Tecumseh’s sign to his confederation was “when the earth quakes” they were to arise against any and all whites in their area. A series of earthquakes, throughout the New Madrid fault, began in December of 1811.
But, Tecumseh’s dream had been shattered. He took the men who would follow him and joined the English during the war of 1812. He was reported killed at the Battle of Thames in near London, Ont.
Had Tecumseh’s confederacy not been broken at Tippecanoe, it is unknown what would have happened. Indian forces were numerous enough to defeat the whites west of the Appalachian Mountains. The young country would have been assailed by England on the other three sides.
It is doubtful that Tecumseh’s confederacy would have stopped America’s westward expansion, but things would have been very different.
Today a monument stands at the site of the battle. Stone markers denote areas where officers fell. Americans considered this hallowed ground and no plow has ever been put to it. Large oaks and maples, there before Harrison, bear silent witness of the battle.
A military school was located in the northern part of the current Battlefield County Park. They used the woods for live action maneuvers.
At the centennial, the military cadets played Harrisons troops as local men portrayed the native troops. The Monon ran a special train from Lafayette carrying townsfolk to watch the re-enacted battle. This year the 200th anniversary will be commemorated by a re-enactment and memorial. (separate article)
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