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Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson Map
Location: Wetumpka, AL
Contact: Jim Parker, Park Director
Address: 2521 West Fort Toulouse Road, Wetumpka, AL 36093
Phone: (334) 567-3002
URL: http://www.preserveala.org/
Nestled at the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers 15 miles north of Montgomery and just south of Wetumpka, Alabama, Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site has been a part of over 6000 years of history. The 165-acre park, operated by the Alabama Historical Commission, is open year-round for the public's enjoyment where you can step back in time, wandering through the French and American forts or walking to the Mississippian Mound site. You may choose to visit the William Bartram Nature Trail, named for the famed 18th century botanist. The trail winds through the southern edge of the park to the Tallapoosa River. Browse the bookstore and museum in the Graves House, with archaeological collections featuring French colonial, early American and prehistoric Indian items. The Park also boasts of a 39-site campground overlooking the Coosa River. Almost every month includes a weekend of living history by the French Marines at Fort Toulouse along with a weekend of living history by the Tennessee Militia and the U.S. Army Regulars at Fort Jackson. One weekend a month is also set aside for historic black-smithing. There are special events throughout the year such as Frontier Days in the fall and the French and Indian Encampment in the spring.
Sutter's Fort State Historic Park
Location: Sacramento, CA
Physical address: 2701 L St. Sacramento CA 95816
Contact name: Phil Sexton
Phone number: 916-445-4442
Url: http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=485
Sutter’s Fort was established in 1839 as the nucleus of John Sutter’s dream of empire in Mexican California that he called “New Helvetia.” Today operated as a California State Historic Park, Sutter’s Fort is the place where the first overland emigrants across the Sierra arrived to begin their lives in California in the 1840s, and the place where survivors from the ill-fated Donner Party were taken when rescued in 1847. In the early 1840s, Swiss emigrant John Sutter ruled an empire of nearly 48,000 acres of crops, cattle, and undeveloped land that he encouraged settlement on. All of that changed in January 1848 with the discovery of gold at Sutter’s sawmill on the American river. The resulting onslaught of gold miners destroyed Sutter’s empire, and changed California forever. Today the reconstructed fort, with the original 1839 Central Building intact, conducts programs and activities that interpret early California life in the 1839-1846 era. Living History events, demonstration days, school programs and special events help bring this important part of the history of early California alive for visitors. The Fort is located at 2701 L St. in mid-town Sacramento, and is open year-round.
Fort King George - Darien, Georgia
Fort be Chartres Historic Site
Location: Prairie du Rocher
Contact:
Physical Address: 1350 State Rte. 155, Prairie du Rocher, Il 62277
Site Phone Number: (618) 284-7230
URL: http://www.ftdechartres.com/page/page/1396753.htm
Fort de Chartres is the last of three eighteenth-century forts by that name erected near the Mississippi River by France's colonial government. French officials named their stockade Fort de Chartres in honor of Louis duc de Chartres, son of the regent of France. From 1720 to 1763 French administration of the Illinois Country was centered at the forts, built successively over a 40-year period on or near the same site. The stone fort, built in the 1750s and abandoned in 1771, has been partially reconstructed to provide a glimpse of life in Illinois under the French regime. Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, which also preserves the archaeological remains of the earlier wooden forts, is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Fort de Chartres is the scene of several popular special events. Kids' Day, held the first weekend in May, features eighteenth century games, contests, and crafts for children of all ages. The two-day Rendezvous, held the first weekend in June, features shooting competitions, military drills, dancing, music, food, and traders of eighteenth-century-style goods. The first weekend in October marks the site's French and Indian War Assemblage.
Audubon State Historic Site
Location: St. Francisville, LA
Physical address: 11788 Highway 965, St. Francisville, LA 70775
Contact: John House
Site phone number: 888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739
URL: http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/iaudubon.aspx
In 1821 John James Audubon was hired to teach drawing to Miss Eliza Pirrie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Pirrie, owners of the Oakley House. His teacher-artist arrangement was only 4 months due to a misunderstanding with Mrs. Pirrie. The tall, airy house where John James Audubon stayed is a splendid example of colonial architecture adapted to its climate. Built circa 1806, Oakley predates the relatively heavy details of classic revival in Southern plantation homes and claims distinction for its beautiful simplicity. The rooms of Oakley have been restored in the style of the late Federal Period (1790-1830), reflecting their appearance when Audubon stayed there. A large detached kitchen, 2 slave cabins, and hiking trails make Oakley Plantation renamed Audubon State Historic Site still a wonder to see today. Tours of the plantation home are given hourly. Living History presentations are featured throughout the year focussing on the late Federal Period.
