Celebrate General Joe Wheeler's Birthday, September 7

On Saturday, September 7, the Alabama Historical Commission is honoring Wheeler's birthday at his home in North Alabama. Visitors to Pond Spring, the General Joe Wheeler Home, will be able to sample cake made from a Wheeler family recipe said to be the General’s favorite.

Wheeler was a legendary Confederate general, a U.S. congressman, and a Spanish American War general. Following the Civil War, Wheeler became a national symbol for reunification and reconciliation. His 1870s home is the center point of the 50-acre historic site owned by the commission. The collection contains around 10,000 objects, furnishings, clothing, and papers associated with the family.

The annual celebration will begin with a welcoming ceremony at 10am with local Boy Scouts presenting the flags. The public can explore the grounds from 10am to 2pm and enjoy cake (while it lasts) with drinks donated by Pepsi Bottling Co. Come see re-enactors firing a working Civil War cannon and various folk artists demonstrating their skills. The LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Bloodmobile will be on-site for a blood drive and the Olde Towne Brass Band will play on the front porch of the Wheeler House from noon to 1pm.

Entrance to the grounds, the welcoming ceremony, and refreshments are free. Admission to the Wheeler House, for guided tours, is $8 adults, $5 seniors/college students/military, and $3 children 6-18, free for children under 6. Tours will be offered from 9am to 3pm, with tours beginning on the hour. Pond Spring is located in Lawrence County in Hillsboro, three miles east of Courtland, on Alabama Highway 20 (US Alt. 72).

For more information contact Kara Long at wheelerinfo@hiwaay.net, 256-637-8513.

The Alabama Historical Commission protects, preserves, and interprets Alabama's historic places and is the State Historic Preservation Office. For more information about AHC, visit www.preserveala.org.