Fort Decatur

Fort Decatur was an earthen fort constructed in March 1814 on the eastern bank of the Tallapoosa River in present-day Macon County, Alabama, near the modern community of Milstead. Its establishment was a direct result of the Creek War (1813-1814), which itself became intertwined with the larger War of 1812.  

History and Purpose:

As the Creek War escalated, the United States Army sought to establish a series of fortifications to secure supply lines and exert control over the Creek Nation. Colonel Homer Milton, commanding officer of the 3rd Regiment, ordered the creation of Fort Decatur and Fort Burrows (located across the river) after departing Fort Hull. Benjamin Hawkins, an important figure in US-Creek relations, assisted in surveying the site for Fort Decatur. Lieutenant Colonel Richard Atkinson oversaw its construction.

Fort Decatur served several crucial purposes:

• Supply Depot: It was intended to supply General Andrew Jackson's forces as they marched from Fort Williams towards Hickory Ground. However, flooding prevented the timely arrival of these supplies.
• Military Post: The fort housed various military units, including Davy Crockett's Tennessee Mounted Volunteers for a period after their pursuit of Red Stick warriors. Georgia and South Carolina troops under Major General Thomas Pinckney also marched through Fort Decatur en route to Fort Jackson after the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Brigadier General Joseph Graham commanded troops stationed at the fort who were tasked with repairing roads and aiding in supplying Jackson's army.
• Boundary Commission Headquarters: Following the Creek War, in 1815, President James Madison appointed Colonel John Sevier to the United States Boundary Commission to survey the boundary between the US and the Creek Nation. Fort Decatur served as the headquarters for this commission. Notably, Colonel Sevier passed away at Fort Decatur on September 24, 1815, and was initially buried there before his remains were reinterred in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1889.  

Significance and Present Day:

Fort Decatur played a significant role during the Creek War and its immediate aftermath, serving as a strategic military post and a center for treaty negotiations. Today, the physical remains of the fort are located on the grounds of Auburn University's E.V. Smith Research Center. A historical marker, placed by the Alabama Anthropological Society in 1931, commemorates the site. While the earthenworks have naturally eroded over time, the location still holds historical importance as a reminder of a pivotal period in the history of Alabama and the United States' relations with Native American nations.  

It's worth noting that there is another place with a similar name, Fort Decatur, which was a blockhouse in Rockaway Peninsula, New York, during the War of 1812, built to protect New York Harbor. This is a separate historical site from the Fort Decatur in Alabama.

The Strategic Importance of its Location:

Fort Decatur's location on the Tallapoosa River was no accident. Rivers were vital transportation and supply routes in the early 19th century. Establishing a fort here provided several advantages:

• Control of the River: It allowed the US military to monitor and potentially control traffic on the Tallapoosa, hindering the movement of hostile forces or supplies.
• Proximity to Creek Territory: Being situated on the edge of Creek lands allowed for a forward operating base for military campaigns and a point for communication (or coercion) with the Creek Nation. It was also located near the significant Creek town of Tukabatchee.
• Connection to Supply Lines: While the initial attempt to supply Jackson's army via the river failed due to flooding, the long-term intention was to integrate Fort Decatur into a network of supply forts stretching back towards US-held territories.

Benjamin Hawkins' Role and the "Civilization Program":

The involvement of Benjamin Hawkins in surveying the site highlights a broader context of US policy towards Native American tribes at the time. Hawkins was a key figure in implementing the "civilization program," an initiative aimed at encouraging tribes like the Creek to adopt European-American agricultural practices, social structures, and ways of life. The idea was that by becoming more like the settlers, tensions would ease, and land could be more readily acquired.

However, this policy was often paternalistic and disregarded the existing sophisticated agricultural and social systems of the Creek. It also created divisions within the Creek Nation, contributing to the tensions that ultimately led to the Creek War. While Hawkins himself may have believed he was acting in the best interests of both sides, his policies ultimately facilitated the expansion of the United States and the erosion of Creek sovereignty.