Centenary State Historic Site Map
Location: Jackson, LA
Contact: Daniel Goyer or John O'Neill
Address: 3522 College Street, Jackson, LA 70748
Phone: (888) 677-2364 or (225) 634-7925
URL: http://www.lastateparks.com
Originally opened as the College of Louisiana in 1826, the school occupied an old courthouse and other buildings in the town of Jackson. After less than 20 years, the College of Louisiana closed because of declining enrollment. Suffering similar problems was the Methodist/Episcopal-operated Centenary College at Brandon Springs, Mississippi (established in 1839). Centenary then moved to the vacant campus of the College of Louisiana. At its peak, shortly before the Civil War, some 250 students and 11 faculty members occupied the campus. The Civil War had a profound effect on Centenary College, as it did on most Southern colleges. The school closed for the duration of the war and its buildings were used by both Confederate and Union troops. The dormitories became hospital space in October 1862 and during the siege of Port Hudson in 1863 and Union troops used the Main Academic Building as an area headquarters. Today Centenary focuses on both early childhood education and the Civil War. A reenactment of the Battle of Jackson is fought each year on the grounds in October. Other events include a historic train ride at 3 pm daily and an Annual Ghost of Centenary the weekend before Halloween where local reenactors are asked to come out and portray life for a Civil War soldier after dark.
Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site
Location: Natchitoches, LA
Contact: Rick Seale
Address: 155 Rue Jefferson, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Phone: (888) 677-7853 or 318-357-3101
URL: http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/iftstjean.aspx
Natchitoches was founded by a French Canadian, Louis Antoine Juchereau de St. Denis, in 1714 while he was en route to Mexico from Alabama, on a trade mission. When he reached the village of the Natchitoches Indians on the Red River, he had two huts constructed within the village and left a small detachment there to guard the stores and trade with the inhabitants. This became the first permanent European settlement in the territory later known as the Louisiana Purchase. In 1716 a strategic outpost was built and named Fort St. Jean Baptiste des Natchitoches to prevent the Spanish forces in the province of Texas from advancing across the border of French Louisiane. The fort continued to serve as a military outpost and commercial trade center until 1762, when France's defeat by England in the French and Indian War forced her to cede the Louisiana colony to Spain. By 1803, when America purchased Louisiana, the fort was in ruins. Today a replication of the original fort has been built to showcase the importance of Natchitoches to Louisiana's early history. Everyday costumed interpreters are onsite recreating our past. On the second weekend of March and December each year we offer a large 1730's to 1750's Living History Day focussing on the French Marines stationed at the fort.
Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site Mansfield State Historic Site
Location: St. Martinville, LA
Physical address: 1200 North Main, St Martinville, LA 70582
Contact name:: Suzanne Laviolette
Site phone number:: 888-677-2900 or 337-394-3754
URL: http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ilongfell.aspx
Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site explores the cultural interplay among the diverse peoples along the famed Bayou Teche. Acadians and Creoles, Indians and Africans, Frenchmen and Spaniards, slaves and free people of color-all contributed to the historical tradition of cultural diversity in the Teche region. French became the predominant language, and it remains very strong in the region today. Once part of the hunting grounds of the Attakapas Indians, this site became part of a royal French land grant first used as a vacherie, or cattle ranch. The first Acadians to settle in Louisiana established themselves here, on the banks of Bayous Teche and Tortue, on the edges of this vacherie. When the grant was sold and subdivided, this section was developed as an indigo plantation. In the early 1800s, Pierre Olivier Duclozel de Vezin, a wealthy Creole, acquired this property to raise cotton, cattle, and eventually, sugarcane. He built the Maison Olivier, the circa 1815 plantation house which is the central feature of Longfellow-Evangeline SHS. A reproduction Acadian Farmstead is situated along the bank of Bayou Teche. The site includes the family home with an outdoor kitchen and bread oven, slave quarters and a barn. Living history demonstrations focus on Acadian life during the late 18th century. Major events are planned for the fall and spring of each year.
