Historic Site

Colonel Augustin de la Balme Memorial Site

	Colonel Augustin de la Balme Memorial Site - Quick Facts
HSP Category	Landmark
HSP Style	Landmark

Historical Significance:

The Colonel De La Balme Chapter dedicated this memorial site near the banks of the Eel River in Whitley Co., IN on November 5, 1930. At this site a battle between Col. Augustin de la Balme (and his men) and Chief Little Turtle (and his Miami Warriors) occurred on or about November 1780. Col. de la Balme and his men marched northward from Vincennes, IN to this location to be defeated by Chief Little Turtle and his warriors. No names are listed at the memorial site, but according to records, most of his men died with him at this location.

Acknowledgements: The Chapter promotes awareness of the historical significance of this site year-round.

Form Submitted By: Colonel Augustin de la Balme Chapter, NSDAR 9/1/2014

Designations:

This is one of four recognized Revolutionary War sites in Indiana.

Historic Marker:

Marker Date: 1930, 2010
Marker Organizations: Colonel Augustin de la Balme Chapter of the DAR, Indiana Society Sons of the Revolution
DAR Marker Text: In memory of Colonel Augustin de la Balme and his soldiers who were killed in battle with the Miami Indians under Little Turtle at this Place. November 5th, 1780. Placed by the Col. Augustin de la Balme Chapter of the DAR.
SR Marker Text: With recommendation from Benjamin Franklin, Augustin de la Balme, former French Cavalry Officer, came to America to assist in the American Revolution. In November 1780, allegedly under secret orders from General George Washington, Colonel Augustin de la Balme, and a body of 104 men from Kaskaskia and Vincennes, raided the British stores at Kekionga (present day Fort Wayne). Leaving a detachment to guard the captured stores, his force marched out over the Eel River trail, the same path Colonel John Hardin followed ten years later. The Miami Indians, literally up in arms about the intrusion, destroyed the detachment left at Kekionga and attacked la Balme near the Eel River Trading Post. There his force was surrounded by a large body of warriors led by Chief Little Turtle. La Balme and his men fortified themselves on the banks of the Eel River just north of this location. After several days of conflict, they were defeated by an overwhelming force. The remains of Colonel de la Balme and approximately forty militiamen forever belong to the Eel River. Erected 2010 by the Indiana Society of the Sons of the Revolution.

Funded By:

The property belongs to the Colonel Augustin de la Balme DAR Chapter. The chapter maintains the property with Chapter funds and donations.

Information for the Visitors:

What you need to know if interested in visiting this destination:

Condition of Property: Preserve
Open to the Public? Yes
Lodging? No
Brochure available? No
Catalog available? No
DVD available? No
Recurring Activities? Yes. The Chapter holds an annual commemoration on the first Saturday in November to remember this event.

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Units Overseas

Directions and application forms can be found on this page or in the Forms section of the DAR members' website.

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