Fort Deposit: The town that’s nuts about Priester’s Pecans
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Only two miles west of I-65 is Fort Deposit, one of the largest municipalities in Lowndes County. Home to Priester’s Pecans, this small town was established in 1813 + has hosted an annual arts and crafts fair since 1972.
Keep reading to learn more about this small Alabama town!
History
Originally known as Fort Deposite, the town was named for the fort built by federal troops in the Creek War of 1813-1814. Presently, it has a population of roughly 1,153 people.
Here’s a brief overview of the town’s history:
- 1813: Fort Deposit, a supply base, was named Fort Deposite
- 1855: The town’s first post office was created
- 1861: The Alabama-Florida Railroad, linking Montgomery and the state of Florida, was completed + a depot was constructed in the town by the end of the decade
- 1891: Fort Deposit was incorporated on Feb. 13
- 1935: Priester’s Pecans was established in a gas station
- 1972: The Calico Fort Arts + Crafts Fair first began in Fort Deposit
Priester’s Pecans
Priester’s Pecans first found its start in a Texaco gas station in 1935, when Lee C. Priester began selling paper-shell pecans there. Over the following eight decades, Priester’s pecan delicacy legacy flourished with the help of local oil distributor Hense C. Ellis + his descendants. Presently, the business now cracks + shells the pecans, processes them into candies, markets dozens of packaged nut products + ships worldwide.
In addition to their yummy pecan products, Priester’s retail store in Fort Deposit features:
- A food bar
- Free samples
- A viewing area where you can watch them make homemade candies
- Baked goods
- A selection of clothing
- Jewelry
- Gifts
- Children’s toys + books
- Auburn + Alabama merchandise
- Location: 1575 Old Fort Road East, Fort Deposit, Alabama, 36032
- Hours: 7 days a week, 8AM to 6PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
Calico Fort Arts and Crafts Festival
The first Calico Fort Arts and Crafts Festival was held in 1972, making this year’s fair its 53rd show. The outdoor show is on 6 acres of land with plenty of parking room; the proceeds go toward community projects.
“With over one hundred exhibitors and thousands of visitors, Calico Fort is one of the oldest, largest and most popular arts and crafts fairs in the South.”
~ The Calico Fort Arts and Crafts Festival website
- When: Sat., April 12, 9AM to 5PM | Sun., April 13, 9AM to 4PM
- Admission: Adults, $10 | Ages 2-18, $2
- Location: 501 Calico Spirit Circle, Fort Deposit, AL 36032
- Website | Facebook
Life Restaurant
One of Fort Deposit’s only restaurants is Life Restaurant, which was established in 2023 is open daily except for Sundays.
- Location: 881 Old Fort Road East, Fort Deposit AL 36032
- Hours: Mon. – Thurs., 10:30AM to 8PM | Fri., 10:30AM to 9PM | Sat., 9AM to 8PM | Closed Sundays
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