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Monadnock Hiker
Deerslayer
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
August 31 2017
Status: offline
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 Posted - March 21 2019 : 08:07:51 AM
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https://www.fortmims.org/history.html
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On August 29, 1813, two black slaves tending cattle outside the stockade reported that "painted warriors" were in the vicinity, but mounted scouts from the fort found no signs of the war party. Major Beasley, the commander, had the second slave flogged for "raising a false alarm". Beasley received a second warning the morning of the assault by a mounted scout, but dismissed it and took no precautions, as he was reportedly drunk.
Beasley had claimed that he could "maintain the post against any number of Indians", but historians believe the stockade was poorly defended. At the time of the attack, the east gate was partially blocked open by drifting sand. Beasley also posted no pickets or sentries, dismissing the reports the Creeks were near.
The Red Sticks attacked during the mid-day meal, attempting to take the fort in a coup de main by charging the open gate en masse. At the same time, they took control of the gun loopholes and the outer enclosure. Under Captain Bailey, the militia and settlers held the inner enclosure, fighting on for a time; after about two hours there was a pause of about an hour. The Indians, their initial impetus blunted inside the fort and casualties rising, held an impromptu council to debate whether to continue the fight or withdraw. By 3 o'clock, it was decided that the Tensaw métis led by Dixon Bailey would have to be killed to avenge their treachery at Burnt Corn.
The Creeks launched a second attack at 3 pm. The remaining defenders fell back into a building called the 'bastion'. The Red Sticks set fire to the 'bastion' in the center, which then spread out to the rest of the stockade. The warriors forced their way into the inner enclosure and, despite attempts by Weatherford, killed most of the militia defenders, the mixed-blood Creek, and white settlers. After a struggle of hours, the defense collapsed entirely and perhaps 500 militiamen, settlers, slaves and Creeks loyal to the Americans died or were captured, with the Red Sticks taking some 250 scalps. By 5 pm, the battle was over and the stockade and buildings sacked and in flames. While they spared the lives of almost all of the slaves, they took over 100 of them captive. At least three women and ten children are known to have been made captive. Some 36 people, nearly all men, escaped, including Bailey, who was mortally wounded, and two women and one girl. When a relief column arrived a few weeks later, it found 247 corpses of the defenders and 100 of the Creek attackers.
After their victory, the Red Sticks "razed the surrounding mestizo and white plantations.... They slaughtered over 5,000 head of cattle, destroyed crops and houses, and murdered or stole slaves."
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Dark Woods
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 18 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - April 02 2019 : 04:17:25 AM
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| Forthe Mims was a noteworthy battle. Particularly sad were the number of non-combatants (women and children) killed. As an odd twist, Fort Mims provides female and/or youth re-enactors a prime opportunity to participate in the action of battle. |
We become what we think about. |
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Monadnock Hiker
Deerslayer
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
August 31 2017
Status: offline
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Posted - April 02 2019 : 06:32:49 AM
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"As an odd twist, Fort Mims provides female and/or youth re-enactors a prime opportunity to participate in the action of battle."
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Good to hear about the "youth re-enactors" being involved. With "todays world" being what it is, a question - do the women involved play a "traditional role" - or are they portrayed as soldiers??? |
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Dark Woods
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 18 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - April 03 2019 : 02:47:13 AM
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I believe that some women dress as soldiers, but for the most part they portray civilians caught up and (in many cases) killed in the battle.
I have only seen internet portrayals of the annual event. It would be fun to see it in person. |
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Fort Mims Massacre ...
