Battle of Burnt Corn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Burnt Corn
Part of the Creek War
Sketch of the Burnt Corn battlefield
Date July 27, 1813 Location On Burnt Corn Creek in Escambia County, Alabama, near the border with Conecuh County. Result Red Stick victory
Belligerents
Red Stick Creek	United States
Commanders and leaders
Peter McQueen	Colonel James Caller Captain Dixon Bailey
Strength
~80	~180
Casualties and losses
~10 or 12 killed eight or nine wounded	2 killed 15 wounded

The Battle of Burnt Corn, also known as the Battle of Burnt Corn Creek, happened on July 27, 1813. It was a fight between American soldiers and Creek Native Americans in what is now southern Alabama. This battle was an important part of the larger Creek War.

What Caused the Battle of Burnt Corn?

In July 1813, a Creek leader named Peter McQueen led a group of Red Stick warriors. The Red Sticks were a group of Creek people who wanted to keep their traditional ways. They traveled to Pensacola, Florida, which was controlled by Spain at the time.

Their goal was to buy weapons and supplies. They had $400 and a letter from a British officer. The Spanish governor gave them some gunpowder and bullets. He said it was a "friendly present" for hunting.

However, a Creek warrior named Samuel Moniac later said that the Red Sticks planned to get more weapons. They wanted enough supplies for all their towns. This showed they were preparing for more than just hunting.

How the Battle of Burnt Corn Unfolded

American soldiers at Fort Mims heard about Peter McQueen's trip. They quickly put together a force to stop him. This group was led by Colonel James Caller and Captain Dixon Bailey.

Volunteers from Fort Glass also joined them, led by Samuel Dale. On the evening of July 27, 1813, the Americans found the Red Sticks. They were resting by Burnt Corn Creek in southern Alabama.

The Americans launched a surprise attack. They scattered the Red Sticks, who ran into the nearby swamps. Thinking they had won, the Americans started taking supplies from the Red Sticks' horses.

But the Red Sticks in the swamp saw that the Americans had lowered their guard. They quickly regrouped and launched their own surprise attack. This time, the Americans were scattered and had to retreat.

Images for kids

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  Map of events in Alabama during the War of 1812. Burnt Corn battle site is located in the bottom left.