William Weatherford
William Weatherford, a prominent figure in the Creek War, was born to a Scottish trader and the sister of Creek chief Alexander McGillivray. He played a significant role in the conflict between the Creek Nation and American settlers during the early 19th century. In 1811, Weatherford aligned with the Red Stick faction, which supported Tecumseh's vision for a unified resistance against encroaching settlers, despite the opposition from the peace-seeking White Sticks. Under his command, Weatherford led a successful assault on Fort Mims in August 1813, resulting in the deaths of around five hundred settlers and the release of enslaved individuals. However, he faced a decisive defeat at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in March 1814, led by General Andrew Jackson. After surrendering, Weatherford was granted clemency on the condition that he would uphold peace, which marked a critical shift in his life. He later lived out his days on a farm near Little River, Arkansas, shortly before the forced relocation of many Creeks to Indian Territory. Weatherford's legacy is complex, reflecting the tensions and struggles of Native American sovereignty during a tumultuous era in American history.
William Weatherford
- Born: c. 1780
- Birthplace: Near present-day Montgomery,Alabama
- Died: March 9, 1824
- Place of death: Polk County, Tennessee
Category: Military leader
Tribal affiliation: Creek
Significance: As principal leader of the Creek war faction, the Red Sticks, Weatherford fought the Americans during the Creek War, 1813-1814
William Weatherford’s father was a Scottish trader, and his mother was chief Alexander McGillivray’s sister. In 1811, the Creek peace faction, the White Sticks, refused Tecumseh’s appeal for Creek support of his pantribal alliance. Many Red Stick warriors, including Weatherford, sympathized with and were influenced by Tecumseh.
During the Creek War (1813-1814), approximately one thousand warriors under Weatherford’s command successfully assaulted Americans at Fort Mims on August 13, 1813, killing five hundred settlers and releasing their black slaves. Subsequently, federal and state troops were mobilized under the command of General Andrew Jackson. At the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, March 27, 1814, Weatherford’s forces suffered their final defeat. After surrendering several days later to Jackson, Weatherford was freed after promising to maintain peace thereafter. He died at his farm near Little River, Arkansas, shortly before the remaining Creeks were forced to relocate to Indian Territory.