Fighting the Battles: Moments

The Cherokee, whose traditional lands bordered the Creek’s, were acutely aware that the conflict between the two Creek factions could spill into their own towns. The fear of encroaching violence coupled with a desire to separate themselves, in the eyes of the United States and its citizenry, from the actions of the Red Sticks led Cherokee leaders to accept the request for military assistance against the Upper Creeks issued by the United States.

The American victory on Lake Champlain in 1814 was a decisive moment, saving the United States from British conquest and weakening British claims for territorial concessions during the peace talks at Ghent.

Once they gain a foothold in our collective national memory, the persistence of national myths becomes part of our history.