The Battle of Horseshoe bend was fought on March 27, 1814. It was a very decisive battle that occurred during the War of 1812. The Americans, led by Andrew Jackson were fighting the Red Stick Indians, who were a branch of the Creek Indian tribe. The Red Sticks were fighting to stop westward expansion. The battle occurred near present day Dadeville, Alabama. Jackson had around 2,600 American troops, and he was also able to convince 500 Cherokee, and 100 Lower Creeks to fight with him. The goal was to climb the hill that overlooked the Red Stick village. The Americans used cannons to fire onto the Red Stick village. After two hours of fighting Jackson realized that things were not working. The Red Stick Indian's fortifications were too strong. Jackson decided to charge on the Red Stick village, using bayonets. When Jackson and his men reached the village, John Coffee and his men surrounded it, trapping the Red Sticks. The tribe refused to surrender to the Americans. After five hours of fighting, they were defeated. Around 800 out of the 1000 Red Stick warriors were killed. Jackson only lost about fifty men. In the end the battle of Horseshoe Bend showed that the Indian stronghold was loosening. The Americans had the upper hand in westward expansion.
Above is a picture of Andrew Jackson.
Above is a picture of John Coffee.
Above is the map of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.
The battlefield as it appears today.
Stay tuned for more blog posts about tales from Tennessee and beyond.
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