Near Marion in Grant County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Mississinewa Battlefield

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 1, 2007

1. Mississinewa Battlefield Marker

Inscription. On Dec. 17, 1812, Lt. Colonel John B. Campbell with 600 mounted troops arrived at this site under orders to destroy the Miami Indian Villages along the Mississinewa River from here to the present site of Peru. The destruction of the village on this site resulted in the loss of the lives of two soldiers and eight Indians. Following the attack here, Campbell's force proceeded two miles down the river and destroyed two more villages before returning here to camp for the night. Shortly before dawn on December 18, a force of Miami Indians attacked Campbell's camp. The two hour battle resulted in 10 soldiers being killed and 48 wounded. Approximately 40 Miami and Delaware Indians gave their lives in the defense of their lands. Having over 100 of his horses killed and fearing a second attack, Campbell ordered his troops to return to Fort Greenville late in the afternoon of the 18th. This action was one of the first ordered by General William Henry Harrison during the War of 1812.

Erected 1988 by The Battlefield Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • War of 1812 • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #09 William Henry Harrison series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1763.

Location.

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40° 37.797′ N, 85° 44.107′ W. Marker is near Marion, Indiana, in Grant County. Marker can be reached from County Road 308W, 0.7 miles south of County Road W600N, on the right when traveling south. The markers and graves are off of the road, on a gravel road. Just past the trees, you will find the Mississinewa River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Marion IN 46952, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Here on December 17-18, 1812 (within shouting distance of this marker); Conner's Mill (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Battle Of Mississinewa (approx. half a mile away); Miami Indian Cemetery (approx. ¾ mile away); Chief Meshingomesia (approx. 0.8 miles away).

Regarding Mississinewa Battlefield.
(Photo 3: Monument to the Indians)
Here on December 17 - 18, 1812, approximately 48 members of the Miami and Delaware Indian nations gave their lives in defense of their homes, families and lands.

Their canoes have vanished
Their forests fallen silent.
But their name is on your waters
Ye may not wash it out.
—Lydia Huntley Sigourney

Mississinewa Battlefield Society 1988

(Photo 4: Monument to the U.S. Troops)
Here on December 17-18 1812, twelve

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 1, 2007

2. Mississinewa Battlefield Marker

members of Lt. Col. John B. Campbell’s command gave their lives in the Campaign against the Indian villages of the Mississinewa in the War of 1812.

(Photo 7: Soldiers’ Grave Inscriptions)
• Bedford, Pvt. Thomas “Kentucky Volunteers” • “In memory of - War of 1812 Dec. 18, 1812”
• Brown, Pvt. Beverly “Kentucky Volunteers” • “In memory of - War of 1812 Dec. 18, 1812”
• Carnahan, Pvt. Thomas “Kentucky Volunteers” • “In memory of - War of 1812 Dec. 18, 1812”
• Cunningham, Pvt. Daniel “Ohio Volunteers” • “In memory of - War of 1812 Dec. 18, 1812”
• Griffin, Pvt. James “Pennsylvania Volunteer Light Dragoons” • “In memory of - War of 1812 Dec. 18, 1812”
• Lansing, Pvt. Francis “Pennsylvania Volunteers” • “In memory of - War of 1812 Dec. 18, 1812”
• Piatt, Pvt. Salem “Kentucky Volunteers” • “In memory of - War of 1812 Dec. 18, 1812”
• Pierce, Capt. Bennoni “Ohio Volunteers” • “In memory of - War of 1812 Dec. 18, 1812”
• Scott, Pvt. William “Kentucky Volunteers” • “In memory of - War of 1812 Dec. 18, 1812”
• Smith, Sgt. Thomas “Kentucky Volunteers” • “In memory of - War of 1812 Dec. 18, 1812”
•

Marker placed in honor of the Indians image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 1, 2007

3. Marker placed in honor of the Indians

Waltz, 2nd Lt. Daniel “Pennsylvania Volunteers” • “In memory of - War of 1812 Dec. 18, 1812”
• Wright, Sgt. James “U.S. Light Dragoons” • “In memory of - War of 1812 Dec. 18, 1812”

Also see . . .
1. Battle of the Mississinewa 1812. Grant County Military entry (Submitted on October 24, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. Lydia Huntley Sigourney (1791–1865 ). Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame entry (Submitted on July 7, 2007.)

Monument placed in honor of the U.S. Troops image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 1, 2007

4. Monument placed in honor of the U.S. Troops

Monument to the troops image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 1, 2007

5. Monument to the troops

The Indian marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 1, 2007

6. The Indian marker

Graves of the U.S. soldiers who lost their lives. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 1, 2007

7. Graves of the U.S. soldiers who lost their lives.

Mississinewa River, below the battle site (½ mile) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Light, April 25, 2008

8. Mississinewa River, below the battle site (½ mile)

Photographed By Duane Hall, March 8, 2011

9. Mississinewa Battlefield Marker

View to southwest from parking area

U.S. Troops and Indian Nations Monuments image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, March 8, 2011

10. U.S. Troops and Indian Nations Monuments

As viewed from the Mississinewa Battlefield marker. U.S. Troops monument is on the left, and the Indian Nations monument is on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. This page has been viewed 5,928 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 2, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. 8. submitted on April 30, 2008, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. 9, 10. submitted on January 16, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.