Fort Leslie (Talladega, Alabama)
Talladega · Alabama · Creek War
History & Significance
Prior to Fort Leslie's construction, Alexander Leslie, a métis, operated a trading post on the site as principal trader to the Creek town of Talladega. Construction of the protective stockade began in the fall of 1813, with friendly Creeks from Chinnabee's town and Talladega assisting.
The fort was likely square or rectangular, constructed of upright, quartered cedar logs. Between November 3 and November 7, Red Stick warriors surrounded the fort and demanded the allied Creek warriors join them or face annihilation; the siege caused occupants to rapidly deplete their supplies, leaving only small amounts of corn and minimal water.
Between November 7 and 9, an occupant escaped and notified Jackson at Fort Strother; multiple sources identify the courier as James Fife, a member of the Natchez tribe. Jackson's force arrived at Fort Leslie on November 9 and fought the Battle of Talladega.
As a result of the attack, the siege was broken and approximately 300 Red Sticks were killed, while American casualties were limited to 15 killed and approximately 85 wounded. The rescue of Creeks trapped at Fort Leslie strengthened the alliance between the Creek Nation and the United States in the war against the Red Stick faction. The original site is unmarked and on private land; even though the site has been confirmed, most archaeological remains no longer exist.
Key Facts
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Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Leslie
- https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/battle-of-talladega/
- https://www.thearchcons.org/a-fort-and-a-furnace-alabama/
- https://digitalalabama.com/forts-in-alabama/early-forts-of-alabama/8974/
- https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/creek-war-1813-1814