Joint Archeology Remote Sensing Project Searches for Answers at Horseshoe Bend NMP
"Where exactly was the Red Stick barricade located?" This is one of the most common questions people ask when they visit Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. In 1814, Red Stick Creeks built a stout log barricade across the neck of the Horseshoe Bend peninsula.They hoped this wall would protect their encampment, the village of Tohopeka, about eight hundred yards to the south. Thanks to the Southeast Archeological Center (SEAC) and archeologist Dr. Cameron Wesson from Lehigh University we may soon be able to answer this question. In mid- July, John Cornelison and a team of four archaeologists from SEAC spent about two weeks investigating the battlefield at Horseshoe Bend with non-invasive archaeological techniques. This included using ground penetrating radar, soil conductivity, soil resistivity and a gradiometer. Archeologists from Lehigh University used an additional gradiometer with the assistance from Auburn University's archeological field school.
"We are very fortunate to be able to use this equipment on this important site," said Cornelison. "With the Bicentennial less than a year away, SEAC, the park, and our partners were able to use advanced techniques to obtain new information about the barricade without disturbing the soil. This project is the largest terrestrial remote-sensing survey in any Southeast Region park and one of the larger remote-sensing land surveys conducted by the NPS."
"We look forward to receiving the information from our partners at SEAC and the universities," said Horseshoe Bend NMP Superintendent Doyle Sapp. "Hopefully, the data gathered will reveal the exact location of at least a portion of the barricade and enhance the park's interpretation of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in time for the Bicentennial."
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
