Gen. Joe Wheeler served in both the Civil War and Spanish-American wars.

A countless number of Alabamians have enjoyed fishing or boating on Wheeler Lake or observed birds wintering at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, but few may be familiar with who Joseph Wheeler was.

The Alabama Historical Commission would like to educate the public about who the man was as part of a birthday celebration for Wheeler. The annual event is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at Wheeler’s home three miles east of Courtland on Alabama 20 in Hillsboro.

Wheeler was a cavalry general in the Civil War. He is an important figure in North Alabama lore, as Wheeler Dam and Wheeler State Park are named in his honor.

Following the Civil War, Wheeler served as a U.S. congressman and also served as a general during the Spanish-American War. He also became a national symbol for reunification and reconciliation. Wheeler died at age 69 in Brooklyn, New York, after an illness. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery and is one of the few Confederate soldiers laid to rest there.

His 1870s home, known as Pond Springs, is the center point of the 50-acre historic site owned by the Alabama Historical Commission. Several years ago, Pond Springs was closed to the public for a brief time as part of an ambitious renovation effort. When reopened to the public, visitors had a chance to see a collection of about 10,000 objects, furnishings, clothing and papers associated with the Wheeler family.

The idea for the annual birthday celebration dates back to 2011, which would have been Gen. Wheeler’s 175th birthday. It revived a tradition started by Wheeler’s daughter, Annie Wheeler, who had a birthday party for her father every year. When she died in 1955, however, the tradition faded. This year marks Gen. Wheeler’s 181st birthday.

Admission to the Pond Springs ground for the birthday celebration is free, as is a Civil War re-enactment complete with the firing of a Civil War-era cannon. Live music from Wade Oliver, birthday cake and Pepsi products are also free while supplies last. The cake is made from a family recipe believed to have been Wheeler’s favorite. Food will be available for purchase from Copperhead Road Barbecue & Such, a local food truck.

Other activities are scheduled to include blacksmithing and outdoor cooking demonstrations. Handmade quilts based on designs from the 1860s will be on display and the Tennessee Valley Beekeepers Association will also educate the public about bees and their ecosystem.

Admission to Wheeler’s home is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, $5 for college students and members of the military, $3 for children ages 6-18 and free for children under 6. Tours will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit ahc.alabama.gov/properties/pondspring/pondspring.aspx.