Fort Decatur (Alabama) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Decatur |
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| Milstead, Alabama in United States | |
 Fort Decatur
Fort Decatur
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| Coordinates | 32°27′08″N 85°52′36″W / 32.45222°N 85.87667°W |
| Type | Earthen fort |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Auburn University |
| Controlled by | Auburn University |
| Open to the public |
No |
| Site history | |
| Built | March 1814 |
| Built by | United States Army |
| In use | 1814 |
| Battles/wars | Creek War |
Fort Decatur was an old fort built from earth in March 1814. It was located by the Tallapoosa River in Alabama, near a place called Milstead today. This fort was important during a conflict called the Creek War, which was part of a bigger war known as the War of 1812. The fort was probably named after a famous American naval officer, Stephen Decatur.
Contents
The Story of Fort Decatur
Building the Fort
In March 1814, a military leader named Colonel Homer Milton ordered Fort Decatur to be built. He was part of the 3rd Regiment of the U.S. Army. Another fort, Fort Burrows, was built across the Tallapoosa River from Fort Decatur.
Soldiers from the 7th North Carolina Militia were stationed at both Fort Burrows and Fort Decatur. Fort Decatur was meant to be a supply base for General Andrew Jackson. He was planning to march from Fort Williams to a place called Hickory Ground. However, heavy flooding stopped the supplies from reaching the fort.
After a big fight called the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, troops from Georgia and South Carolina marched from Fort Decatur. They were led by Major General Thomas Pinckney and headed towards Fort Jackson.
After the War
In 1815, the President of the United States, James Madison, chose Colonel John Sevier for an important job. Sevier was to help survey the boundary, or border, between the United States and the Creek Nation. His office for this job was set up at Fort Decatur.
Sadly, John Sevier died on September 24, 1815, and was buried at Fort Decatur. Many years later, on June 15, 1889, his remains were moved. They were reburied at the Knox County Courthouse in Knoxville.
A post office also operated at Fort Decatur for many years. It was open from 1839 to 1859.
Fort Decatur Today
Today, you can find a historical marker at the site of Fort Decatur. This marker was placed in 1931 by the Alabama Anthropological Society. It helps people remember where the fort once stood. The remains of the fort are located on Auburn University's E.V. Smith Research Center.
Who Was Stationed There?
Several groups of soldiers were stationed at Fort Decatur during its time. These included the 4th Regiment of East Tennessee Militia. A battalion of West Tennessee Militia also served at the fort.
