HISTORICAL CHICKAMAUGA CHIEFS
CHIEF RED EAGLE

see also The Red Eagle
see also Surrender
see also Massacre of Fort Mims

Visit "William Weatherford, His Country and His People", is a work of rare insight; of lasting historical importance; a compassionate and perceptive view of the Creek Chief Red Eagle and his people - the Creek Indians. It is perhaps the most sensitive, detailed, and eloquent book ever written on the subject.


William Weatherford, His Country and His People

Red Eagle (William Weatherford)

He was the nephew of a earlier chief who had tried to unify the confederacy in the late 18th century. Like many Creek, he was a mestizo, someone with both European and American Indian ancestors.

Red Eagle and the other Creek followers of Tecumseh became known as "Red Sticks," a name whose basis remains unclear. One possible explanation comes from the Creek practice of categorizing talwas as "white," which meant they supplied peace negotiators, or as "red," which meant they supplied warriors. The red towns counted out sticks as a way to determine the proper date to commence battle. Other historians have suggested that Red Sticks refers to the war clubs Tecumseh’s party carried.

“Once I could animate my warriors to battle but I cannot animate the dead. My warriors can no longer hear my voice. Their bones are at Talladega, Emunckfow and Tohopeka ...

“On the miseries and misfortunes brought upon my country I look back with deepest sorrow and wish to avert still greater calamities ...

“You are a brave man and I rely on your generosity. You will exact no terms of conquered people but such as they can accede to.

“You have told us where we might go and be safe. This is good talk and my nation ought to listen to it. They shall listen to it. I shall say no more.”

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