30th August 1813: Red Stick Creek warriors attack Fort Mims in the Mississippi Territory

**Scott Allsop** (0:00)
On the 30th of August 1813, Red Stick Creek warriors attacked Fort Mims in the Mississippi territory, killing many soldiers, settlers and creek people. Welcome to HistoryPod.
The early 19th century had seen increasing American settlers, traders and roads disrupt life in creek territory. While some creek leaders favoured accommodation with the United States, others sought to preserve traditional customs and resist further loss of land. This latter faction became known as the Red Sticks.
In 1813, this dispute developed into a civil war within the Creek Nation. Red Stick warriors travelled to Spanish controlled Pensacola to obtain weapons and ammunition, and on their return were attacked by Mississippi militia and settlers at the Battle of Burnt Corn Creek. The Red Sticks subsequently sought revenge against the communities associated with their opponents, including the settlement around Fort Mims in the Mississippi Territory. The fort was a wooden stockade, and the increasing attacks saw settlers, enslaved African Americans and Creek allies begin gathering there for protection. On the morning of 30th August, approximately 700 Red Stick warriors led by William Weatherford attacked the fort. They entered through an open gate and quickly overwhelmed much of the garrison. Although the defenders regrouped and resisted for several hours, the fort was eventually overrun. Around 250 people were killed, while at least 100 others were taken captive.
News of the attack spread rapidly, and the phrase Remember Fort Mims became a rallying cry for retaliation. Under commanders including Andrew Jackson, American and allied forces gradually defeated the Red Sticks, culminating in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in March 1814 The Fort Mims massacre was therefore a major turning point in the Creek War.