News Release

Commemoration of the 210th Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend

Date: March 1, 2024
Contact: Stacy Speas, 256.234.7111
Contact: Matthew Robinson

Horseshoe Bend NMP News Release
Release Date: March 1, 2024
Contact: Stacy Speas, [e-mail], 256-234-7111

Commemoration of the 210th Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend Friday and Saturday, March 22-23, 2023

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will host the 210th Anniversary of the Battle of the Horseshoe on Friday and Saturday, March 22-23, 2024. This free annual event recreates traditional Muscogee Creek life, frontier life in the year 1814, and emphasizes the importance of the battle in United States history through a variety of special demonstrations and interpretive programs. Friday evening’s activities will focus on the Muscogee Creek experience during the battle and its aftermath. Luminaries will light the battlefield, offering a moving reminder of the dramatic loss of life during the battle, including over 800 Redstick warriors. From to 5:00-7:00 PM visitors and tribal members will gather in front of the Horseshoe Bend Visitor Center. Muscogee Nation speakers will include Principal Chief David Hill, representatives from the Muscogee (Creek) National Council, the Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs and other leaders. Traditional Mvskoke hymn singers will follow the speakers. Other guests include representatives from traditional Muscogee ceremonial grounds, Mvskoke royalty, and other dignitaries.
Saturday’s activities take place from 9:00AM – 4:00 PM. Muscogee (Creek) Nation and National Park Service speakers begin at 10:00 AM in front of the visitor center. Immediately following this will be a ceremonial wreath laying at the site of the Barricade (Tour Stop 2) Throughout the day, living history camps and children’s activities are available behind the visitor center. Look for posted schedules on the day of the event. Experience traditional lifeways of the Muscogee Creek by visiting traditional hunting camps and observing demonstrations of cultural skills such as hide tanning, cooking and finger weaving. Children will have the opportunity to participate in an indigenous stickball game. Experience the life of Andrew Jackson’s frontier army through encampments and demonstrations. Watch Tennessee militia fire flintlock muskets. A camp depicting American women’s lives on the frontier will provide wool dying demonstrations and teach visitors how to spin the wool.
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. All demonstrations will be presented multiple times throughout the day and promise to be entertaining as well as educational. A refreshment stand will be available courtesy of the New Site Volunteer Fire Department.
This Program is FREE to the public.