Near Daviston in Tallapoosa County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The High Ground
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By TRCP Alliance, June 16, 2011
1. The High Ground Marker
[The] high ground which extended about mid-way from the breastwork to the river was in some manner open, but the declivity and flat which surrounded it was filled with fallen timber, the growth of which was very heavy, and had been so arrayed that every tree afforded them... a communication or cover to the next, and so on to the river bank...
Col. Gideon Morgan, Cherokee Regiment
Throughout the afternoon of Mach 27th this area was the scene of brutal and deadly close combat. The Red Sticks planned to use this high ground as a key battle position-their second line of defense. Here they gathered fallen trees to provide cover in the event of a fighting retreat from their first line, a log barricade, or breastwork, positioned behind you.
But Cherokee and Lower Creek warriors allied with Andrew Jackson attacked them from behind, crossing the river and pushing through the village, burning huts as they passed. Once they gained this ground the Red Sticks were trapped and forced to fight to the last or attempt escape to the river.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian
this page online
Location. 32° 58.183′ N, 85° 44.395′ W. Marker is near Daviston, Alabama, in Tallapoosa County. Marker can be reached from Battlefield Park Tour Road, on the left. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11288 Horseshoe Bend Road, Daviston AL 36256, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. With Deer Tails in Their Hair (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tohopeka in Flames (approx. 0.2 miles away); They Fought to the Last (approx. ¼ mile away); Who Were the Creek? (approx. 0.4 miles away); While the Long Roll Was Beating (approx. 0.4 miles away); Charge! (approx. 0.4 miles away); Designed for Defense (approx. 0.4 miles away); Miller Covered Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Daviston.
More about this marker. Tour Stop #4; Tohopeka Village
Tohopeka (meaning fort or fortification) was a temporary Red Stick village begun several months before the battle. The warriors’ families wintered here in log huts while the men built the barricade across the peninsula. The women and children stayed here during the battle. The Cherokees burned Tohopeka during their assault
Photographed By TRCP Alliance, June 16, 2011
2. The High Ground Marker
From Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Map and Guide Brochure.
Also see . . . Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. (Submitted on September 24, 2011, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama.)
Photographed By TRCP Alliance, June 16, 2011
3. The High Ground Marker and overlook shelter.
Photographed By TRCP Alliance, June 16, 2011
4. Image of theTohopeka village as seen from the overlook.
After a day of hunting, Creek men return to Tohopeka. In the fall of 1813, Upper Creek families from nearby towns gathered for protection in this bend of the Tallapoosa River.
Photographed By TRCP Alliance, June 16, 2011
5. Site of the Red Stick's village Tohopeka viewed from the overlook.
Photographed By TRCP Alliance, June 16, 2011
6. Dense woods behind The High Ground Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2011, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 785 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 24, 2011, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
