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Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park: Where Alabama History Comes Alive

Explore Native American heritage, French colonial history, and American frontier life at this significant Alabama landmark in Wetumpka.

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Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park in Wetumpka, Alabama, is a 165-acre National Historic Landmark where the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers meet to form the Alabama River. This park showcases a rich tapestry of history, from Native American settlements dating back thousands of years to French and American forts. Visitors can explore recreated Creek Indian houses, a partially restored American Fort Jackson, and a replica of the 1751 French Fort Toulouse.

A brief summary to Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park

Local tips

  • Check the park's event calendar for living history demonstrations, which offer an immersive glimpse into the lives of French soldiers, Creek Indians, and American settlers.
  • Explore the William Bartram Nature Trail for bird watching and scenic views of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers.
  • Visit the on-site museum to view artifacts excavated from the area, providing insights into the daily lives of those who once lived here.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river, taking advantage of the park's beautiful natural setting.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Wetumpka, head west on W Fort Toulouse Rd. The park is located approximately 1 mile from the center of Wetumpka. Parking is available on-site. Limited parking may be available during special events.

  • Walking

    From downtown Wetumpka, follow W Fort Toulouse Rd west. The walk is approximately 1 mile and takes about 20 minutes. There are no sidewalks for the majority of the route, so exercise caution.

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Discover more about Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park

Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park offers a captivating journey through Alabama's diverse past. The site has been occupied since A.D. 600, with evidence of earlier settlements dating back to 5000 B.C.. Around A.D. 1000, the area was home to farmers who built a village with three mounds. In 1717, the French established Fort Toulouse as the easternmost outpost of their Louisiana colony. The fort served as a military and political center and a hub for fur trading. The Alibamu Indians, part of the Creek Confederacy, invited the French to build the fort. After the French and Indian War, the British took control in 1763. Following the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814, General Andrew Jackson constructed Fort Jackson on the same site. Here, Creek Indians surrendered, ceding 20 million acres of land to the U.S. government. Although decommissioned in 1819, the area briefly served as the county seat of Montgomery County. Today, the Alabama Historical Commission manages the park, offering visitors a chance to explore this unique archaeological site. Living history programs, held on the third weekend of each month from April to November, bring the past to life. Visitors can also explore nature trails, picnic areas, and a museum.

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