Ford's Fort
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HistoryDuring the War of 1812 and the Creek Indian War of 1813 settlers on the Mississippi frontier increasingly faced hostile Indian attacks instigated by the British. In August 1813 John Ford reported the erection of a stockade and other defenses at his house. Ford built the fortified enclosure to provide the Ford family and their neighbors with refuge in times of Indian alarms. His defense came to be known as John Ford’s Fort. The defense was built as a high wooden palisade surrounding his house, and about fifty feet from the house.  John Ford hosted General Andrew Jackson on 27 Nov 1814 at his home/ fort as he was on his way to defend New Orleans. Major Howell Tatum who was on Jacksons' staff recorded the arrival on the 27th and the departure on the next day at 9 o'clock. Parts of Ford's stockade reportedly survived into the twentieth century but the refuge was probably not used for defense after the end of the War of 1812.
Current StatusThe home is preserved by the Marion County Historical Society and is available for public view by appointment. The home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.  Two different roadside markers are in place, Marker #1 is in Sandy Hook, Mississippi at the intersection of State Highway 35 and Rankin Creek Road. Marker #2 is in Foxworth, Mississippi at the intersection of U.S. 98 and State Highway 35.
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