Treaty of Horseshoe Bend
The Treaty of Horseshoe Bend, also known as the Treaty of Fort Jackson, was signed on August 9, 1814, following General Andrew Jackson's victory over the Red Stick faction of the Creek Nation during the Creek War. This treaty resulted in the United States acquiring approximately 22 million acres of land in present-day southern Georgia and central Alabama, which represented about half of the Creek's territory at the time. The treaty aimed to diminish Creek political influence and secure land for the United States, creating a buffer against other Native American tribes and Spanish territories. Notably, only one member of the Red Stick faction signed the treaty, while the signatories included Creek allies of Jackson, who lost significant portions of their own lands as a result. Each ally was permitted to retain a square mile of land for personal use, but the U.S. government maintained the authority to establish forts, trading posts, and roads on Creek territory. The treaty thus reflects the complex dynamics between Native American tribes and the U.S. government during a period of significant territorial expansion and conflict.
Treaty of Horseshoe Bend
Date: August 9, 1814
Place: Alabama
Tribe affected: Creek
Significance: This agreement eliminated any possibility of an effective Creek alliance against U.S. expansion and thus facilitated the removal of the Creek people to the Trans-Mississippi during Andrew Jackson’s presidency
After his defeat of the Red Stick faction of the Creeks at Horseshoe Bend, General Andrew Jackson took full advantage of his authorization to secure a peace agreement. His purpose was twofold: to secure large tracts of land as compensation for the cost of his campaign and to eliminate Creek political power by isolating them. In the Treaty of Horseshoe Bend, also known as the Treaty of Fort Jackson, signed on August 9, 1814, Jackson received, on behalf of the United States, 22 million acres in south Georgia and central Alabama, or half of the Creek domain.
Cessions in the west isolated the Creeks from the Choctaws and Chickasaws, while those in the south created a buffer against the Seminoles and the Spanish. Ironically, only one Red Stick signed the treaty; the remaining signatories were Creek allies of Jackson, who lost much of their own land. Each Creek ally was allowed to keep a square mile of land as long as they or their family used it, but the United States reserved the right to build forts, trading posts, and roads on Creek lands.