Bashi Skirmish facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bashi Skirmish
Part of the Creek War
Approximate location of Bashi Skirmish. Fort Easley (spelled Easely) and Bashi Creek are located at the top of the map.
Date October 4?, 1813 Location Failetown, Alabama Result Creek victory
Belligerents
Creek	United States
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Colonel William McGrew  †
Strength
Unknown	~25
Casualties and losses
None Documented	~4 killed 1 missing Several wounded

The Bashi Skirmish was a small but important fight during the Creek War. It happened in what is now Failetown, Alabama. This event involved a group of American horsemen and Creek warriors.

A historical marker in Clarke County, Alabama shows where the skirmish took place. It's on Woods Bluff Road, between Alabama 69 and Cassidy Hill. This marker tells us about the fight where four Americans lost their lives.

What Was the Bashi Skirmish?

The Bashi Skirmish was a brief but fierce battle. It was part of the larger Creek War, which took place in the early 1800s. The Creek War was a conflict between the Creek Nation and the United States. It also involved other Native American groups and European powers.

This skirmish showed how dangerous travel could be during the war. Small groups often faced ambushes in the wilderness.

When Did the Skirmish Happen?

The exact date of the Bashi Skirmish is not perfectly clear. Historians believe it happened in early October 1813. Some records point to October 4, 1813, as the specific day. This period was a very active time during the Creek War.

Who Was Involved in the Fight?

About 25 American horsemen were part of this group. They were led by a man named Colonel William McGrew. Colonel McGrew had also fought in another battle called the Battle of Burnt Corn.

They were traveling from St. Stephens, Alabama towards Fort Easley. On their journey, they encountered a group of Creek warriors. The number of Creek warriors is not known.

Where Did the Ambush Take Place?

The skirmish happened near a stream called Bashi Creek. This creek flows into the Tombigbee River. The location was a mile or two north of Wood's Bluff. This area was heavily wooded and provided good cover.

The American horsemen were riding through this area. They suddenly found themselves surrounded by hidden Creek warriors.

How Did the Skirmish Unfold?

The Creek warriors used a clever signal to start their attack. One warrior raised a turkey tail above a log. This signal told the others to begin firing their guns. The Americans were caught by surprise. They were ambushed from hidden spots.

Several Americans were killed during this sudden attack. Colonel William McGrew, Edmund Miles, Jesse Griffin, and Captain William Bradbury all died. Another person, David Griffin, went missing and was believed to have died. His body was never found.

The Bashi Skirmish was a quick but deadly event. It showed the dangers faced by both sides during the Creek War.