The Battle of Tippecanoe

Background

• 1809 Treaty of Fort Wayne: Forced Indiana tribes to sell 3 million acres of land to the U.S. government.
• Shawnee Chief Tecumseh: Organized a Native American alliance to resist pioneer settlement on Native lands.

Key Figures

• William Henry Harrison: Indiana Governor who led soldiers against Native forces.
• Tecumseh: Shawnee Chief who sought to form a Native alliance; away during the Battle.
• Tenskwatawa: Tecumseh's brother, also known as the Prophet, who led in Tecumseh's absence.

The Battle

• Date: Evening of November 6, 1811.
• Location: Prophetstown, on the banks of Burnett Creek.
• Events:
  • Harrison arrives and agrees to a ceasefire with Tenskwatawa until Tecumseh's return.
  • At night, Tenskwatawa urged warriors to attack, chanting for protection from bullets.
  • Warriors attacked Harrison's surrounded troops at dawn.
  • A diversionary attack was launched on the northern flank, followed by a fierce southern assault.
  • Harrison strengthened his southern flank, forcing a Native retreat.
  • Harrison's well-trained and better-armed troops won the battle.

Aftermath

• Prophetstown: Burned by Harrison following the battle.
• Tecumseh's Return: He found Prophetstown destroyed, which ended his dream of a Native alliance.
• Alliance with Britain: Tecumseh allied with Great Britain during the War of 1812, aiding British successes in the Great Lakes.

Long-term Impact

• 1840 Presidential Election: Harrison's victory at Tippecanoe contributed to his election as President.
• American Indian Wars: The battle marked a turning point in these prolonged conflicts.

Conclusion

• The Battle of Tippecanoe had significant short and long-term effects on both Native American resistance and U.S. political history.

Additional Resources

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