Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Battle of Hobdy’s Bridge will be a highlight of the Pioneer Museum of Alabama’s “Thunder on the Three Notch” on Friday and Saturday. 

Barbara Tatom, museum director, said, at 2 p.m. each day, the museum will present “Thunder on the Three Notch, a reenactment of the Battle of Hobdy’s Bridge. Prior to the battle, a short history of the battle will be shared on the museum’s grounds.

Bob McLendon, local re-enactor and leader of the battle which took place on the Pea River between Pike and Barbour counties and on the fringes of the Three Notch Trail. 

McLendon said, in the eyes of the United States government, the Creek War of 1836 had been over for months, Regardless, one of the largest battles was fought at Hobdy’s Bridge in the Pea River floodplain swamps. 

“A large number of Creek Indians, men, women and children, had fled into the swamps after the concentration camps where they were waiting to be sent west on the Trail of Tears were attacked by white militia units,” McLendon said. “The re-enactment of the Thunder on The Three Notch brings into focus the battle that raged in the area that is a part of the local history of Pike and Barbour counties.

‘Thunder on the Three Notch” is an opportunity to learn more about the history of the area and about an important battle that was fought close to home.

“Thunder on the Three Notch” is living history in other ways, Tatom said. 

In addition to the re-enactment, there will be a circuit riding preacher, blacksmithing, weaving, rope making, quilting, basket making and dulcimer playing.

Sydni Sykes will provide musical entertainment in the main building on Saturday. 

Preston’s Food Truck will be on the ground with a variety of edibles. There’s nothing more refreshing on a summer-like day than 2 Brothers Frozen Treats. Snack items will be available in the museum gift shop. 

Admission to “Thunder on the Three Notch” is $10 for adults, $9 for senior adults and military, $8 for students. Ages five and under and museum members will be admitted free. Inquire about museum memberships in the gift shop.