Location: Mansfield, LA
Physical address: 15149 Highway 175, Mansfield, LA 71052
Contact name: Steve Bounds
Site phone number: 888-677-6267 or 318-872-1474
URL: http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/iMansfld.aspx
With the fall of Vicksburg and Port Hudson in July 1863, the Mississippi River was entirely controlled by the Union. President Lincoln and his staff decided that the capture of Texas and the Trans-Mississippi headquarters at Shreveport, Louisiana, would be the next objective. Union commanders did not expect the Confederates to fight until Shreveport, so the Union army became stretched out along the narrow road leading to Mansfield. At noon on April 8, the head of the Union army (6,400 troops) was confronted by the Confederate army (10,500 troops) in battle formation. The Union troops quickly formed a line of battle along a rail fence and a ridge known as Honeycutt Hill. Confederate forces charged the rail fence overwhelming the Union line. Retreating about one mile the Federals tried to reform around 2,500 reinforcements which had formed a new battle line. This line was soon overwhelmed by the attacking Confederates causing a widespread rout among the Union troops. Two miles to the south, another 6,500 Union troops formed a defensive position at Chapman's Bayou and held this location until dark. One Federal soldier who fought here called this battle the "Bull Run of the West." During the night the defeated Union forces fell back to Pleasant Hill. On April 9, the fierce Battle of Pleasant Hill was fought, with both sides taking heavy losses and withdrawing from the battlefield after dark. By turning back the Federal Army at this time, the Confederates were able to prevent complete Union control of Louisiana and stop progression of the war into Texas. Today the site features living history demonstrations throughout the year. Civil War encampments and living history days can be scheduled through the site manager.
Port Hudson State Historic Site Map
Location: Jackson, LA 70748
Address: 236 Highway 61, Jackson, LA 70748
Contact: Mike Fraering
Phone: (888) 677-3400 or (225) 654-3775
URL: http://www.lastateparks.com
URL: http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ipthudson.aspx
The Confederates occupied Port Hudson in August of 1862 after the Battle of Baton Rouge. The Confederates needed a strong point below Vicksburg and the Red River to maintain communications between the eastern and western areas of the Confederacy. The bluffs at Port Hudson were the first high ground upstream from Baton Rouge and they overlooked a severe bend in the river. Admiral Farragut's attempt to subdue the garrison in March 1863 failed. The Federal army siege of Port Hudson began on May 23, 1863. Roughly 30,000 Union troops, under the command of Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, were pitted against 6,800 Confederates, under the command of Major General Franklin Gardner. The ensuing battles constituted some of the bloodiest and most severe fighting in the entire Civil War. As the siege continued, the Confederates nearly exhausted their ammunition and were reduced to eating mules, horses, dogs and rats. When word reached Gardner that Vicksburg had surrendered, he realized that his situation was hopeless and nothing could be gained by continuing the defense of Port Hudson. Surrender terms were negotiated, and on July 9, 1863, after 48 days and thousands of casualties, the Union army entered Port Hudson. The siege became the longest in American military history. Civil War weapon demonstrations are featured the first Sunday of each month. A Civil War reenactment is scheduled for the last weekend of March each year.
Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site
Location: St. Francisville, LA
Physical address: 12501 Highway 10, St. Francisville, LA 70775
Contact: Trish Aleshire
Site phone number: 888-367-1867 or 225-635-3110
URL: http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/irosedown.aspx
Rosedown Plantation is located in the West Feliciana Parish community of St. Francisville along one of the most historic corridors in South Louisiana. Daniel Turnbull was known before the Civil War as one of the richest men in the nation. The land that became Rosedown Plantation, named for a play that he and his wife, Martha, saw on their honeymoon, was assembled not by the then-usual method of Spanish Land Grants, but in a group of seven purchases made by Daniel Turnbull from the 1820s through the 1840s. Daniel and Martha Turnbull began construction on the main house at Rosedown in 1834. The home was furnished with the finest pieces available, most imported from the North and from Europe. A surprising amount of the furnishings purchased by the Turnbulls remained with the house during the years after the Civil War and many original pieces are still on display at Rosedown. The gardens were the province of Martha Turnbull throughout her life. The gardens grew out from the house over a span of many decades, to cover approximately 28 acres. In the 19th century, Rosedown was one of the largest privately maintained formal gardens in the United States. The site features house tours every hour and a chance to explore the gardens. Large living history days focussing on the Antebellum Era occur throughout the year.
Fort Frederick - Maryland
This French and Indian War historic site features the restored 18th century furnished home of the founder of Hagerstown, MD. Built in 1739 it also has an accompanying museum. The home was built as a private frontier fort and still retains the defensive features of loopholes, 22 inch thick limestone walls and two still-flowing fresh water springs in the basement.
Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum
Location: Port Sanilac, MI
Address: 228 S. Ridge Street, Port Sanilac, MI 48469
Phone: 810-622-9946
Hours: Wed-Fri 11-4, Sat-Sun Noon-4
Open: Early June thru End of August, Off season by appointment
URL: http://www.sanilaccountymuseum.org/
The Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum is a collection of nine historic buildings located on ten acres of the original Dr. Joseph Loop estate in the Lake Huron harbor village of Port Sanilac. The Sanilac County Historical Society invites you to step back in time as you wander through the beautiful gardens and the Victorian, Edwardian, and vintage buildings and exhibits that are featured on the property. Permanent collections include marine shipwreck items, military memorabilia, and Native American artifacts. The 1872 Loop-Harrison mansion is furnished in period; many of the accoutrements original to the family. A functioning centennial schoolhouse gives hundreds of local elementary-age children the experience of learning in a one-room 1800's environment every year. Our turn of the century General Store and Historic Church still fulfill their original purposes. One of Michigan's most popular performance venues - the Barn Theatre - is housed in the Loop family's 1880's era barn on the museum property and, if you enjoy ghost stories, we have our share of those too. You will travel to another century simply by paying us a visit. The Historic Village is an ever-changing entity. We are always in the process of restoring and refurbishing our precious antique buildings. New ones seem to come to us almost every year. The museum complex survives due to the dedication and relentless perseverance of our administrator and a band of tireless volunteers; many of whom have been involved with the historical society for decades. We invite you to join us.The Historic Village & Museum opens its season with school tours during May. Our regular season begins the first week of June. The museum complex hosts numerous special events during the open season and year round. Whether it's a Victorian dinner, the Halloween Spook Walk, old-fashioned toys and penny candy from the General Store, or the shutterbug delights that one can find in every nook and cranny of the museum grounds, we have something for visitors of every age at the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum. Come see us soon.
Fort Klock Historical Preservation Society
Location: St. Johnsville, NY 13452
Physical address: County Rt 5 Johnsville, NY 13452, just before arriving in the town of St Johnsville if heading west
Site phone number: (518) 568-7779
URL: http://www.fortklockrestoration.org/
Fort Klock, located near the center of the historic Mohawk Valley, was a fortified stone farmstead built by Palatine German immigrant Johannes Klock in 1750 . In 1973 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. A site of exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States.Owned & operated by Fort Klock Historic Restoration, the nearly original house has been restored. The 30 acre complex contains many reconstructed colonial farm structures, including a working blacksmith's shop, a new world Dutch barn and a early 19th century schoolhouse.The site is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day each, from 9:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday through Sunday. A small fee is charged. Groups wishing to use the picnic grounds and/or arrange a large group tour are asked to schedule their use ahead of time.
Fort Niagra - Youngstown, New York
Fort Ticonderoga - New York
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site
Location: Statesville, NC
Physical address: 438 Fort Dobbs Rd.
