March 28, 2010

A Saturday History Lesson

 

The weather was absolutely perfect yesterday here in Alabama.  It was the perfect day for an outing.

 

 

G-Man and I drove to Horseshoe Bend National Military Park in Daviston, AL for the 196th anniversary of the Battle of the Horseshoe.  History comes to life during this two day event where frontier life in 1814 is recreated.  It emphasizes the importance of the 1814 battle in which General Andrew Jackson and his army of 3,300 men attacked 1,000 Upper Creek warriors on the Tallapoosa River. Over 800 Upper Creeks died defending their homeland. Never before or since in the history of our country have so many American Indians lost their lives in a single battle. This 2040-acre park preserves the site of the battle.

A press release issued by Horseshoe Bend National Military Park said the event will allow participants to experience the life of the Creek and Cherokee Indians, visit authentic hunting camps, learn how to make Cherokee baskets and participate in a Creek stomp dance.

In addition, they can experience the life of Jackson’s army, watch Tennessee militiamen and soldiers representing the 39th U.S. Infantry fire smoothbore cannon and flintlock muskets and learn how soldiers cooked their meals.

The sights, sounds, and smells made me feel as though I could have really been there during 1814.  {{Well, I had to block out all of the cars, dogs on leashes, babies with binkies, cell phones, and folding chairs!!!}} 

Here are lots of photographs of our day.

Creek Indians

 

 
 
 

It was so interesting to hear their stories…
 
 
 

and see their attire

 

I am glad the wind didn’t pick up when I was taking this picture…

  I would have learned more than I ever wanted to know about this Indian!!

 

This camp smelled sooo good!

 

I hope it didn’t come from this pile of bones and shells!

 

I love the colors and patterns in their crafts

 

furs and feathers…

 

precious belongings…

 

and beautiful handmade items

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39th U.S. Infantry

 

Tennessee  militiamen telling their story…

 

sharing their history…

 

readying the cannons…

 

hoping to become sharpshooters…

 

dedicated to the cause.

 

Demonstrations…

 

relaxation…

 

and much needed rest.

 

Even the young…

 

need a little afternoon caffeine!!!

 

This young mother and her baby girl were precious

 

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This diorama is in the small museum at the park.

It tells the real story of the bloodshed and pain of war.

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I want to remind everyone about the give-away from CSN Stores.  It end this Wednesday at midnight.  I will announce the winners on Thursday, April 1st…unless I am at the hospital with Alex.  Things are beginning to happen, so I am leaving tomorrow to be with her.  Papa G-Man and Aunt Caroline will join us when he arrives. Mason will be here soon and we can’t wait to meet him!   He has a huge extended family that is ready to welcome this precious boy with much love.  God is good. 

Rhonda

10 comments:

  1. Alex, Mason and your family will be in our prayers. What an exciting time! And this post was fascinating!
    xoxo Pattie

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  2. A most interesting weekend post!

    Rhonda, I am so excited for you! Mason is going to be such a precious, precious blessing to you and Alex!! Not to mention the rest of the family!! I love being a Noni!! And, I love hearing the joys of other grandmothers! You will all be in my prayers.

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  3. Very cool. I would love to go to something like that. I might even try turtle soup.

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  4. That looks like a fantastic place. I love seeing reenactments of history, the costume etc! suzie

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  5. Love this post...history has always fascinated me.
    Can't wait to see pictures of the new addition soon to be here of your family. I know how excited you must be.
    Take care
    Maggie

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  6. Very fascinating bit of history.
    Can't wait to see pics of that new little blessing!!

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  7. It's so amazing to see history recreated like that, thanks for posting!

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  8. What a wonderful learning experience. Your photos were wonderful! The momma's straw bonnet with the green sash is just precious as is the bebe!
    Blessings on your family's new arrival!
    Debra

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  9. I would love to go to something like this! I think it is so neat when history comes alive. When Grant was in the first grade I read all the Little House on the Prairie books to him and later took him to an event where you learned all about the ways of the pioneers, dip your own candles etc. He loved it (I am being sarcastic!!) He thought it was mildly interesting, while I went around giddy over everything I saw. :)

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  10. Rhonda,

    Thanks for sharing this. I love history and would have loved to attended this event.
    My prayers are with all of you while you welcome Mason into the world.

    Deborah

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So happy you are here - I love your comments!