The Creek War Context:

To understand Fort Decatur's significance, it's crucial to remember the Creek War's complexities:

• A Civil War Within a Larger Conflict: The Creek War wasn't simply a conflict between the US and the Creek. It was also a civil war within the Creek Nation between the "Red Sticks," who resisted US encroachment and sought to revive traditional ways, and the "friendly Creeks," who were more open to assimilation and allied with the US.
• Influence of Tecumseh: The Shawnee leader Tecumseh's visit to the Creek Nation in 1811 played a significant role in galvanizing the Red Stick movement. He urged the Creeks to unite with other tribes to resist US expansion.
• British Involvement: During the War of 1812, the British sought to use Native American tribes as allies against the US. They supplied the Red Sticks with arms, further fueling the conflict.
• The Fort Mims Massacre: The attack on Fort Mims in August 1813 by Red Stick forces, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of settlers, galvanized US public opinion and led to a more aggressive military response, including the construction and use of forts like Fort Decatur.

Post-War Significance and the Treaty of Fort Jackson:

Following the decisive Battle of Horseshoe Bend in March 1814, which effectively ended the Creek War, Fort Decatur became a significant location for the aftermath:

• Treaty Negotiations: While the Treaty of Fort Jackson was signed at a different location (Fort Jackson, near the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers), the presence of US military and boundary commissioners at Fort Decatur underscores the ongoing efforts to solidify US control over the newly acquired Creek lands.
• Loss of Creek Lands: The Treaty of Fort Jackson was a harsh blow to the Creek Nation, forcing them to cede millions of acres of their ancestral lands, opening up vast territories for American settlement.

Present Day and Remembrance:

While the physical remnants of Fort Decatur may be subtle today, its historical marker serves as an important reminder of this complex period. The fact that it's located on the grounds of a modern research facility highlights the layers of history embedded in the Alabama landscape. It encourages reflection on the Creek War, the impact of US expansion on Native American nations, and the lives of individuals like John Sevier and Benjamin Hawkins who played significant roles in this era.

The story of Fort Decatur is a microcosm of the larger conflicts and transformations that shaped the early American South. It's a place where military strategy, cultural clashes, and the personal stories of key figures intersect, leaving a lasting mark on the history of Alabama and the United States.

The Human Cost and Displacement:

Beyond the military and political aspects, it's crucial to remember the profound human cost associated with Fort Decatur and the Creek War. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and the disruption of Creek society. Families were torn apart, traditional ways of life were challenged, and the forced cessions of land had long-lasting economic and cultural consequences for the Creek people.

While Fort Decatur served as a strategic asset for the United States, for the Creek Nation, it represented a step further in the erosion of their sovereignty and ancestral homelands. Understanding the events through their perspective adds a crucial dimension to the historical narrative.

Archaeological Potential:

Although the earthenworks of Fort Decatur have diminished over time, the site likely holds archaeological potential. Future investigations could potentially uncover artifacts that shed more light on the daily lives of the soldiers stationed there, the construction techniques used, and perhaps even evidence of interactions with the local Creek population. Archaeological findings could provide tangible connections to the past and enrich our understanding of the site beyond historical documents.

Connection to the Trail of Tears:

The Creek War and the subsequent treaties, including the Treaty of Fort Jackson, directly paved the way for further land acquisitions and the eventual removal of the Creek Nation from their ancestral lands in the 1830s during the Trail of Tears. Fort Decatur, therefore, stands as an early marker on the path that led to this tragic chapter in American history. Understanding its role helps contextualize the larger narrative of forced removal and its devastating impact on Native American communities.

Local Memory and Legacy:

The memory of Fort Decatur and the Creek War likely persists in the local communities around Macon County, Alabama. Oral histories and local traditions might hold additional insights and perspectives on the events that unfolded there. Exploring these local narratives can offer a richer and more nuanced understanding of the fort's significance beyond official historical records.

Educational Opportunities:

The site of Fort Decatur, even with its subtle physical remains, presents an educational opportunity. The historical marker serves as a starting point for learning about the Creek War, the complexities of US-Native American relations, and the early history of Alabama. Interpretive efforts could further enhance public understanding of this important site and its place in the broader historical context.

The Shifting Landscape:

It's also worth considering how the landscape around Fort Decatur has changed since its construction in 1814. The Tallapoosa River's course might have shifted slightly, and the surrounding vegetation and land use have undoubtedly transformed over two centuries. Understanding these environmental changes can provide context for interpreting the archaeological record and the historical accounts of the fort's location.

In conclusion, Fort Decatur is more than just an old military site. It's a point of convergence for significant historical themes: westward expansion, conflict and displacement of Native American populations, the complexities of inter-cultural relations, and the shaping of the American South. Continued exploration of its history, through archival research, archaeology, and engagement with local memory, can offer valuable insights into a pivotal era in American history.