The DMC at Blakeley State Park
On Tuesday, June 13th, The David Mathews Center joined the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities at Blakeley State Park for an immersive learning experience for educators in the Mobile and Baldwin County area, utilizing the “The Creek War of 1813-14: What Would You Do?” to facilitate a deliberative conversation concerning the history of the nation and state.
Beginning with a boat ride around the Tensaw Delta, educators experienced the unique opportunity to view the abundance of the Delta wildlife, such as eagles, ospreys, and alligators. During our visit, we even saw an alligator snapping turtle, which was quick to go back under the water, only showing himself to the boat for a very short time. In addition to the wildlife that were visible, Blakeley State Park staff explained that the Delta was unique in that the area is a blend of freshwater and saltwater, providing conditions for numerous species and one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country. Although the wildlife was astounding, one of the greatest takeaways of the boating expedition was the rich history surrounding the area, particularly relating to Indigenous history during the Creek War.
Following the boating expedition, educators worked their way back into the park to the Gatra Wehle Center for a deepdive into the history of the park and its connection to the Creek War, presented by Blakeley State Park Director, Mike Bunn. While the Creek War of 1813-14 is a large part of Alabama and Creek Indian history, there are misinterpretations of how the Creek Indian tribe interacted with imposing Americans and what was at stake. Often, it is believed that there was a clear division between Americans and Indigenous peoples; however, there was also strife between members of the Creek tribe, splitting into those that supported the relationship with America and the Red Sticks, the conservative faction of the Creeks.
Describing this conflict within the Creek tribe generated the setting for the educators to visualize themselves in 1813-14 during the Creek War. By using the Creek War issue guide, Dr. Mark Wilson of the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center was able to use this context to encourage the participants to not only contemplate the actions that they would have taken during this time, but also to think about the things most valued to them. Even though some educators explained that the safety of themselves and their families would make them join the Americans, others stated that their property and sense of identity would be lost, changing the lives they’ve always known and valued. Many others thought that they would try to negotiate peacefully, only resorting to defense if necessary. As the conversation continued, this deliberation proved just how difficult it would have been to make this decision during this time, let alone today, and how conflicting interests do not always mean there is a right or wrong answer.
To close the day, Creative Director, Justin Lutz, provided DMC methods and resources to the educators to incorporate into their own classrooms and curriculum and recounted some of his favorite deliberations with students. The Mathews Center is thankful for our partnership with the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities, the Blakeley State Park staff, and all the educators who participated in the workshop. We look forward to joining again next year!