The Battle of Piqua

Since childhood we have been taught about the Revolutionary War battles of Bunker Hill and Yorktown but the Battle of Piqua may have slipped our educators notice. It was the largest military engagement of the Revolutionary War west of the Allegheny Mountains and would influence a twelve year old boy named Tecumseh.

The Shawnee settled near the Mad River in 1754. They were known as fierce warriors, aggressive and proud. This settlement was the combination of two Shawnee towns Peckuwe and Kispoko but together they were known as Piqua. The community expanded with over 50 well built log homes surrounded by 800 acres of corn. Piqua spread even larger with the arrival of Mingo, Wyandot and Delaware tribes until the village supported over 4000. The British helped build a triangular stockade as well as improvements in the village fortifications. With this massive food base and British support, war parties were free to attack American forts and settlements in Kentucky. June of 1780 the Shawnee and British army attacked and took possession of Fort Liberty and Martins Station as well as scores of prisoners. It was the mission of Colonel George Rogers Clark to strike back at the Shawnee ending their constant threat.

Colonel Clark along with Colonels Logan and Lynn mobilized both American regulars and Kentucky Militia. On July 31 over 1000 men arrived at the mouth of the Licking River. Within the assembled Militia were 2 men who would become American heroes: Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton. Colonel Clark’s plan was to move across the river and secure a supply fortification. Once in place the Militia would then move north into the Ohio country, destroying the raider's supply bases in Chillicothe and Piqua.

Step one was completed with a blockhouse constructed on what is today the site of Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati. It is believed that Daniel Boone was one of the men left behind to protect the supplies. Simon Kenton would continued on as a scout for Colonel Clark. The Kentuckians reached Chillicothe on August 7 and finding it abounded went about the task of destroying everything possible. During the night a massive rain storm came upon them just as their scouts reported the Shawnee were preparing to stand and fight at Piqua. Clark ordered his troops to advance through the heavy down pour.

Upon reaching the Mad river Clark divided his forces into 3 divisions. Colonel Logan moved his men along the river to prevent the Shawnee from escaping to the east. Colonel Clark crossed the river with the regulars and artillery driving through the center towards the stockade. Colonel Lynn moved against the left under heavy fire. The stockade was the last defensive position to fall and continuing to fight until Clark’s artillery was brought to the line. The Indians fled the battle field to the east. Colonel Logan and his 400 calvary were never able to find a way across the river due to high cliffs and swamps. This enabled the retreating Indians to escape.

The Militia burned the corn and destroyed the settlement before returning home. The Shawnee moved northward and would settle in what is today Piqua Ohio.

Today the location of the Shawnee Village Piqua and battlefield is being preserved and is located just outside the George Rogers Clark Park. A monument of Colonel Clark overlooks the battle site honoring both sides of this important conflict. The Davidson Interpretive Center is located at the battle site and offers displays and exhibits concerning both the battle and Shawnee village life. The center is open Monday - Friday.

Davidson Interpretive Center
5638 Lower Valley Pike
Springfield Ohio
(937) 882-6000