Fort Hampton (Limestone County, Alabama)

Limestone County · Alabama · War of 1812

Quick BriefFort Hampton was a collection of log buildings and stables built on a hill near the Elk River in Limestone County, Alabama, and named for Brigadier General Wade Hampton by Colonel Alexander Smyth. Originally built to deter Americans from settling in Chickasaw territory, it was garrisoned during the War of 1812. Established in 1809 and abandoned in 1817, the fort remains now occupied by a private residence.

History & Significance

After Colonel Return J. Meigs Sr. drove settlers from Chickasaw territory in 1809 without lasting success, a permanent military post was established in the fall of 1810. Brigadier General Wade Hampton ordered Major John Fuller and 104 riflemen from the newly formed Regiment of Riflemen to march from Cantonment Washington to the Elk River region.

Initially comprising log cabins, a brickyard, and stables with no fortifications, the post eventually developed a central courtyard surrounded by thirty-two log cabins. In 1812, it was made defensive, enclosed, blockaded, and equipped with cannons outside.

Soldiers maintained the garrison by building roads, patrolling for intruders, and burning cabins of settlers on Chickasaw lands. Sam Houston joined the army and served at Fort Hampton in 1813, with his brother Robert commanding the 8th Infantry there from 1816 until abandonment in 1817.

After abandonment, the site was used as a court location for Elk County, Mississippi Territory, and Limestone County, Alabama Territory. The University of West Florida excavated the site in 2013, uncovering over 660 artifacts including Regiment of Riflemen buttons, ammunition, nails, and ceramics.