On Dec. 17, 1812, Lt. Colonel John B. Campbell arrived at this site with 600 mounted troops under orders to destroy the Miami Indian villages along the Mississinewa River from here to the present site of Peru. The destruction of the village here resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and eight Indians. After the attack, Campbell's force went two miles down the river and destroyed two more villages before returning here to camp for the night. Shortly before dawn on December 18, Miami Indians attacked Campbell's camp, and the two hour battle left 10 soldiers dead and 48 wounded. Approximately 40 Miami and Delaware Indians died defending their lands. After more than 100 horses were killed and fearing a second attack, Campbell ordered his troops to return to Fort Greenville late that afternoon. This action was one of the first ordered by General William Henry Harrison during the War of 1812.