Fort Mitchell National Historic Landmark

561 AL Hwy. 165
Fort Mitchell, AL 36856

Fort Mitchell is located in East Alabama along then banks of the Chattahooche River. It has been said that Russell County, is second only to Mobile, Alabama in terms of historical significance in the State of Alabama. In the early 1800s a treaty was signed with the local Native Americans for a “footpath” to enter East Alabama at Fort Mitchell. The “footpath” was later used for wheel traffic. This road became known as “The Federal Road” which ran from Macon, Georgia to Mobile, Alabama and was the route that practically everyone used who traveled from places like Washington, Charleston, or Savannah to the West. During the war of 1812, British soldiers were selling guns and supplies to the Indians to be used against American settlers and soldiers and Indian hostilities were rampant during this time. In 1813, the first of two forts were built along the Federal Road at a site where the ferry crossed the river from Columbus, Georgia, into Indian territory and the Western frontier. Today, the purpose of the reconstruction of Fort Mitchell, a National Landmark Site, is to bring to life that period of history that took place in this area during the time of the Federal Road, the Creek Indian War, and the pioneer settlement of this area. As Alabama became a state in 1819, the terms of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend were being carried out. The Federal Government had set up a Trading Factory at Fort Mitchell (1817-1820) to provide the Indians with necessary supplies such as clothing and food items. The factory was not successful and the Government set up an Indian Agency at Fort Mitchell, which remained there from 1825-1836, when the Indians were moved to the West. A Memorial can be seen just North of the forts Visitors Center, at the Indian Heritage Center, which has the names of each of the Indians who were moved to the West printed in the panels of the memorial. THE VISITORS CENTER Upon your entrance to Fort Mitchell, you will need to check in at our Visitors Center. The Visitors Center houses our Museum, theatre, and a walk through time, where you will see displays depicting historical scenes and events of the area and time. There are collections of arrowheads, tools, guns, pottery, and household items. In the museum, is our display of period horse drawn carriages which are all original and built in the1860 era. In the theatre, you will see our very authentic film presentation describing the history of the 1813-1860 period in this area..