by a stone monument placed by the Alabama Anthropological Society in 1931. The remains of the fort are located on the grounds of Auburn University's E.V. Smith Research Center. Informative plaques provide insights into the fort's role in the Creek War, the lives of the soldiers stationed there, and the broader historical context of the time. Visitors to Fort Decatur can explore the peaceful, wooded area and reflect on the fort's history and significance.

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