Welcome to Westville

Westville Under Attack
Creek Indian Battles Re-Enacted During Memorial Day Weekend.

Westville offers visitors a peek into Georgia’s history on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 with the staging of authentic Creek Indian Battles. The re-enactment of the conflicts-the Battle of Roanoke and the Battle of Shepherd’s Plantation-depicts actual events taking place in Stewart County, Ga. during the Creek Indian War.
Months of fighting was sparked by an Indian attack on May 15, 1836 on the village of Roanoke--located on the Chattahoochee River only a few miles west of Westville-- and conflicts continued with battles throughout the area, including the Battle of Shepherd’s Plantation in June.

Skirmishes with the Alabama Creek Indians continued to increase as white settlers

pushed westward into Alabama and Mississippi. Hostile bands of Alabama Creeks crossed into Georgia, posing a threat to settlers on the border. A small company of about 20 volunteers under the command of Captain J. U. Horne was sent to Roanoke to help protect the village. On the night of May 14, the soldiers went to sleep unaware of Indians in the area. Just as dawn was breaking, more than 200 Creek warriors rushed the volunteers in a surprise attack, preventing the volunteers from getting to their weapons. The entire town was destroyed by fire and about a dozen men were killed. In the following weeks, reinforcement troops from Gwinnett County, Ga. joined in the defense of southwest Georgia from the Indian uprisings. Designated as the 45th Regiment of the Georgia Militia, the Gwinnett County troops, under the command of Captain Hammond Garmany, actively pursued the Indians, engaging in fierce battles throughout Stewart County, including the Battle of Shepherd’s Plantation.
During the weekend event, visitors can meet the soldiers at the" Flintlock Musket Firing Demonstrations" and learn about the uniforms and equipment of the 1836 U.S. Army in the McDonald House garden on Saturday (11a.m.& 2p.m.) and Sunday (1.30 p.m.).

Anxiety and anticipation grow as the impending attack draws near. With Creek Indians camped just a short distance away, defenders of the village begin to prepare for battle. The excitement peaks as the raiding Indian party rises out of the forest and attacks. A battle ensues. Galloping horses, blasting gun powder, clanging weapons and agonizing cries from the "wounded" add to the lifelike skirmish.

The re-enactment of the Battle of Roanoke will take place on Saturday, May 27 at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. EST. The Battle of Shepherd’s Plantation will be re-enacted on Sunday, May 28 at 2:30 p.m. EST.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can roam Westville’s buildings to learn about the settlers or visit the Creek Indian camps to learn more about the Indian way of life. Mostly descendants of Native Americans, the Indian re-enactors are always eager to discuss their rich native history including their tools, art, crafts, housing and weapons.

Site Welcome	*Carter Address*	*Westville at War*
*Period Gardener*	*Rawson House Rhetoric*	*July 4th at Westville*
*Welcome Michelle*	*Batter Up*	*Past Issues*