Fort Harker

Fort Harker is an earthen fortification built in a square shape with walls standing roughly 14 feet high and positions for seven cannons around the perimeter. At the center sits an eight-sided wooden blockhouse that was accessed by a drawbridge spanning the dry moat below.

Union forces built this installation in 1862 to protect a critical railroad crossing during the Civil War. The site guarded a key transportation route that connected military supply lines in the North.

The fort serves as a venue for historical reenactments where visitors can observe how soldiers lived and worked during the 1860s. These demonstrations show daily routines and military operations from that era.

The grounds are open daily through the city park system and offer guided tours by arrangement. Plan to walk around the entire perimeter to appreciate the structure and see all the features.

The wooden blockhouse features an unusual eight-sided shape with an original drawbridge mechanism. This design detail reveals careful planning against intrusions, a feature rarely seen in temporary field fortifications.

Location: Alabama

GPS coordinates: 34.86944,-85.83194

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:04