Delving into the deep south

Trip 7: Heart of the South Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi

Though this region of the country is best-known for its Civil War heritage, it also hosted battles of the War of 1812 and the deadly Creek War (1813-14 Several military bases were vital to later war efforts.

So besides visiting world-famous battlefields such as Vicksburg, be sure to take in the Army, naval and aviation museums based in these three states. Prime among them, of course, is the renowned National D-Day Museum and the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.

ALABAMA

Alabama Department of Archives & History Museum Montgomery; (334) 242-4363.

Military gallery covers state military activities from 1702 to the present, with strong collections on the Civil War and WWI.

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Daviston, (256) 234-7111.

Site of last battle of the Creek War of 1813-14 (War of 1812), March 1814. Visitor center, museum, 10-minute slide presentation on the battle, 3-mile loop road with interpretive markers and a 2.8-mile nature trail through battlefield.

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Park Tuskegee, (334) 724-0922.

Temporary visitor center houses exhibits and shows 5 historical films on Tuskegee Airmen (black pilots of WWII).

Confederate Memorial Park Marbury, (205) 755-1990.

Site of Alabama's only Old Soldiers Home for Confederate Veterans, 1902-1939. Museum with exhibits on Civil War and history, of the home.

Fort Gaines Historic Site Dauphin Island, (251) 861-6992.

1861 fort involved in Battle of Mobile Bay. Self-guided tours of 5-sided brick rampart with bastions, battlements and living quarters. Small museum contains Civil War artifacts.

Fort Mires, Tensaw, (251) 937-9464.

Site of August 1813 Creek Indian massacre of 247 militiamen and settlers that was the chief cause of the Creek War. Interpretive walkway with historical markers.

Fort Morgan Historic Site Gulf Shores, (251) 540-7125.

Surrendered after 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay. Recommissioned for later wars. Historic brick fort remains in excellent condition and features self-guided walking tours, concrete gun batteries, officers housing and museum.

Historic Blakely State Park Spanish Fort, (251) 626-0798.

Site of last major battle of the Civil War, April 1865. 5 1/2 miles of pristine breastworks and Civil War fortifications can be seen along 8 miles of trails.

Southern Museum of Flight Birmingham, (205) 833-8226.

Military displays include Korea, Vietnam, Tuskegee Airmen, Birmingham airfields, Alabama Air National Guard, Medal of Honor recipients and outdoor aircraft.

U.S. Army Aviation Museum Fort Rucker, (334) 255-2893.

More than 160 military aircraft are displayed in 70,000 square feet of exhibit space, including one of the largest collections of military helicopters in the world. Covers Army's involvement in aviation from the days of the Wright brothers to the present, with major exhibits on Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War. Includes interactive exhibits and recreated scenes. Has memorial for Vietnam War Army aviators.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile, (251) 433-2703.

155-acre park features the Alabama and the submarine USS Drum (both open for tours), plus 24 historic aircraft and memorials to the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Veterans Memorial Museum Huntsville, (256) 883-3737.

Displays include more than 30 historical military vehicles from WWI to the present, plus dioramas, artifacts and memorabilia dating back to the Revolutionary War.

LOUISIANA

Louisiana State Museum New Orleans, (504) 568-6968.

Series of museums includes the Cabildo, which houses displays on the War of 1812 and the Civil War in Louisiana history. New museum will open in Baton Rouge in 2005, which will include "Louisiana at War" exhibit.

Jackson Barracks Military Museum New Orleans, (504) 278-8242.

More than 10,000 square feet feature dioramas, artifacts, letters and personal mementos dating back to the Revolutionary War, with major focus on the Louisiana National Guard. Grounds display includes tanks, planes, helicopters, anti-aircraft batteries and cannons.

Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery (Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve) New Orleans, (504) 281-0510.

Site of 1815 Battle of New Orleans, the last major land battle of the War of 1812. Visitor center contains exhibits and audiovisual program. 1.5-mile tour road features 6 interpretive stops on battlefield. Monument, national cemetery.

Fort Jesup State Historic Site Many, (318) 256-4117.

Frontier fort, 1822-46. Original log kitchen building and reconstructed officers quarters house visitor information, interpretive exhibits, maps, images and diorama. Living history demonstrations.

Fort Pike State Historic Site New Orleans, (504) 662-5703.

Established in 1819 and played part in 1830s Seminole Wars, Mexican War and Civil War. Much of citadel, casement and exterior walls remain. Museum, self-guided tours.

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site

Natchitoches, (318) 357-3101. Reconstruction of 1732 French fort and trading post includes barracks, warehouse, chapel, mess hall and powder magazine. Interpretive programs.