UPDATE: The park partially reopened today, April 17, it announced. “The visitor center, picnic area and overlook tour stop are all open. The tour road and nature trail remain closed. We are working to open portions of the tour road as soon as possible.”
By Troy Turner
DADEVILLE — Horseshoe Bend National Military Park remains closed after suffering extensive damage from a March 15 tornado the U.S. Weather Service has upgraded to an EF-3 status that contained winds of at least 140 mph.
National Park Service officials at Horseshoe Bend, which is located north of Dadeville off state Highway 49 in northern Tallapoosa County, said that more than 300 trees were felled by the storm onto interior roads, creating safety hazards for guests and staff.
NPS officials have made no announcement of when the park is expected to reopen.
The Battle of Horseshoe Bend took place March 27, 1814, when Major General Andrew Jackson’s army of 3,300 men attacked Creek Indian Chief Menawa’s 1,000 Red Stick Creek warriors fortified in a horseshoe shaped bend of the Tallapoosa River.
More than 800 Red Sticks died that day. The battle ended the Creek War, resulted in a land cession of 23 million acres to the United States, and created a national hero of Andrew Jackson, along with notoriety for members of his army such as Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett, who served as a scout for Jackson.
‘Trees were snapped or uprooted’
“We have completed our damage assessment of the March 15th tornado outbreak across Central Alabama. The final tally stands at 15 tornadoes,” the National Weather Service reported on March 27.
“The Tallapoosa County tornado was upgraded from EF-2 to EF-3/140 mph based on extensive tree damage at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. Details can be found on our event webpage: https://www.weather.gov/bmx/event_03152025”
The tornado touched down in the Lake Martin area near Russell Ferry Estates, crossing County Road 40 and passing over Midway Estates Road.
“As the tornado crossed U.S. Highway 280, minor damage occurred to some metal buildings of businesses, and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. Farther to the northeast, extensive tree damage was noted on Abbett Drive, with concentrated tree damage occurring on Camp ASCCA Road.
“A manufactured home sustained roof and underpinning damage close by, but remained anchored despite witnesses mentioning that the home almost lifted off the ground. Just 50 to 75 yards to the west of the home, extensive EF-2 tree damage was observed. The tornado intensified as it almost paralleled Rock Springs Road, where a single-wide manufactured home was destroyed and debris blown 50 to 75 yards away. Winds were estimated at 120 mph at this location,” the weather service reported.
A 600-yard-wide path
“The tornado continued northeastward at EF-2 intensity as it crossed over Rock Springs Road once again, then followed Horseshoe Bend Road to the Tallapoosa River. From there, the tornado moved across Horseshoe Bend National Military Park.
“After contacting the acting park superintendent, valuable information and photos were provided that indicated extensive EF-2 tree damage on the southwestern and northeastern side of the park property. Near the battlefield site, numerous trees were snapped and uprooted, extensively blocking the Loop Tour Road and causing damage to outbuildings and an exhibit pavilion.
“The tree damage on the northeast side of the park property was very extensive, with countless trees snapped. Where highest winds occurred, very few trees were left standing. A wooded area south of County Road 79 and north of the Tallapoosa River was revisited days later in a follow-up survey with park employees, with a massive amount of timber damage being documented.
“The tornado was at its strongest in this area, and the tree damage was rated EF-3/140 mph based on a 500- to 600-yard-wide area of snapped pines and hardwoods with several debarked.
“The tornado continued northeastward, crossing County Road 79 multiple times and moving through the Daviston community with EF-0 and EF-1 tree damage noted along the way. A couple barns or outbuildings were heavily damaged along County Road 79 as well.”
The weather service credited Tallapoosa County EMA and National Park Service employees for their assistance in conducting its survey and providing additional information.
Facing the aftermath
National Park Service staff from Horseshoe Bend and other parks continue work to assess the damage and clear trees that are preventing access and posse a safety concern.
“We will provide updates as soon as possible,” the park’s Facebook page noted. “No occupied buildings were damaged. Unfortunately, numerous trees were damaged or destroyed during the storm. Over 300 trees are blocking the park tour road or have damage that present aerial hazards.
“Due to visitor safety concerns, the park will remain closed to visitors at this time.”
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park was established July 25, 1956, and attracts more than 80,000 visitors each year.
(A battle re-enactment at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. Photos via NPS)
Troy Turner is the editor and senior consultant for AlaDefense.com. He can be contacted at [email protected]. His bio can be found here.
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