This Friday, the Summer Reading Challenge Program comes to a climactic close at the Jackson Parish Library, bringing to an end five weeks of tremendously entertaining and educational experiences for young patrons of the Jonesboro and Chatham branches.

Highlighting the final three days will be special appearances by a pair of people who will not only provide a glimpse of history but also bring smiles to the faces of all who participate through their impressive demonstrations.

Wednesday, July 9th

Carrie Miller with Fort Jesup State Historical Site
Musical Petting Zoo

10:00 AM – Jonesboro Branch
2:00 PM – Chatham Branch

Carrie Miller from the Fort Jesup State Historical Site will be the special guest teaching the importance that the garrison held in early United States history. Also, she will present her Musical Petting Zoo to interact with.

About Fort Jesup:

After the territorial boundary between the US and Spain was fixed at the Sabine River by the Florida Purchase Treaty of 1819, the United States built Fort Jesup in 1822. Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Taylor, who first established and commanded the garrison, managed to establish law and order in what had long been neutral ground between the two countries.

Fort Jesup remained an important military post for nearly 25 years. The fort witnessed the migration of US settlers into Texas, the winning of Texas independence, and the annexation of Texas as a US state in 1845. Fort Jesup, no longer needed as a border outpost, was abandoned in 1846.