Fort Mims will soon ‘come to life’ again this weekend, August 26 and 27, in the north Baldwin community of Tensaw at the site of the tragic event that occurred 204 years ago on August 30, 1813. Come step back in time to the early 1800’s.
Living historians will travel from all over the South—Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi—to join in the commemoration of the attack on Fort Mims by warring Redstick Creek Indians. Beginning in 1983, 31 years ago, the event has become one of the most amazing re-enactments in the southeast as participants strive to provide an accurate view into the lives of early 1800s pioneers who had ventured into the Mississippi Territory and the Creek Indians who lived here. This includes correct attire and weaponry for those who were inside the fort and those who attacked them. Crafters found throughout the fort provide demonstrations and goods that were popular during this era. This includes flint-nappers (arrowheads), blacksmiths, quilters, pottery making, jewelry, weaving, spinning of yarn, archery, and more! A Native American camp will be set up for viewing.
Saturday has many activities beginning with a 9 a.m. Reville’, Flag Raising, and Memorial Service by the Fort Mims Chapter DAR. There are many activities throughout the fort and this includes a wonderful presentation about ‘Historic and Medicinal Plants of the Tensaw Country’, given by local botanist Fred Nation at 9:30 a.m. The small museum on site will be filled with a display of artifacts that have been found over the past 50 years during archaeological digs on site. (A plus is an air conditioned building!)The Alabama Historical Commission will be here to provide this amazing display from the collections stored in Montgomery.
Planning for the event includes the opportunity to provide a history lesson for all who come to the site and to bring recognition to Fort Mims and its’ importance in American History. After the 11 a.m. Burnt Corn Reenactment (on site in the wooded area of Fort Mims), there will be a short ‘replay of history’ as Major Beasley, the Commander at Fort Mims, pens a letter to be sent to Gen Claiborne at Fort Stoddart that ‘All is Well’ at the Mims Stockade.
The Speakers Forum, around noon, will include Dr. Greg Waselkov, author of ‘A Conquering Spirit’, who will give an account of what was happening in the area and what built up to the attack on Fort Mims. Farris Powell, Creek Indian historian, will provide the opposing view.
For many years, Robert Thrower, Historic Preservationist for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, gave passionate and moving presentations about the Creek Indians during our annual event. Sadly, Robert passed away this summer and he will be fondly remembered at Fort Mims this year.
As re-enactors begin to set the scene for the dramatic 2 p.m. presentation, the amazing Donnie Barrett, Master of Ceremonies, Local Historian, and Re-enactor, will provide a summary of events leading up to the imminent attack on Fort Mims. Beginning this year, descendants will come forward to present ‘Family Stories’ with a short account of their ancestors’ involvement at Ft Mims. All descendants, of settlers and of Creek Indians, will be recognized at this time. Even after 200 years, descendants continue to come forward and study the early days of our country and to understand the events and happenings of the attack on Fort Mims.
2017 is the Centennial Commemoration—100 years—of the Daughters of 1812 monument placed near Fort Mims in 1917. Daughters from all over the State will come to rededicate this marker at noon on Saturday, August 26. Originally placed off-site and ‘through the woods’, the marker was moved to the Ft Mims site in August of 2013, during the Bicentennial Commemoration. As evidenced by this 100 year old marker, many have come to the site over the years and remembered the tragedy here in 1813.
The Opening Ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, so arrive early. Admission is $5 for 12 and older. Military members are free. On-site parking is available for ‘early birds’. Off-site parking is conveniently located on Boatyard Road and a shuttle bus provides air-conditioned comfort to and from the site every 15 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 3 pm.. Disabled parking areas are near the front gate and near the museum in the on-site lot. Sunday morning begins with Pioneer Church at 10 a.m. with the Traveling ‘Circuit Rider’ Preacher, Wesley Odom. The Sunday events, like Saturday, will continue until after the 2 p.m. reenactment.
Food and drink will be available all weekend: BBQ, HB’s and HD’s, Shish-k-bobs, funnel cakes, ice cream, cold lemonade, tea, water, and more! Tents, large fans, benches, chairs, tables, and bleachers are provided. Lawn chairs and quilts to sit on are welcomed for viewing the reenactment.
Come ‘Remember Fort Mims’ this weekend and learn your local history. See you there, ‘Good Lord willing, and the Creek don’t rise!’
