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Revolutionary Days
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Overview of the battle
The Revolutionary War battle of Kettle Creek was fought and won in Wilkes County on February 14, 1779. It was the only Revolutionary War battle in Georgia that the Patriots won. This battle was responsible for stopping Loyalist raids and contributed to the broader efforts to drive the British from Georgia.
The Battle of Kettle Creek began at 10 AM and lasted a little under two hours. Most sources record the patriots were outnumbered two to one. The loyalists have been numbered anywhere from 600 – 800 militiamen. It is estimated the rebels had approximately 340 men for the attack.
The Kettle Creek Battlefield is now a National Historic Landmark in Georgia and is open to the public for educational tours and reenactments. In addition to War Hill, where much of the fighting took place, the park features monuments and grave sites from the battle. and historical markers.
Visitors can walk the grounds where this decisive battle took place, learn about the strategies employed by Patriot leaders like Elijah Clarke, and understand the battle's lasting impact on the region.
The Battle of Kettle Creek was significant because it was the first real setback to the British Southern Strategy during the American Revolution. After a period of fighting in New England which resulted in the occupation of New York City by the British, they shifted their emphasis to the South, took Savannah and Augusta and expected to be able to roll up Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. They were hoping to be able to recruit loyalist troops in the backcountry of these areas.
Loyalist Colonel Boyd was returning from an expedition to South Carolina with about 600 of these recruits and camped on February 14, 1779, on the banks of Kettle Creek in Wilkes County, about 8 miles west of Washington, Georgia. A Patriot force of over 300 lead by Colonel Andrew Pickens (of South Carolina), Colonel John Dooly and Lieutenant Colonel Elijah Clarke caught up to them there. In a decisive victory for the Patriots, Boyd was killed, and remains of his force retreated with less than half of them eventually rejoining the British Army.
Though a small battle overall in the context of the American Revolution, it provided an early indicator that the British Southern Strategy was doomed.
Key Patriot Military Leaders
Elijah Clarke
Elijah Clarke served in the Georgia Militia during the Revolutionary War. He commanded the Wilkes County militia and served under Col. Andrew Pickens in the Battle of Kettle Creek. Elijah Clarke went on to participate in many battles, was injured multiple times and lived through the war to eventually serve in the Georgia State Assembly from 1781 - 1790. Clarke County in Georgia is named after Elijah Clarke. His son John Clark, also a Revolutionary War veteran, served as Governor of Georgia, elected in 1819.
John Dooly
Colonel John Dooly, born in Wilkes County, Georgia, commanded a regiment at the Battle of Kettle Creek. During the war Dooly was simultaneously a member of the state’s ruling Executive Council, commander of the militia, and State’s Attorney. He was a commissioner for laying out Washington as the county seat of Wilkes County, where he served as the first sheriff.
The next year, in September 1780, John Dooly was murdered by Loyalists and buried near his home place on land that became Elijah Clark State Park. John Dooly’s son John became a judge and politician in post-war Georgia, and Dooly County is named after the elder John Dooly.
Andrew Pickens
Commander of the combined militias for the Battle of Kettle Creek, Andrew Pickens was a seasoned military officer. Later he was in charge of the South Carolina militia at the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781. The following year Pickens became a member of the South Carolina General Assembly and then served in Congress. His son was elected as Governor of South Carolina. Andrew Pickens is the namesake for the mountain district of the Sumter National Forest in the northwest corner of South Carolina.
To View Artifacts from the Battle and Revolutionary War:
The Kettle Creek Battle exhibit at the Washington Historical Museum includes the following items:
1. Artifacts from three archaeological surveys conducted at the battle site include bullets, buttons, sword fragments, and more.
2. Personal belongings of Colonel Andrew Pickens, who led the Patriot charge that day.
3. Information about African Americans involved in the battle and others from Georgia and South Carolina who served, along with an explanation of their roles.
4. Personal items belonging to General George Washington.
5. Reproductions of clothing and uniforms from the Revolutionary Period.
Annual Commemoration and Reenactment: Revolutionary Days
Join us for Revolutionary Days an historic commemoration of the Battle of Kettle Creek, a pivotal moment in the American Revolution's Southern Campaign.
Experience living history, participate in educational events, and honor our Revolutionary War ancestors through various ceremonies and reenactments.
Sources for more information
Kettle Creek Battlefield Association
https://kettlecreekbattlefield.com/
The Revolutionary War Journal
https://revolutionarywarjournal.com/colonel-elijah-clark/
Images
Map Source: The Revolutionary War Journal
Artist Rendering of Battle: Dale Watson, Artist/Illustrator
Topographical Map Source: Washington Historical Museum
The Washington-Wilkes Historical Foundation – The Washington-Wilkes Historical Foundation
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