Map Could Yield Clues at Tippecanoe Battle Site

Officials in Tippecanoe County in western Indiana want to create a computer-assisted map of the historic Tippecanoe Battlefield that could yield clues about archaeological remnants buried there.

The Tippecanoe County Historical Association plans to use a device to measure anomalies in the earth's magnetic field to find underground objects. It also might use ground-penetrating radar to find items if funding can be found.

Archaeologist Colby Bartlett says it would be the first professional investigation of the site.

The Tippecanoe Battleground borders the town of Battle Ground, a few miles north of Lafayette. It was the site of the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. American forces led by General and Indiana territory Governor William Henry Harrison held off an attack by warriors from a confederation of Indian tribes. The battle was part of an ongoing conflict known as Tecumseh's War, named for the Shawnee leader. But the battle is also seen as a precursor to the War of 1812, which pitted the U-S against Great Britain and its Indian allies.

Buried artifacts at the Tippecanoe Battleground could include prehistoric American Indian artifacts and artifacts from the November 7th, 1811 battle.

Executive director Kathy Atwell says the historical association hopes to have the work done before the battle's 200th anniversary in 2011.