Washington in Wilkes County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Loyalists Defeat On Spurgin Hill

— Kettle Creek Battlefield - An American Revolutionary Cemetery —

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, September 19, 2026

1. Loyalists Defeat On Spurgin Hill Marker

Inscription. On February 14, 1779, Maj. Spurgin and his Loyalist troops were securing the hill on the south side of Kettle Creek while Col. Boyd's troops prepared for their triumphant return to Wrightsboro, a Loyalist stronghold. At midmorning, Maj. Spurgin heard musket fire coming from the north side of Kettle Creek. He began to secure his position when fleeing Loyalist troops reported that a large Patriot force had attacked Col. Boyd and that the colonel was dead.

Maj. Spurgin was rallying the fleeing Loyalist troops when he was attacked by Col. Clarke who had broken through the canebrake and was crossing Kettle Creek on Spurgin's right flank. As Spurgin adjusted his position to defend against Clarke, Col. Pickens and Col. Dooly advanced on his left flank. After a fierce battle in which many Loyalists were killed, Maj. Spurgin realized the futility of his position and fled towards Wrightsboro with the remaining Loyalist militia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is February 14, 1779.

Location. 33° 41.385′ N, 82° 53.158′ W. Marker is in Washington, Georgia,

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in Wilkes County. It can be reached from War Hill Road 0.2 miles south of Settlement Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 299 War Hill Rd, Washington GA 30673, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Canebrakes Affect The Battle of Kettle Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); 1920 Dredging of Kettle Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Kettle Creek (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Clark's Attack (about 400 feet away); "Cenotaph" (about 400 feet away); Kettle Creek Battlefield (about 500 feet away); a different marker

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, September 19, 2026

2. Loyalists Defeat On Spurgin Hill Marker

also named The Battle of Kettle Creek (about 500 feet away); Early Colonial Roads (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 6, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.