Existing comment:
With Deer Tails in Their Hair
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
On the morning of the battle, Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson's Indian allies surrounded the lower portion of Horseshoe Bend.
The Cherokee were positioned across the river from where you stand; the Lower Creek were farther upriver to your left.
Hearing distant cannon fire, Cherokee and Lower Creek warriors swam across the river, stole Red Stick canoes from this bank, and took them back to the other side. Hundreds of Indians---adorned with deer tails---then canoed across, a few at a time, to attack the village of Tohopeka behind you.
Jackson's Allies
Prior to Horseshoe Bend, Jackson ordered his Cherokee and Lower Creek allies to wear white deer tails in their hair or headdress to distinguish them from the Red Sticks. Although the Upper Creek and the Lower Creek were both part of the Creek confederation of towns, the Lower Creek lived closer to and had developed stronger relationships with Americans in Georgia. Many of the Lower Creek and Cherokee supported the United States in fighting against the Red Sticks; they joined Jackson's army hoping to secure rights to tribal lands and to gain financial support. |