TUSCUMBIA-The War of 1812 years was a time of decision for American Indians. As the United States and Britain prepared to go to war with each other, each country pressured Indian nations to choose sides. The looming war also forced Indian leaders to decide whether their nations would return to their traditional ways of life or continue to adapt to new European/American customs. Chickasaws, Choctaws, Cherokees and some Creeks thought their nations would benefit from American protection and increased trade, and they chose to support the United States. Red Stick Creeks and Shawnees sought British help to attack the United States. Their goals were to reclaim their hunting grounds and to restore their traditional ways once the Americans were removed.
The strategic importance of Colbert Ferry was highlighted during the War of 1812. George Colbert’s ferry operation was located at the intersection of two main transportation corridors the Tennessee River and the Natchez Trace. The area from East Port to Muscle Shoals was also a northern gateway to southern Indian nations. As a crossroads near the border of Indian nations and the United States, these historic grounds witnessed significant events that influenced the outcome of the war.
Indians’ decisions made during the years 1811-1814 helped the United States win the Creek War and the Battle of New Orleans, but they also planted the seeds for Indian removal and an expansion of what has become known as the “Old South.” Living history events throughout the day will portray historic events from 1811 to 1814.
On April 11, at 7 pm, a banquet featuring representatives of the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee and Creek nations speaking on their ancestors’ roles in the War of 1812 will be held at the Round House at the historic Tuscumbia Depot, Tuscumbia. Tickets are $20 and are available at Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau and Cold Water Bookstore, both in Tuscumbia, and Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Office.
The Natchez Trace Parkway Association will be presenting a program, Defending The Natchez Trace, At Colbert Ferry Landing on the Natchez Trace on April 10-12th to celebrate The Southeast American Indians in the War of 1812. The event will be a learning experience for school children with an agenda set up for them on Thursday and Friday, April 10th and 11th with field trips to the events will be available from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm and the public is invited to attend the events on Saturday, April 12th. For more information cal Bud Pride at 256.766.6585.1 or contact the Colbert County Tourism Bureau at (256) 383-0783 or e-mail the tourism office at ColbertTourism@Comcast.net
STUDENT AGENDA – Thursday April 10, 2014 and Friday April 11, 2014:
War of 1812 Bicentennial event, at Colbert’s Ferry Site and Park on the Natchez Trace Parkway (April 10-12)
Historical presentations on America’s role in the War of 1812, the Southeastern American Indian’s role, and those events that occurred on the Natchez Trace in Northwest Alabama. Presentation made by War of 1812 military enactors and enactors from SE American Indian nations.
War of 1812 military enactors will have a complete 1812 era military camp site “set up”.
Saturday, April 12th- Southeastern American Indians in the War of 1812:
The living history event will provide a unique opportunity for audience members to explore the causes and effects of the war in Alabama from the perspectives of the American Indian nations. The America Indian story has often been treated as a backdrop for discussions of American and British military campaigns.
Lecturers will put the events in a scholarly context.
Saturday Schedule:
9:00 am Site opens to the public
10:00 am Living History Presentation -The Chickasaw and Colbert Ferry
10:30 am Speaker Jim Parker
11:30 am Living History Presntation-Tecumseh’s arrival and speech
12:30 pm Speaker Dr. Tom Kanon on “Tecumseh and His Legacy”
1:30 pm Living History Presentation 1812 Indian Council at Colbert Ferry with Pushmataha’s speech, The Lower Creeks and the Chickasaw Divide, William Weatherford and George Colbert
2:30 pm Speaker Raymond Doherty-“Archeological Discoveries at George Colbert’s House”
3:00 pm Living History Presentation U.S. Soldiers arrive
There will be four education stations operating:
1. Artist Tent-Displays and sales the artist are Don Rankin, Steve White and David Wright
2. Speakers Tent- Lectures by Jim Parker, Ft. Toulouse, Alabama , Dr. Tom Kanon, Tennessee State Library and Archives, Raymond Daugherty, owner, George Colbert’s Inn Tupelo, Mississippi
3. The Old Oak Stage- Living History Presentations , Tecumseh, George Colbert, Pushmataha, and William Weatherford
4. The U.S. Regular Army Encampment, Col. John Coffee
