The Battle of Kettle Creek was a significant skirmish that occurred on February 14, 1779, during the American Revolutionary War in Georgia. It was fought between American Patriot militiamen and British Loyalist forces.
The battle was part of a larger effort by the British to take control of the Southern colonies. A group of about 600 Loyalists, led by Lieutenant Colonel James Boyd, was ambushed by a contingent of around 300 Patriot militiamen from Georgia, commanded by Colonel John Dooly and Lieutenant Colonel Elijah Clarke.
The Patriots launched a surprise attack on the Loyalist encampment near Kettle Creek and were able to rout them despite being outnumbered. The engagement resulted in a decisive victory for the Patriots, with significant casualties inflicted on the Loyalist forces while the Patriots experienced relatively few losses.
The victory at Kettle Creek bolstered Patriot morale, helped to strengthen support for the Revolutionary cause in Georgia, and disrupted British plans for consolidating control in the region. The battle is now recognized as a crucial moment in Georgia’s role in the American Revolution.