Contact: Scott Douglas
Site phone number: 704-873-5882
URL: www.fortdobbs.org
Fort Dobbs was a fortified barracks constructed by the Royal Colony of North Carolina during the French and Indian War. Completed in 1756, the fort served as a supply depot and barracks for a company of NC provincial troops, while guarding the western frontier of the colony. In February, 1760, the fort's garrison successfully repelled an attack by more than 70 Cherokee warriors. Following the end of hostilities, the post was officially closed in 1764. Today, the archaeological remains of Fort Dobbs constitute the only preserved site of a French and Indian War military fort in North Carolina. The site features a visitor center and gift shop, as well as a nature trail. A full-scale reconstruction of the fort is planned for 2010/2011. Living History events are held regularly throughout the year.
Historic Bethabara
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Physical address: 2147 Bethabara Rd / Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Contact name: Ellen Kutcher
Site phone number: (336)924-8191
URL: http://www.cityofws.org/Home/Departments/RecreationAndParks/BethabaraPark/AboutBethabara/Articles/AboutBethabara
Historic Bethabara is a Moravian site, and one of the two F & I fort sites in NC. If you look it up on Google Earth you can see the reconstructed fort.
Fort Meigs - Perrysburg, Ohio
The Carter Mansion
Location: Elizabethton, Tennessee
Contact: Jennifer Bauer
Address: 1013 Broad Saint Exn, Elizabethton, TN 37643
Phone: (423) 543-6140
Website: http://www.wataugalakemagazine.com/cartermansion.html
The CARTER MANSION was built circa 1780 by John and his son, Landon Carter. It is the oldest frame house in Tennessee. John Carter was elected as Chairman of the Court under the terms of the "Articles" of the Watauga Association. The house is possibly the only remaining link to the Watauga Association and the first government west of the mountains.
The Tennessee State Park system bought this private residence, restored and maintains and operates this historic site. Ninety percent of the house is authentic and three of its rooms still retain their original wall finishes including an original mural in an upstairs room. The Carters are buried in a small family cemetery to the east of the mansion.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Site
Location: Elizabethton, Tennessee
Contact: Jennifer Bauer
Address: 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643
Phone: 423-543-5808
Website: http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/SycamoreShoal
Website: http://www.sycamoreshoalstn.org/
The Sycamore Shoals State Historic Site is one of the most important places in early Tennessee history. It preserves FORT WATAUGA and some of the land where the Watauga Association,( the forerunner to democracy as the Founding Fathers envisioned it), was formed, where the Transylvania Purchase, (where 20 million acres of land was purchased from the Cherokee including the Cumberland watershed and land on the Kentucky River) occurred, and where soldiers mustered before the Battle of Kings Mountain .
After the outbreak of the Revolution, fearing that the frontier settlements would be attacked, the inhabitants of the Watauga Valley built Fort Watauga, originally named Fort Caswell in honor of the revolutionary governor of N.C. It was built near the Sycamore shoals of the Watauga River, and became a refuge for the settlers against Cherokee attack. In the summer of 1776, Dragging Canoe, returning home after the Sycamore Shoals Treaty (or Transylvania Purchase), determined to drive the white settlers from Cherokee lands. He was aided by English agents whose plans called for the Indians to attack the settlers from the rear while the English attacked them from the sea. A band of warriors under Old Abram of Chilhowee struck against Fort Watauga, where most of the settlers had already fled. Lt. Col. John Carter, Capt. James Robertson (founder of Nashville in 1779), Lt. John Sevier (Tennessee's first governor in 1796), and other officers commanded the fort. The Indians laid siege to Fort Watauga for approximately two weeks, but when the pioneers failed to surrender, the Indians departed.
Later, in 1780, the Overmountain Men assembled at the Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga before marching to the battle of Kings Mountain, setting the stage for Cornwallis’s defeat at the Battle of Yorktown the following year.
A reconstruction of Fort Watauga, based on archaeological and historical research, stands near the Sycamore Shoals River crossing. The original location was approximately 1500 yards to the southwest. A scenic trail leads from the fort to the bank of the Watauga River at the historic Shoals. Sycamore Shoals is listed as a National Historic Landmark and is listed in the national Register of Historic Places.
Fort Bon Secours - Wisconsin
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Last updated February 26, 2010