Battle of Brackett's Wood facts for kids
The Battle of Brackett's Wood was a fight that happened on September 21, 1689. It was between Native Americans who had teamed up with the French, and English settlers. The battle took place near the town of Falmouth, which is now Portland, Maine. This battle was part of a bigger conflict known as King William's War.
What Caused the Battle?
When about 700 warriors allied with the French were seen near Peaks Island, the people living in Falmouth became very worried. They feared their homes and families would be attacked. They quickly sent urgent messages asking for help from the leaders in Boston, Massachusetts. Back then, Maine was considered part of Massachusetts.
Getting Ready for the Fight
To protect the small settlement of about 25 families, 160 men were sent from Massachusetts. This group included some Native American fighters who were allied with the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Their commander was a famous soldier named Benjamin Church. He is often seen as an early leader for what would become the modern United States Army Rangers.
Church learned important information from a woman who had been captured by the French-allied Native Americans. She was being held on a small Dutch merchant ship along the coast of Maine. She told him that the French-allied Native Americans were planning to attack the settlement.
Where the Battle Happened
Today, the area known as Brackett's Wood is called Deering Oaks. At the time of the battle, this land was part of a farm. The farm belonged to the person in charge of the local fort.
