Scott massacre facts for kids

The Scott Massacre was a terrible event that happened in November 1817. It was a big reason why the United States decided to fight against the Creek people, starting the Seminole Wars.

This attack took place on the Apalachicola River in Florida. A group of Creek warriors, sometimes called Red Sticks, attacked a boat. These warriors were led by Homathlimico and Josiah Francis.

What Happened?

The Boat's Journey

The boat was commanded by Lieutenant Richard W. Scott. It was traveling up the Apalachicola River to deliver supplies. These supplies were for Camp Crawford, a fort located on the Flint River in Georgia.

The attack happened where the two rivers meet, a place known as Nicolls' Outpost. The boat was carrying important supplies. It also had 20 sick soldiers, seven women, and four children. There were 20 armed soldiers guarding everyone on board.

The Attack

The Creek warriors attacked the boat fiercely. Many people on the boat, including the children, were killed during the attack. Lieutenant Scott also died in the attack.

Only seven people survived this terrible event. One woman and six soldiers managed to escape. They jumped into the river and swam to the other side. Friendly Creek people helped them reach safety at Camp Crawford. They arrived there on December 2, 1817.

The Aftermath

News Spreads

News of the massacre quickly reached important leaders. General Edmund P. Gaines, who was in charge of Camp Crawford, sent messages right away. He told Secretary of War John C. Calhoun and General Andrew Jackson what had happened.

The story was also shared widely in newspapers across America. People were very upset and angry about the attack.

A Nation Reacts

President James Monroe was very angry when he heard the news. He ordered General Jackson to go to the frontier. Jackson was told to punish the Seminoles and Red Sticks. This order meant they should be punished no matter if they were in the United States or in Spanish Florida.

This event is considered one of the first battles of the First Seminole War. This war did not have a clear start date, but this attack was a major turning point.

Changes After the Attack

Soon after the Scott Massacre, another battle happened called the Battle of Ocheesee. Camp Crawford was later renamed Fort Scott. It was named in honor of Lieutenant Scott, who died in the attack.