TRIUMPHANT RETURN- CELEBRATING A NEW AMERICAN SPIRIT
TUSCUMBIA, ALABAMA
JUNE 13, 2015
WAR OF 1812 BICENTENNIAL
Commemoration and Reenactment of the Return of United States Soldiers on the Natchez Trace Following the Victory at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.
As General Andrew Jackson returned on the Natchez Trace to his home the Hermitage in Tennessee, citizens from Natchez to Nashville held victory balls for the general and his troops. General Jackson told his soldiers that they had “conquered the conquerors of Europe” by defeating the British to confirm their independence. Though soldiers who marched to war at New Orleans identified themselves by their states or ancestry, they returned unified as one American people. The victory led to a new identity as one nation and to a new American spirit.
A number of early Alabama leaders developed leadership and political skills while serving under General Andrew Jackson and General John Coffee. Several of the soldiers who fought at New Orleans soon bought land in what became the State of Alabama and became some of the state’s earliest citizens. Jackson and Coffee are said to have decided to develop the town “York’s Bluff” during a return march. The development became the town of Sheffield, Alabama, just north of Tuscumbia.
SCHEDULE
Pre-Events.
SATURDAY, April 18, 12:30 -2:30PM. Helen Keller Library, Tuscumbia. Lisa Pace teaches workshop to make period women’s dance dress.
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 10-2PM, City of Tuscumbia Multi-Purpose Center, 601 E.N.Commons. Marty Aubuchon, caller from St. Louis, to teach period dances.
SATURDAY, June 6
- 10 – 12 AM. Muscle Shoals City Hall, 2010 E. Avalon. War of 1812 Speakers.
- Robert Perry, Chickasaw Elder, Mark Hubbs, Lanny Perry.
FRIDAY, June 12
- 9-12 AM: Sheffield Encampment. Welcome by Mayor Ian Sanford. Alabama Forestry Service will dedicate a sign on the historic site and Richard Sheridan tells the rich history of the area. Educational events to follow. Concessions offered by Sheffield Parks & Recreation.
- 2PM: The re-enactor soldiers and the Tuscumbia American Legion honor War of 1812 Veterans on front lawn of Colbert County Court House, Tuscumbia. Recognize Essay Contest Winner.
- 5PM: Hiking and Cycling events sponsored by NTPA will end at the Encampment. Professor Gene Smith will speak on Freemen of Color Soldiers in the War of 1812.
SATURDAY, June 13 (Locust Hill available 9AM to 12 PM)
- 9AM: Coffee Cemetery, Florence. Private ceremony to lay a wreath at John Coffee’s grave.
- 10:30AM: McFarland Park, Florence. Welcome by Florence Mayor Mickey Haddock. Speech by General John Coffee.
- 10:30 – 12:00AM. Florence Tourism Conference Room, McFarland Park. Speakers: NTPA Bryant Boswell, NTPA Tony Turnbow.
- 5:00 PM Parade east on 2nd Street to Locust Hill. General Andrew Jackson, wife Rachel and Andrew, Jr. ride in horse-drawn carriage in parade with Tennessee Volunteers.
- 5:00-5:45 PM at Locust Hill. Welcome comments by Gov. Robert Bentley (invited, unconfirmed). General Jackson speaks and dismisses (musters out) troops by name.
- VICTORY CELEBRATION AND PERIOD BALL
- 6PM: Doors open. Appetizers served. Music by Sinclair Quartet.
- 7-11PM: Dancing begins called out by Marty Aubuchon with music by the Booneslick Boys.
- Hourly breaks for the musicians, Ubadu African Dancers on the lawn. Join in.
SUNDAY, 9AM June 14, . Period 1812 church service by preacher Jeff Sinclair, music by Sinclair quartet Public invited.
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT COLBERT COUNTY CVB..
REENACTORS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING, CONTACT DR. BRYANT BOSWELL AT mtcreeklodge@aol.com AND FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.
PHOTOS FROM PAST NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY ASSOCIATION LIVING HISTORY EVENTS AND PARTICIPATION IN WAR OF 1812 BICENTENNIAL EVENTS:
Click on a link below:
DEFENDING THE NATCHEZ TRACE: SOUTHEAST AMERICAN INDIANS IN THE WAR OF 1812
EXPEDITION NATCHEZ 1813: BECOMING OLD HICKORY
NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY ASSOCIATION LIVING HISTORY AND EDUCATION INITIATIVES ARE FUNDED THROUGH CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MARTY OWENS LIVING HISTORY FUND. TO DONATE, CLICK ON THE “DONATE” TAB BELOW, OR CONTACT US AT info@natcheztrace.org