Peter McQueen
Peter McQueen was a prominent figure in the early 19th century, born in Tallassee to a mixed heritage of a white father and a Creek mother. Initially successful as a trader, he became involved with the Red Stick faction of the Creek Nation, which aimed to uphold traditional Creek ways and resist the encroachment of white settlers. His involvement in the Creek War began with a notable conflict on July 27, 1813, at Burnt Corn Creek, where he and his warriors successfully repelled an attack by Alabama militia, marking a significant early engagement in the conflict.
As the war progressed, the Red Sticks faced increasing challenges, leading McQueen and his followers to retreat into northern Florida. This move eventually contributed to tensions that sparked General Andrew Jackson's invasion during the First Seminole War between 1817 and 1818. Although McQueen was defeated in this conflict, he managed to evade capture and subsequently fled to southern Florida, where he passed away in 1818. His legacy continued through his grandnephew, Osceola, who emerged as a notable leader among the Seminole people.
Peter McQueen
- Born: c. 1780
- Birthplace: Near Tallassee, Florida
- Died: 1820
- Place of death: Florida
Category: War leader
Tribal affiliation: Creek, Seminole
Significance: McQueen’s band of Creek Red Sticks touched off the Creek War (1813-1814) by battling Alabama militia at Burnt Corn Creek
Peter McQueen was born in the Upper Creek town of Tallassee, the son of a white father and Creek mother. Though he prospered as a trader, he was drawn to the Red Stick faction of the Creeks that sought to preserve the traditional lifestyle and resist white settlement. As he returned from Pensacola, West Florida, with munitions and supplies on July 27, 1813, McQueen and his party of warriors were attacked by Alabama militia at Burnt Corn Creek. McQueen turned back the militia in what is usually considered to be the first engagement of the Creek War.
The tide turned against the Red Sticks, however, and after 1814 McQueen led his followers into northern Florida, where continued friction led to General Andrew Jackson’s invasion (the First Seminole War, 1817-1818). McQueen, now regarded as a Seminole, was defeated but evaded capture. He fled to southern Florida, where he died in 1818. His band survived to become followers of his grandnephew, Osceola.