Fort Stoddert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Stoddert |
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| Mount Vernon, Alabama in United States | |
The Mobile River, looking northward from the site of Fort Stoddert.
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 Fort Stoddert
Fort Stoddert
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| Coordinates | 31°05′22″N 87°58′03″W / 31.08944°N 87.96750°W |
| Type | Stockade fort |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Private |
| Controlled by | Private |
| Open to the public |
No |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1799 |
| Built by | United States Army |
| In use | 1799-1814 |
| Battles/wars | Creek War |
Fort Stoddert was an important early American fort. It was built in 1799 in what was then the Mississippi Territory. Today, this area is part of Alabama. The fort was located on a high bank overlooking the Mobile River. This spot was near where the Tombigbee River and Alabama River meet.
Fort Stoddert was named after Benjamin Stoddert. He was a key figure in the early United States government. He served as the first United States Secretary of the Navy. The fort played a big role in keeping peace and order in the region.
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Why Was Fort Stoddert Built?
The United States built Fort Stoddert for several reasons:
- Keeping the Peace: The fort helped prevent American settlers from clashing with the Spanish. At that time, Spain controlled the nearby Mobile area.
- Controlling Trade: It served as a port of entry. This meant all goods coming into the area had to pass through the fort.
- Legal Matters: The fort was also home to a special court. This court handled legal cases related to ships and trade.
The fort was also the western end of the Federal Road. This important road ran through lands belonging to the Muscogee (Creek) people. It connected Fort Stoddert to Fort Wilkinson in Georgia.
Key Moments at Fort Stoddert
Fort Stoddert saw several important events during its time.
Aaron Burr's Arrest
In 1807, a famous American politician named Aaron Burr was arrested. He was accused of planning to act against the United States government. Burr was held as a prisoner at Fort Stoddert for a short time. This happened after he was captured nearby in McIntosh, Alabama.
Role in the Creek War
The fort became very active during the Creek War. This conflict took place between 1813 and 1814.
- In July 1813, General Ferdinand Claiborne brought the Mississippi Militia (a citizen army) to Fort Stoddert.
- Later, after a sad event at Fort Mims, more soldiers arrived. The 3rd Infantry Regiment came to Fort Stoddert under General Thomas Fluornoy.
The Fort's Decline
Fort Stoddert's importance began to fade after 1813. That year, the United States took control of Mobile from Spain. This made the fort less critical for defense and trade. In 1828, the Mount Vernon Arsenal was built nearby. This new military site took over many of Fort Stoddert's roles. The fort was no longer needed and was eventually abandoned.
Other Facts About Fort Stoddert
- A post office operated at Fort Stoddert from 1804 to 1829.
- The first newspaper in Alabama was published here. It was called The Mobile Centinel and was printed weekly from 1811 to 1813.
