Battle of Bloody Run facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Bloody Run
Part of Pontiac's War
Pontiac's war.
Date July 31, 1763 Location Parent's Creek hence Bloody Run, near Fort Detroit, New France (now in Detroit, Michigan) Result American Indian victory
Belligerents
Pontiac's confederacy	Kingdom of Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
Pontiac	Captain James Dalyell  † Major Robert Rogers
Strength
~300	250
Casualties and losses
~5 killed ~11 wounded	35th Regt: 15 kia/29 wia; 60th Regt: 1 kia/7 wia; 80th Regt: 2 kia/3 wia; Rogers' Rangers: 2 kia/1 wia; Trader's servant: 1 wia; Total: ~20 killed 41 wounded

The Battle of Bloody Run was an important fight during Pontiac's War. It happened on July 31, 1763. The battle took place near Fort Detroit, which is now part of Detroit, Michigan. British soldiers tried to surprise a group of Native American warriors led by Pontiac.

What Was Pontiac's War?

Pontiac's War was a conflict that began in 1763. It involved a group of Native American tribes. They were unhappy with British rule after the French and Indian War. The British had taken over lands that were once controlled by the French.

Native American leaders like Pontiac wanted to stop the British from expanding. They also wanted to protect their way of life. The war involved many battles and sieges across the Great Lakes region.

The Siege of Fort Detroit

Before the Battle of Bloody Run, Pontiac and his allies had surrounded Fort Detroit. This was known as a siege. A siege means that an army surrounds a fort or city. They try to cut off supplies and prevent anyone from leaving or entering.

The British soldiers inside Fort Detroit were trapped. They needed help to break the siege. This is why the Battle of Bloody Run happened. It was an attempt to end the siege and defeat Pontiac.

The Battle Begins

On July 31, 1763, about 250 British soldiers left Fort Detroit. Their goal was to launch a surprise attack on Pontiac's camp. The camp was located about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of the fort, near a place called Parent's Creek.

However, Pontiac was ready for them. He may have been warned by French settlers living nearby. The British soldiers walked right into an ambush.

The Fight at Parent's Creek

The battle was fierce. The Native American warriors attacked the British soldiers. The British were caught off guard and suffered many losses. They fought hard but were eventually forced to retreat.

The creek where the battle took place was said to have run red with blood. This is how Parent's Creek got its new name: Bloody Run.

Who Was Involved?

British Commanders

Captain James Dalyell led the British forces in this battle. Sadly, he was one of the soldiers killed during the fight. After his death, General Jeffery Amherst offered a reward for Pontiac's capture or death.

Another famous British commander in the battle was Major Robert Rogers. He was a well-known frontiersman and leader of a group called Rogers' Rangers.

Pontiac and His Warriors

Pontiac was a powerful leader of the Ottawa people. He brought together many different Native American tribes. These tribes formed a confederacy to fight against the British. Pontiac was a skilled military leader. He managed to defeat the British at Bloody Run.

What Happened After the Battle?

The British lost about 20 soldiers and had 41 wounded. They managed to take most of their dead and all their wounded back to the fort. Even though the British were defeated, Pontiac did not completely destroy their force. This meant the siege of Fort Detroit continued.

The Battle of Bloody Run was a victory for Pontiac and his allies. It showed that the Native American forces were strong and determined. The siege of Fort Detroit would last for several more months.