Near Gainestown in Clarke County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

The Canoe Fight

Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 25, 2017

1. The Canoe Fight Marker (Side 1)

Inscription.
On November 12, 1813, the Canoe Fight, one of the key assaults of the Creek War, took place nearby at the mouth of Randon’s Creek where it flows into the Alabama River. Following the Fort Mims Massacre in August, small bands of Creek warriors persisted in attacks on settlements in the region. Capt. Sam Dale, stationed at Ft. Madison in Clarke County, volunteered to lead a mission to drive the Creeks from the area. The American militiamen, led by Dale, had launched their canoe the day before at Brazier’s Landing (now French’s Landing) and moved upriver where

they encountered a canoe containing nine Indian warriors. The American militiamen were: Dale, Jeremiah Austill and James Smith. A ferryman named Caesar paddled the canoe and as the battle ensued, he held the two canoes together. One Indian was thrown into the water and the other

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eight were killed. As a result of this battle, the inroad of the Creek warriors on the west side of the Alabama River was checked and the settlers of Clarke County were able to return to their plantations and gather their crops and enlarge their improvements.

Erected 2013 by the Clarke County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is November 12, 1813.

Location. 31° 26.716′ N, 87° 38.659′ W. Marker is near Gainestown, Alabama, in Clarke County. Marker is at the intersection of Madison Road (County Road 33) and Tennessee Road, on the right when traveling north on Madison Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Madison Road, Gainestown AL 36540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

The Canoe Fight Marker (Side 2) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 25, 2017

2. The Canoe Fight Marker (Side 2)

11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. French's Chapel (approx. 0.9 miles away); Gainestown (approx. 2.9 miles away); Fort Madison-Creek War 1812-13 (approx. 6.9 miles away); Lafayette's Tour (approx. 10 miles away); William B. Travis House (approx. 10 miles away); Masonic Lodge No. 3 (approx. 10 miles away); Perdue Hill Industrial School (approx. 10 miles away); John Murphy (approx. 10.1 miles away).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. The Canoe Fight. Encyclopedia of Alabama website entry (Submitted on February 26, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

2. Sam Dale. Wikipedia website entry (Submitted on February 26, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

The Canoe Fight Marker looking north on Madison Road. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 25, 2017

3. The Canoe Fight Marker looking north on Madison Road.

Samuel Dale at the "Canoe Fight" image. Click for full size.

Public domain - US Army photo

4. Samuel Dale at the "Canoe Fight"

Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 906 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 26, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.