Gilbert Christian Russell (May 18, 1782 - May 25, 1861) was an American military officer who served during the Creek War. Born in Virginia, Russell moved to Alabama as a young man. In 1809, Russell was serving as commandant of Fort Pickering when Meriwether Lewis spent two weeks there on his trip to Washington, D.C. Russell and Lewis became friends, and Russell attempted to accompany Lewis on the remainder of his journey but Russell's superiors denied his request.[1] During the Creek War, he was the commander of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment of the United States Army.[2] His soldiers reinforced General Ferdinand Claiborne at Fort Claiborne and on December 13, 1813, the combined forces launched an invasion at the core of the Creek Nation which culminated in a victory over the Creek at the Battle of Holy Ground. After the Battle of Holy Ground, Russell planned an unsuccessful attack on Red Stick villages located on the Cahaba River.[3] After the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, Russell and the 3rd Infantry were transferred from Fort Claiborne to Fort Jackson.[4] Russell County, Alabama was named in his honor.[5]
Gilbert Christian Russell | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 18, 1782 Virginia |
| Died | May 25, 1861 (aged 79) |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1803-1807, 1808-1815 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles / wars | Creek War |
References
edit- ^ Weir, III, Howard (2016). A Paradise of Blood: The Creek War of 1813-14. Yardley, Pennsylvania: Westholme. p. 276. ISBN 1-59416-270-0.
- ^ Kevin Dougherty (30 September 2010). Weapons of Mississippi. Univ. Press of Mississippi. p. 38. ISBN 978-1-60473-452-2.
- ^ Mike Bunn (2019). Early Alabama: An Illustrated Guide to the Formative Years, 1798-1826. University of Alabama Press. p. 23. ISBN 978-0-8173-5928-7.
- ^ Weir 2016, p. 446.
- ^ Willis Brewer (1872). Alabama, Her History, Resources, War Record, and Public Men: From 1540 to 1872. Barrett & Brown. p. 510.