Battle of Gully Hole Creek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Gully Hole Creek
Part of the Invasion of Georgia, War of Jenkins' Ear
Map showing the location of the battle. North is down.
Date 18 July 1742 (new style) Location St. Simons Island, Georgia 31°13′7″N 81°23′3″W / 31.21861°N 81.38417°W / 31.21861; -81.38417 Result British victory
Belligerents
Great Britain	Spain
Commanders and leaders
James Oglethorpe	Captain Sebastian Sanchez
Strength
400-500 soldiers, militia and native Indians	115 soldiers
Casualties and losses
1 dead (heat exhaustion)	12 killed 10 wounded

The Battle of Gully Hole Creek was a fight between Spanish and British forces. It happened on July 18, 1742, in what is now the state of Georgia. The British won this battle.

This battle was part of a bigger conflict called the War of Jenkins' Ear. The main goal was to control St. Simons Island. This island was important because it had British forts like Fort Frederica and Fort St. Simons. These forts helped control important sea routes. After the British victory, the Province of Georgia officially claimed the island. Another important fight, the Battle of Bloody Marsh, also happened on the island the same day. The British won that one too.

Why the Battle Happened

The Invasion of Georgia

The Spanish governor, Don Manuel de Montiano, led a large invasion force. Some people think he had between 4,500 and 5,000 soldiers. About 1,900 to 2,000 of these were ground troops. The British leader, James Oglethorpe, had fewer than 1,000 soldiers. His forces included regular soldiers, local fighters, and Native American allies.

The Spanish ships arrived near Gascoigne Bluff on July 5, 1742. They landed about 1,900 men from 36 ships. The British at Fort St. Simons tried to stop them with cannons. But they couldn't prevent the Spanish from landing.

British Retreat and Spanish Advance

Because the Spanish had so many more soldiers, Oglethorpe decided to pull back. He ordered his small group at Fort St. Simons to damage their cannons and the fort. This way, the Spanish couldn't use them fully. The next day, the Spanish took over the damaged fort. They made it their main base on the island.

After setting up their base, the Spanish started exploring the area carefully. They found the road that connected Fort St. Simons to Fort Frederica. At first, they thought it was just a small farm road. On July 18, the Spanish sent about 115 men to explore the road further. This group was led by Captain Sebastian Sanchez.

The Fight at Gully Hole Creek

British Ambush

The Spanish soldiers were about a mile and a half away from Fort Frederica. Suddenly, they were attacked! The British forces included Georgia Rangers and the Highland Independent Company. Many Chickasaw, Yamacraw, and Creek warriors also helped. General Oglethorpe himself led this attack.

The battle was quick and intense, lasting less than an hour. Oglethorpe's forces fought bravely. They managed to kill or capture 36 Spanish soldiers. This was almost one-third of the Spanish group. Captain Nicolas Hernandez, the second-in-command, was killed. Captain Sebastian Sanchez was captured. The British had very few losses.

Spanish Retreat

The remaining Spanish soldiers quickly retreated back south. They met 200 Spanish grenadiers who had just marched from Fort St. Simons. These new soldiers helped cover their retreat.

What Happened Next

British Control of Georgia

Later on the same day, the British colonists also won the Battle of Bloody Marsh. This victory helped drive the Spanish out of the Georgia colony for good.

The War of Jenkins' Ear is remembered every year. People celebrate it on the last Saturday in May. This event takes place at Wormsloe Plantation in Savannah, Georgia.

Images for kids

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  Gully Hole Creek area

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  Castillo de San Marcos - St. Augustine. This was a strong fort for Manuel de Montiano.