William Weatherford, also known as Red Eagle (1780 – March 24, 1824), was a Creek (Muscogee) Indian who led the Creek War offensive during the War of 1812 against the United States. Weatherford was, like many of the high-ranking members of the Creek nation, part white (a descendant of Scottish traders). Weatherford is usually considered to be the architect of the Fort Mims Massacre. However, there is some disagreement on this point. One account indicates that he tried to stop the massacre after the fort was captured, but was unable to do so. His grandson maintains that Weatherford was opposed to the attack altogether because some relatives had taken refuge in the stockade.

Besides the battle at Fort Mims, Weatherford participated in the Canoe fight with Sam Dale of the Alabama Militia, the Battle of the Holy Ground (where he escaped capture), Talladega, and the climactic Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

Weatherford was among the 200 or so Red Sticks who escaped after the battle. However, he did not flee to Florida, but turned himself in at Fort Jackson (formerly Fort Toulouse), where he impressed Andrew Jackson with his surrender speech. Jackson wisely spared Weatherford and used him to bring the other Upper Creek to the Peace conference.

It is generally agreed that Weatherford visited Jackson at The Hermitage, but accounts differ over the exact circumstances. One states that Jackson took him there after the War to protect him from his enemies among the Creek. Another says that Weatherford visited in later years.

Weatherford lived out his days as a planter in Monroe County, Alabama.

External links

• Biographical information on William Weatherford
• Weatherford's surrender speech

1780 births | 1824 deaths | Native American leaders | Muscogee people | War of 1812 people