Battle of Great Cacapon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Great Cacapon |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the French and Indian War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Shawnee Delaware |
 Great Britain |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Killbuck | John Mercer † | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Over 100 | Approximately 60 Virginia militia | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown | more than 17 killed | ||||||
The Battle of Great Cacapon, also called Mercer's Massacre, happened on April 18, 1756. It was a fight between soldiers from Colonel George Washington's Virginia Regiment and Native American warriors. These warriors were Shawnee and Delaware people, who were allied with the French. During the battle, Captain Mercer and his men were chasing some Native Americans. They were then surprised by a larger group of warriors. Captain Mercer and at least 16 of his soldiers were killed.
Why Did the Battle Happen?
The French and Indian War started in 1754. After a big defeat for the British in 1755, French leaders in the Ohio Country encouraged their Native American allies to attack British settlements. Northwestern Virginia, which includes parts of today's West Virginia, was often raided.
To protect the settlers, Virginia's Governor Robert Dinwiddie ordered forts to be built. These forts were guarded by local Virginia soldiers. Colonel George Washington was in charge of these soldiers.
The Ambush at Great Cacapon
A Delaware leader named Bemino, also known as John Killbuck, planned a clever trap. He and a group of warriors, likely Delaware and Shawnee, killed two men near Fort Edwards. This fort was close to the Cacapon River in what is now Hampshire County, West Virginia.
The warriors then left a trail of corn meal on purpose. This was to make it look like they were running away. They hid along a high stream bank, ready to ambush anyone who followed.
Captain John Mercer led his soldiers, called militia, in pursuit. There were about 40 to 100 of them. As they walked past the hidden warriors, the trap was sprung. The Native Americans fired from many directions, killing Captain Mercer and 16 of his men. More soldiers were chased down and killed. Killbuck later said that only six men managed to escape.
Native American raids continued in the area throughout the war.
