SAR, DAR chapters will observe 229th anniversary of de la Balme massacre in rural Whitley County
(Talk of the Town photo provided) A ceremony is planned Saturday to commemorate the 229th anniversary of Northeast Indiana’s only Revolutionary War battle, a site which is marked by a stone and brass marker.
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On November 5, 1780, the only Revolutionary War battle in northeastern Indiana occurred when Colonel Augustin de La Balme and his troops were massacred by Chief Little Turtle and his warriors, who were sympathetic to the British crown.
A commemoration of this battle will be held at 2 p.m. this Saturday, October 31, 2009, near the Whitley-Allen County line along the Eel River in rural Whitley County.
The Anthony Halberstadt SAR Chapter and Colonel Augustin de la Balme DAR Chapter are conducting this ceremony, which will include the Indiana SAR Color Guard in their Revolutionary War uniforms and the American Legion Post Color Guard and a wreath laying ceremony commemorating the dead of both sides.
The ceremony will be attended by members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution and honored guests. The public is invited to observe this historical and colorful event.
A brass and stone marker placed by the de La Balme Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1930, reads: “In memory of Col. Augustin de La Balme and his soldiers who were killed in battle with the Miami Indians under Little Turtle at this place November 5, 1780.”
To reach the site of the battle and the ceremony, at 7175 East de la Balme Road, rural Whitley County, turn east on US 30, turn north on West County Line Road, turn west on Old Trail Road and turn north on de la Balme Road.