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Boyd's Creek

© Jim Buckenmyer

A small creek runs through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. This creek gives it's name to the local community. This community known as Boyd's Creek can be seen as a microcosm of the frontier.

Boyd's Creek's first visitors Cherokee and Shawnee warriors. It lies along a valley road known then as the Warrior's Path. Large numbers of natives traveled this path for trade, diplomacy and warfare between the Southern and Northern tribes. The land itself was claimed by no tribe, but was hunted by many.

In the 1760's the first white men were in the area. These men were traders and longhunters. Even though no native tribes had laid claim to the area several European groups did. This was part of the land that the French and British went to war over.

In 1775 two traders from Virginia were returning along the path after a successful trip among the Overhill towns. The trader's names were Boyd and Daggett. They were ambushed by a roving band of Indians. Their bodies were unceremoniously thrown into the creek. This stream had been given a name.

War once again erupted on the frontier. The British formed an alliance with the Cherokee, especially a break away band known as the Chickamauga. They would bring terror to the outlying farms and settlements.

In late September of 1780 most of the men in the region left their homes and traveled to fight the British at King's Mountain. While the Battle of King's Mountain was a staggering blow to the British, it left the frontier virtually undefended. The Cherokee took advantage of this to begin raiding anew.

Nancy Ward, beloved woman of the Cherokee, sent a warning to the settlements that the raids were coming. Upon hearing of this Col. John Sevier, Col. William Campbell and Major Joseph Martin rushed their men back over the mountains.

Upon arriving home Sevier began recruiting for an offensive against the Cherokee raiders. He set December 15th as the date to gather in Greene County. More than 200 men answered the call. Over the course of the next three days one hundred more joined the march.

On the march south scouts found evidence of a large band of Indians before them. On the night of December 17th the settlers camped on Boyd's Creek. During the night Sevier's scouts found the Cherokee camp . . . or so they thought.

Very early the next morning Sevier led his men to an area overlooking that camp. Fires were still burning but the camp was found to be empty. The Cherokee raiders were hidden in a semicircle around the camp, hoping to ambush the soldiers rushing their camp. Col. Sevier decided on an ambush of his own. He too formed his men into a semicircle. He then ordered a small group to ride into the camp, fire one volley, then retreat to the center of his lines. Upon seeing the men run away the Indians gave chase and were caught in the well-laid ambush. After a few frantic minutes of fighting the warriors were able to escape through a hole in Sevier's line caused by a swamp. They had suffered heavy losses, twenty-eight killed and many more seriously wounded. The settlers only had three wounded and none killed. During the battle Col. Sevier suffered a close call. It was reported that a lock of hair was removed from his head by a rifle ball.