On December 17, 1812, Lt Colonel John B Campbell wirh 600 mounted troops arrived at this site under orders to destory 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. Approximantely 40 Miami and Delaware Indians gave their lives in the defense of their lands. Having had 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 the first ordered by General William Henry Harrison during the War of 1812.                |
