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| Red Eagle's Grave at Little River, Ala. |
One of the most prominent Native Americans in the early
history of Alabama was William Weatherford, who was also known as
“Lamochattee,” which means “Red Eagle.” He was born in the 1780s and is best known
for leading the Red Sticks in the Creek War against the United States in 1813
and 1814. As a youngster, I was amazed by the story of how Red Eagle jumped
from a high bluff into the Alabama River while on horseback to escape capture
during the Battle of Holy Ground in December 1813.
Later, Red Eagle surrendered to Col. Andrew Jackson (later
to become a U.S. President) at Fort Toulouse and helped broker a peace treaty
between the Creeks and the United States government. Red Eagle died on March
24, 1824, and he’s buried beside his mother, Sehoy, in the tiny community of
Little River, which is in a remote corner of Baldwin County, Ala. Today, you
can visit Red Eagle’s grave, which is within the confines of a small park.
I’ve wanted to visit Red Eagle’s grave for a long time, and
I put the trip on my “bucket list” last year. Despite a few raindrops and
chilly temperatures, my son and I made the trip down Wednesday of last week,
and it was well worth it. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend that you check
it out, especially if you’re interested in Alabama history.
As you enter the park containing Red Eagle and Sehoy’s
graves, you’ll see a large information sign that contains a wealth of
information. The sign reads as follows:
“THE RED EAGLE: WILLIAM WEATHERFORD, 1765-1824: The son of a
Scotch trader, Charles Weatherford, and a Creek Indian princess, Sehoy Tate
Weatherford, William was destined to become one of the most powerful leaders of
the Wind Clan of the Creek Indian Nation.
“During the early 1800’s conflicts, usually over land,
between the Creek Indians and the white settlers erupted into open warfare.
After having led his warriors in the attack on Fort Mims, in August of 1813, he
was known to have grieved at the viciousness of the attack. Over 500 white
settlers, men, women and children and several hundred Creek Indian Warriors
were killed in this historic battle.
“Andrew Jackson and his 2,000 Tennessee Volunteers defeated
the Creek Indian Nation led by Red Eagle in March 1814 at the Battle of Horseshoe
Bend.
“At the age of 60, William Weatherford died, and was buried
beside his beloved mother, Sehoy Tate Weatherford, at this site.
“SEHOY TATE WEATHERFORD, PRINCESS OF THE CREEK INDIAN
NATION, MOTHER OF WILLIAM WEATHERFORD: Born the third Princess Sehoy in the
Creek Nation, Sehoy Tate (Tait) the widowed mother of two children, married
Charles Weatherford. Their union produced two offspring, one being William
Weatherford, destined to become ‘The Red Eagle.’ The rule of maternal
inheritance allowed the husbands of Creek princesses to become very powerful
men in the Creek Nation. Between the three Sehoys – Sehoy Marchand, Sehoy
McGillavry and Sehoy Weatherford, the Wind Clan of the Creeks was ruled by
Sehoy princesses and their husbands for almost 100 years.
“Beloved of her son, William, her remains were brought to
this spot prior to his death, so that they might be together in the hereafter.”
If you’re interested in seeing Red Eagle’s grave for
yourself, take State Highway 59 to the Little River Fire Station, then turn
west onto Dixie Landing Road. Continue down this road until you see a sign that
says “WILLIAM WEATHFORD RED EAGLE GRAVE SITE 1 MILE,” then turn left on to T.J.
Earle Road. Continue past St. Joe Baptist Church, then turn right on to Red Eagle
Road, which dead ends at the park containing Weatherford’s grave.
In the end, how many of you have ever been to see Red
Eagle’s grave? What did you think about it? Do you know of any other
interesting, historic graves? Let us know in the comments section below.
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