Battle of Tallushatchee facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Tallushatchee
Part of the Creek War
Map of Alabama during the War of 1812
Date November 3, 1813 Location Mississippi Territory, 3.2 miles (5.2 km) north of Alexandria, Alabama Result U.S. victory
Belligerents
Red Stick Creek	United States
Commanders and leaders
unknown	John Coffee
Strength
unknown	~900 cavalry
Casualties and losses
186 killed, unknown wounded	5 killed, 41 wounded

The Battle of Tallushatchee was an important fight during the War of 1812 and the Creek War. It happened on November 3, 1813, in what is now Alabama. In this battle, a group of Native American warriors called the Red Stick Creeks fought against soldiers from the United States. The American cavalry, led by Brigadier General John Coffee, won the battle.

Why the Battle Happened

After a terrible event known as the Fort Mims massacre, General Andrew Jackson gathered a large army. This army had about 2,500 Tennessee militia (citizen soldiers). Jackson began marching into the Mississippi Territory to fight against the Red Stick Creeks.

Jackson's troops started building a place called Fort Strother along the Coosa River. About 15 miles (24 km) from this fort was a Creek village named Tallasseehatchee. A strong group of Red Stick warriors was staying there. General Jackson ordered his good friend and trusted leader, General John Coffee, to attack this village.

The Battle Unfolds

General Coffee took about 900 dragoons (soldiers who ride horses but can also fight on foot). They arrived at the village on November 3. Coffee divided his soldiers into two groups. These groups then surrounded the entire village.

Two smaller groups of soldiers went into the middle of the circle. Their job was to get the warriors to come out and fight. The plan worked! The Red Stick warriors attacked. But they were soon forced to go back into the buildings in the village. General Coffee's soldiers then closed in on the trapped warriors.

During the battle, the American forces killed 186 warriors. Sadly, many women and children also died. General Coffee's forces had only 5 soldiers killed and 41 wounded.

After the Battle

This battle was the first major fight in General Andrew Jackson's military plan. Just one week later, General Jackson led his troops to another big victory against the Red Sticks. This happened at the Battle of Talladega.

General Coffee attacks the Indians