Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1813 when a group of Creeks ambushed a Red Stick ammunition train. In retali-
ation, the Red Sticks attacked and massacred 250 settlers in Fort Mims, located
just outside of present-day Bay Minette.
The war raged for two years, until it moved to this location, which was called
Cholocco Litabixee
(horses flat foot) by the Creeks, Horseshoe Bend by the Un-
ited States. Most of the battle was fought by 2,000 men of a Tennessee militia and
600 allied Cherokee and Creek Indians. By the end of the battle, 1,000 Red Sticks
were dead, and soon after, this land was ceded to the United States.
The park trail takes you through some interesting scenery and key sites of the
battle. Be sure to pick up a free brochure at the visitor center before starting,
which describes the exhibits and the battle in more detail. Also ask the park ranger
to see the fifteen-minute video that gives an overview of the battle and the park.
The trail passes most of the exhibits in the park that describe the battle. The exhib-
its contain text panels describing what to look for and benches, and each has a
roof over it for a little shade.
The hike is a very easy 2.5-mile loop over gravel and dirt footpaths about 3 to 4
feet wide through white oak, hickory, chestnut, and dogwood trees, and along the
banks of the Tallapoosa River. Families of white-tailed deer share the path with
hikers.
Admission to the park is free, but a donation is requested to help maintain the
facility.
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