Description: |
Following Chief Opothleyahola and his Union force’s defeat at Round Mountain, he retreated
northeastward, in search of safety. On December 9, 1861, the force was at Chusto-Talasah, or Caving Banks, on
the Horseshoe Bend of Bird Creek when Col. Douglas H. Cooper’s 1,300 Confederates attacked Chief
Opothleyahola around 2:00 pm. Chief Opothleyahola knew Cooper was coming and had placed his troops in a
strong position at Horseshoe Bend. For almost four hours, Cooper attacked and attempted to outflank the
Federals, finally driving them east across Bird Creek just before dark. Cooper camped there overnight but did not
pursue the Federals because he was short of ammunition. The Confederates claimed victory. Chief Opothleyahola
and his band moved off in search of security elsewhere. Although the Confederates had gained a victory, they
would win a resounding one later in the month at Chustenahlah. |