"font-size: small;">TENSAW,

Ala.  — The Battle of Fort

Mims Historical Site will soon sport a new feature, as foundation

has been laid for a split-level blockhouse constructed of logs on

the site of the Battle of Fort Mims in Tensaw.

"font-size: small;">Fort Mims

Restoration Association President Claudia “Two G” Campbell recently

announced that the project is under way.

"font-size: small;">“The

foundation for the blockhouse began last Thursday and was completed

on Tuesday,” she said in an email interview. “The next phase will

be placement of logs for the first floor.”

"font-size: small;">Campbell

explained that the structure will be a copy of the blockhouse that

was situated at the site in 1813 during the conflict that

permanently altered relations between U.S. settlers and Native

Americans.

"font-size: small;">

"font-family: Calibri;">“Blockhouses were designed to be the ‘land

stand’ and were very difficult to be entered by attacking forces

because of the larger top story,” she said.

"font-size: small;">However,

because Fort Mims was erected in just a month, its ill construction

led to the demise of most of its inhabitants.

"font-size: small;">“The

blockhouse at Fort Mims was not yet completed when attacked by the

warring Creek Indians in August 1813,” Campbell

said.

"font-size: small;">She

explained that an ongoing fundraising campaign provided the

purchase of one log for $300 with donors’ names commemorated on a

plaque dedicating the blockhouse. As previously reported, 100 logs

are needed to complete the structure.

"font-size: small;">“We’re

almost up to 31 at this time,” Campbell said.

"font-size: small;">With

materials for a portion of the building in hand, approval was given

to begin its construction.

"font-size: small;">“Approval

was given last fall by the Alabama Historic Commission to build the

blockhouse,” Campbell said.

"font-size: small;">In an

effort to finance the remainder of the building, a fundraising

event will be held at the site March 17-18.

"font-size: small;">“There will

be the Bashi Creek Ambush re-enactment both Saturday and Sunday

with a dusk fight including artillery on the Saturday event,”

Campbell said, explaining that the event is slated for 9 a.m.-2

p.m. each day.

"font-size: small;">In addition

to the re-enactment, the event will include a living history of the

era, a horse-drawn wagon show, tour of heirloom plants and

concessions.

"font-size: small;">But

construction isn’t the only activity going on at the historic

site.

"font-size: small;">“The

University of South Alabama will be excavating in the areas of the

east gate,” Campbell said.

"font-size: small;">She

explained that each weekend in February, archaeological digs will

be conducted to uncover items from the early 19^th

settlement.

"font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">For more information

about the Battle of Fort Mims Historic Site, call (251) 533-9024 or

visit

"font-family: Calibri; color: #0000ff; font-size: small;">www.fortmims.org.