Tippecanoe Battlefield Park facts for kids
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Tippecanoe Battlefield
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Tippecanoe Monument
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 Location in Tippecanoe County, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Lafayette, Indiana |
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| Built | 1811 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000013 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | October 9, 1960 |
The Tippecanoe Battlefield Park is a special place that protects the land where the Battle of Tippecanoe happened. This important battle took place on November 7, 1811. The park is located near Lafayette, Indiana.
This site is also a National Historic Landmark. This means it is recognized as a very important historical place in the United States.
Contents
History of the Battlefield Park
The land for the battlefield park is about 16-acre (6.5 ha) in size. A man named John Tipton, who fought in the battle, gave this land to the State of Indiana. He did this on November 7, 1836. This was exactly 25 years after the battle.
Early Events at the Park
In its early years, the battlefield was used for big political events. One very important event happened on May 29, 1840. About 30,000 people came to support William Henry Harrison. He was running to become president of the United States. He later became president.
By the 1850s, many people were visiting the battlefield. A railroad line was built next to the site. A small shop was also built nearby to sell refreshments to visitors.
Changes Over Time
Later, the Methodist Church bought the land with the refreshment stand. They used it for a school called the Battle Ground Collegiate Institute. After that, it became a youth camp for the Methodist Church.
The site was named a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Even with this honor, the camp closed in 1971. The area was not well-cared for after that.
The Museum and Park Today
Local people bought the Methodist property when the camp closed. They created a museum inside the camp's main building. In 1990, this group joined with the Tippecanoe County Historical Association. This association now runs the museum. The museum was greatly improved in 1995.
The Battlefield Monument was given to the Tippecanoe County Park Board in 1972. Today, the Tippecanoe County Park Board manages the park. The Tippecanoe County Historical Society operates the museum.
Things to Do at the Park
There are several things you can do when you visit Tippecanoe Battlefield Park:
- Hiking: You can walk on trails, including part of the Wabash Heritage Trail.
- Nature Center: Learn about the local plants and animals.
- Battlefield Monument: See the tall monument that honors those who fought.
- Museum: Visit the museum to learn more about the battle and the history of the area.
