History buffs will love the War of 1812 reenactment of the Battle of Mississinewa in Marion, Indiana. This annual reenactment of a major battle from the War of 1812 has been called the premier living history event in Indiana. Each year more than 30,000 people come out to observe a historically accurate commemoration that was originally played out in the harsh wilderness regions of the early Indiana territory.
The War of 1812, fought between England and the growing United States of America, was an offspring of the much greater struggle abroad involving Napoleonic France and most of Europe.
However, the main combatants were U.S. troops and the large Native American population who, fearing the growing "settlers'" foothold upon the Western territories, established an uneasy alliance with the British.
The Battle of the Mississinewa was a major engagement fought to eliminate the Mississinewa River as a staging area used by members of the Miami, Delaware and several other American Indian tribes for attacks on the U.S. army.
Recreating the Battle of Mississinewa
Mississinewa 1812 recreates thoroughly and with passion this pivotal moment in American history with 1,300 costumed participants spread throughout a well-preserved monument to the great Miami Indian nation.
This is a spectacle that the whole family will never forget, with Indian villages (including the largest reconstructed Woodland Indian village), British and American military camps, and over 50 American and British military units gathered in the largest War of 1812 encampment site in North America.
You'll see demonstrations of Native American ceremonies and crafts, and nearby Rivertown is filled with early 19th-century merchants, traders, trappers, food purveyors, storytellers, gunsmiths, and folk musicians who demonstrate the skills of the early 1800s.
Trip Planning Details for a Battle Reenactment
Mississinewa 1812 will be reenacted, rain or shine, on October 11-13, 2013 — a much nicer time of year than the actual military engagement which took place December 17-18, 1812. The action happens at the Mississinewa Battlefield 7 miles north of Marion, Indiana on State Rd 15. The star attraction –the battle reenactment — takes place midday October 12-13.
When paid in advance, the modest admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-12 years. If purchased at the gate, adults are $8 and children are $8. Visit the Show Me Grant County site for information from the Marion C&VB about hotel accommodations. If you identify yourself as an "1812 Participant" many hotels offer special rates. If the going gets too hot. spend the afternoon at the Mississinewa River Walk or learning more about James Dean — the brooding actor is one of the town's most famous sons.
For more information about the festival get in touch with the Mississinewa Battlefield Society (800/822-1812; 765/662-1809) at 402 South Washington St. Suite 509, P.O. Box 1812, Marion, Indiana 46953.
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