Chatham in Chatham-Kent, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Skirmish at the Forks
Monday, October 4, 1813
| | Tecumseh Parkway | |
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013
1. Skirmish at the Forks Marker
View, looking west, of the English text side of the historical marker, with a distant view of "The Forks" of the Thames River in the background.
Despite his dismay, Tecumseh convinced his warriors to stage a rearguard action at the Forks on October 4 to slow the American advance. That morning, the warriors attempted to burn the main bridge across McGregor Creek but the wood was too wet from heavy rain to ignite. They then began dismantling the boardwalk of the bridge to make it impassable. When the American army approached the south shore, the warriors hiding in the woods across the creek opened fire.
The skirmish lasted for about two hours. Two Americans were killed as were several warriors. Tecumseh was struck in the arm by a musket ball. The skirmish ended when the American artillery fired their cannon and drove the warriors off, but not before they set fire to the cabin containing the stored arms.
Through the commotion, one of Tecumseh's allies, Walk In The Water, and his warriors abandoned the retreat, as did several Shawnee, Wyandot, and Delaware.
Erected by Tecumseh Parkway.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • War of 1812. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1833.
Location. 42° 24.399′ N, 82° 11.066′ W. Marker is in Chatham, Ontario, in Chatham-Kent. It can be reached from the intersection of William Street North and Murray Street, on the left when traveling north. The historical marker is located in Chatham, at the point of "The Forks" of the Thames River, in Tecumseh Park, situated along a park walkway.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area and in Southwestern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Skirmish at the Forks (here, next to this marker); The Forks (here, next to this marker); British Encampment: Forks of the Thames (here, next to this marker); Casualties of the Skirmish (here, next to this marker); Tecumseh (within shouting distance of this marker); Chatham Blockhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Kent Regiment (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Chatham Armoury (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013
2. Skirmish at the Forks Marker
View, looking east, of the French text side of the historical marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013
3. Skirmish at the Forks Marker
Close-up view of the diagram of the skirmish, including the caption, that is displayed on the historical marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013
4. Skirmish at the Forks Marker
Close-up view of the painting entitled, "Tecumseh: Battlecry," that is displayed on the historical marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013
5. Skirmish at the Forks Marker
Close-up view of the English text that is displayed on the historical marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013
6. Skirmish at the Forks Marker
View of the park walkway that leads to "The Forks" of the Thames River, where several Tecumseh Parkway historical markers are located.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013
7. Skirmish at the Forks Marker
View of the "The Forks" of the Thames River, where several Tecumseh Parkway historical markers are located.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013
8. View of The Forks
View of the cannon situated at "The Forks" of the Thames River.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013
9. Tecumseh Park Sign
View, looking north on William Street North, of the sign for Tecumseh Park, where the historical marker is located, and a distant view of the Tecumseh Parkway sign used to alert motorists of the presence of these historical markers.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013
10. The Forks of the Thames Sign
View, looking north on William Street North, of the Tecumseh Parkway sign used to alert motorists of the presence of these historical markers in Tecumseh Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 808 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on January 19, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
