Battle of Van Creek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Van Creek
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Date February 11, 1779 Location Elberton, Georgia Result Loyalist victory
Belligerents
United States	Loyalist militia
Commanders and leaders
William Baskins John Miller	John Boyd
Strength
100 Militia	600 Militia
Casualties and losses
1 killed 15 wounded 17 captured	perhaps 100 lost; mostly deserted

The Battle of Van Creek was a small but important fight. It took place on February 11, 1779, near Elberton, Georgia. This battle was part of the bigger American Revolutionary War.

About 100 American Patriot soldiers tried to stop a larger group of about 600 Loyalists. Loyalists were Americans who stayed loyal to Great Britain during the war. The Patriots wanted to keep the Loyalists from crossing the Savannah River. The Loyalists were trying to meet up with British soldiers who had just taken over Augusta, Georgia.

The Loyalist group managed to get around the Patriot soldiers. They won the battle and crossed the river. However, the Loyalists lost about 100 of their own men. Most of these men simply left their group, which is called desertion. Just a few days later, the Loyalists faced another defeat at the Battle of Kettle Creek.

What Was the Battle of Van Creek?

The Battle of Van Creek was a quick fight. It happened during the American Revolutionary War. This war was when the American colonies fought for their independence from Great Britain.

The battle took place in Georgia, a southern colony. It was a clash between two groups of Americans. One group wanted independence, and the other wanted to remain part of Great Britain.

Who Fought in This Battle?

On one side were the Patriot militia. These were American colonists who supported independence. They were often local volunteers, not full-time soldiers. About 100 Patriot militia members fought at Van Creek. Their leaders were William Baskins and John Miller.

On the other side were the Loyalist militia. These were also American colonists, but they remained loyal to the British King. They believed America should stay part of Great Britain. There were about 600 Loyalists in this battle, led by John Boyd.

What Happened During the Battle?

The Patriots' main goal was to stop the Loyalists. They knew the Loyalists wanted to cross the Savannah River. This river was important because it was a way for the Loyalists to join up with British forces. The British had recently captured a key city, Augusta, Georgia.

The Patriots tried to block the Loyalists' path. But the larger Loyalist force was able to "flank" the Patriots. This means they went around the side of the Patriot group. By doing this, the Loyalists got into a better position. They then attacked the Patriots.

What Was the Result?

The Battle of Van Creek ended in a victory for the Loyalists. They successfully defeated the Patriot militia. This allowed them to cross the Savannah River.

Even though the Loyalists won, they faced a big problem. About 100 of their men left their group. This is called "desertion." These soldiers simply walked away. This weakened the Loyalist force.

Just a few days after Van Creek, the Loyalists suffered another defeat. This happened at the Battle of Kettle Creek. The losses from desertion at Van Creek likely made it harder for them in the next battle.