Battle of Tipton's Island facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tipton's Island
Part of the War of 1812
Date April 1813 Location White River Result Indecisive
Belligerents
Shawnee	United States Indiana Rangers
Commanders and leaders
	John Tipton
Strength
Unknown	30
Casualties and losses
1 killed 3 drowned in escape Several wounded	3 settlers killed 2 settlers wounded

John Tipton was a leader of the Indiana militia.

The Battle of Tipton's Island was a small fight during the War of 1812 in April 1813. It happened on the White River near what is now Seymour, Indiana. This battle was between a group of Shawnee warriors and the Indiana militia. The militia was led by Major John Tipton.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

This battle was part of the larger War of 1812. In April 1813, a group of Shawnee warriors attacked settlers near Fort Vallonia in Indiana. They killed two settlers and then another, also wounding three more. This attack led to the militia chasing after them.

The Chase Begins

After the attacks, 30 Indiana militiamen began to follow the Shawnee group. These militiamen were led by Major John Tipton. They were also known as "Corydon's Yellow Jackets". The Shawnee crossed the flooded Driftwood River. They likely thought they had escaped the militia.

The Island Showdown

The Shawnee warriors set up camp on an island. This island was in the east fork of the White River. It was just northeast of modern-day Seymour. However, one of Tipton's scouts found their trail. The rangers then moved carefully towards the river. Major Tipton told his rangers to be completely silent. He even tied one ranger to a tree because he kept talking!

The militia took positions along the riverbank. They then opened fire on the Shawnee. The Shawnee were surprised but fired back for about 30 minutes. Not many people were hurt because of the distance across the river. Also, the trees on the island offered good cover. One Shawnee warrior was killed, and several were wounded. A few more drowned trying to swim across the flooded White River to escape.

What Happened Next?

The militia could not cross the river to follow the Shawnee. So, they went back to Fort Vallonia. At first, there was a celebration. But as more details came out, people realized it was a small fight. The Shawnee war party had managed to get away. Because of this, "Tipton's Island" became a term that people used to make fun of something that wasn't a big victory. The battle was considered indecisive, meaning neither side truly won.