Andrew Jackson defeated the Creeks in this area on November 9, 1813; it was the first of the battles in which he defeated the Creek Confederacy. Today, Talladega is both a center of diverse manufacturing and a center of preservation, with many fine old buildings. It is the home of Talladega College, founded by two former slaves, and the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. Logan Martin Lake, to the northwest, offers excellent water and outdoor recreation activities, and a large section of the Talladega National Forest is to the east. A Ranger District office is located in Talladega as well.