Tallashatchee Battlefield Park & Lyncoya Monument

Tallashatchee Battlefield Park & Lyncoya Monument, located in Alexandria, Alabama, stands as a significant historical landmark commemorating a pivotal moment in early 19th-century American history. This site marks the location of the Battle of Tallushatchee, fought on November 3, 1813, during the Creek War, which was part of the broader conflict of the War of 1812. The battle was a crucial victory for American forces led by Brigadier General John Coffee under the command of General Andrew Jackson, representing a turning point in the campaign against the Red Stick faction of the Creek Nation.

The Battle of Tallushatchee was the first major success in Andrew Jackson’s campaign to suppress the Red Stick Creeks, a traditionalist faction resisting American expansion and the accommodationist policies of the Creek National Council. The conflict had escalated after the Red Sticks’ brutal attack on Fort Mims, which resulted in significant American casualties, including women and children. In response, Jackson assembled a force of approximately 2,500 men and established Fort Strother near the Coosa River as a strategic base of operations. From there, he ordered General Coffee to lead around 900 cavalrymen to attack the Red Stick village of Tallushatchee, located about fifteen miles away.

The battle unfolded with Coffee’s troops surrounding the village and sending detachments into its heart to draw out the warriors. Despite the Red Sticks’ efforts to defend their homes, they were overwhelmed by the superior numbers and tactics of the American militia. The fighting was fierce and resulted in the death of 186 Red Stick warriors, including women and children, while the American forces suffered minimal casualties. This decisive victory not only dealt a severe blow to the Red Stick resistance but also served as a morale boost for the Tennessee militia, many of whom had been struggling with supply shortages and harsh conditions.

Today, Tallashatchee Battlefield Park & Lyncoya Monument preserves this historic site, offering visitors a place to reflect on the complex and often tragic history of the Creek War and its impact on Native American communities and American expansion. The park provides educational opportunities through interpretive displays and monuments that honor those who fought and died in the battle. The Lyncoya Monument, in particular, commemorates Lyncoya Jackson, a Creek Indian child adopted by Andrew Jackson, symbolizing the intertwined histories of Native Americans and early American settlers.

Visitors to the park can explore the grounds where this significant battle took place, gaining insight into the military strategies employed and the broader historical context of the Creek War. The site serves as a reminder of the turbulent era of American frontier expansion, the conflicts it engendered, and the enduring legacy of those events in shaping the region’s history.

Tallashatchee Battlefield Park & Lyncoya Monument is not only a place of remembrance but also a valuable resource for historians, educators, and anyone interested in the early 19th-century American South. It stands as a testament to the resilience and struggles of the people involved and offers a meaningful connection to a defining chapter in Alabama’s and the nation’s past. Located in Alexandria, AL 36250, this historical landmark invites visitors to engage with history in a tangible and impactful way, preserving the memory of the Battle of Tallushatchee for future generations.