Fort Lindley, located near Rabon Creek, saw the first significant Cherokee offensive of the Revolutionary War. 88 Cherokee and 102 Loyalists disguised as Cherokee warriors attacked the Patriot stronghold on July 15, 1776, as 50 settlers sheltered inside. 150 fighters from the Little River Regiment, led by Major Jonathan Downs, defended the fort. A victory for the Patriots, this two-hour gunfight encouraged the American cause locally, but it also reminded rebels that so many in the backcountry remained loyal to the British.