Fort Landrum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Landrum |
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| Salitpa, Alabama in United States | |
 Fort Landrum
Fort Landrum
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| Coordinates | 31°40′04″N 87°54′42″W / 31.66778°N 87.91167°W |
| Type | Stockade fort |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Private |
| Controlled by | Private |
| Open to the public |
No |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1813 |
| Built by | Mississippi Territory settlers |
| In use | 1813-1819 |
| Battles/wars | Creek War |
Fort Landrum was a special kind of fort built in 1813. It was located in what is now Clarke County, Alabama. This fort was built during a conflict called the Creek War. This war was actually part of a bigger conflict known as the War of 1812.
Fort Landrum was about eleven miles west of another fort called Fort Sinquefield. Many forts like Landrum were built around this time. They were created to protect settlers from attacks by a group called the Red Sticks.
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What Was Fort Landrum?
Fort Landrum was a stockade fort. This means it was built with strong wooden walls. These walls were like a fence to keep people safe inside. The fort's main purpose was to protect the people living in the area.
It was built quickly because settlers needed protection. The Red Sticks were attacking homes and farms nearby. So, these forts offered a safe place for families to go.
Who Built Fort Landrum?
Fort Landrum was built around the home of a man named John Landrum. He was a veteran, meaning he had fought in the American Revolutionary War. That war helped America become an independent country.
John Landrum moved to the Alabama area in 1803. He came from a place called Warren County, Georgia. His home became the center of this important fort.
More Than Just a Fort
Fort Landrum was not only a place for protection. It also became a very important building for the community. In 1813, it served as the very first courthouse for Clarke County.
A courthouse is where legal matters are handled. It's where judges work and important decisions are made. This shows how central Fort Landrum was to the early community. It remained the courthouse until 1819.
Remembering Fort Landrum
Even though Fort Landrum is no longer standing, its history is remembered. In 1977, a special historical marker was put up. This marker is near where the fort used to be.
The Clarke County Historical Society placed the marker. It helps people today learn about this important part of Alabama's past.
