Second battle of the Trail of Blood on Ice campaign, contesting Confederate and Union Indian Territory control in December 1861.
Key Facts
- Date
- December 9, 1861
- Confederate force
- 1,300 troops under Col. Douglas H. Cooper
- Confederate casualties
- 15 killed, 37 wounded
- Union estimated losses
- ~412–500
- Battle duration
- Almost four hours
- Campaign position
- Second of three Trail of Blood on Ice battles
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Union Creek and Seminole forces' defeat at Round Mountain, Muscogee Creek chief Opothleyahola retreated northeastward seeking safety. Confederate Col. Douglas H. Cooper pursued with approximately 1,300 troops, determined to suppress Union-aligned Indian factions and secure Indian Territory for the Confederacy.
On December 9, 1861, Cooper's Confederates attacked Opothleyahola's forces positioned in heavy timber at Horseshoe Bend on Bird Creek. After nearly four hours of fighting and attempted flanking maneuvers, the Confederates drove the Union Indians across Bird Creek just before dark. Cooper halted pursuit overnight due to ammunition shortages.
The outcome was disputed: Confederates claimed victory, while some accounts credited Opothleyahola with repelling the attack. Regardless, Opothleyahola's band continued moving in search of security. The Confederates subsequently achieved a decisive victory at Chustenahlah later that month, effectively ending organized Union Indian resistance in the territory.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Opothleyahola.
Side B
1 belligerent
Col. Douglas H. Cooper.