1 of 6

Mary Grace Hammett, Anna Claire Godwin, Jaemisyn Taunton, Charlie Philpott, and Richie Philpott learn how deer hoofs and turtle shells were made and used in traditional stomp dances.

Charlie Philpott tries flint knapping.

Jaemisyn Taunton, Anna Claire Godwin, Richie Philpott, and Charlie Philpott tour the American fort, Fort Jackson.

JJ Butler and Matthew Prescott learn about the daily life in Fort Jackson.

Elizabeth Thrash, Caitlyn Saxon Hudson, Kailyn Boles, and Madilyn Roberson meet Davy Crockett.

Matthew Prescott, Anthony Hicks, Larry Hicks, Leon Prescott, Carson Watkins, JJ Butler, and Ashtyn Barnes pose at the Fort Toulouse monument. Photographer/Star-News

Students from Straughn Elementary and W.S. Harlan Elementary visited Fort Toulouse-Jackson this week for Frontier Days.

With its Indian mounds, the fort’s rich history dates back more than 6,000 years. The French constructed their first fort near the junction of the Tallapoosa and Coosa Rivers in 1717.

Three forts were built by the French before they lost the French and Indian War in 1763, when they abandoned the site. A new large earthen fort was erected in 1814 and named in honor of Gen. Andrew Jackson.

Fort Toulouse/Jackson National Historic Site is located off Highway 231 in Wetumpka. Almost every month, visitors may enjoy living history events, and Frontier Days are  held each year in November.

For more information, visit fttoulousejackson.org.

Courtesy photos