Mississinewa 1812: America’s Largest War of 1812 Reenactment
Located on Marion, Indiana’s War of 1812 battle site, Mississinewa 1812 is the largest War of 1812 living history event in the United States. Mark your calendars; the reenactment is held annually in October. This year’s dates are October 11-13, 2013.
The weekend long, family-friendly event features a Battle reenactment, British and American military encampments, an Indian village, and a river town featuring merchants, artisans and food vendors.
War of 1812 Reenactment and Military Encampments
Daily reenactments of the Battle of the Mississinewa captivate visitors to Mississinewa 1812. Onlookers watch a narrated conflict featuring British, American and Native American soldiers wearing authentic uniforms and using weapons from the time period. The War of 1812 battle site, located between Marion, Indiana and Wabash, Indiana (close to the town of LaFontaine), plays host to the reenactment.
In addition to the War of 1812 reenactment, Mississinewa 1812 provides visitors an authentic glimpse of life in the early nineteenth century. British and American military encampments depict the daily life of the War of 1812 soldier. Ongoing demonstrations include:
- field drills.
- artillery firing.
- musket and rifle drills.
- battlefield medicine.
River Town Featuring Authentic Artisans and Food Vendors
River town features more than 140 merchants, artisans and food purveyors who display their wares, demonstrate 18th Century crafts, and offer food and drink that was available in 1812. Shops include:
- Master printers.
- Gunsmiths.
- Tinsmiths.
- Silversmiths.
- Soap makers.
- Potters.
- Blacksmiths.
- Weavers.
- Other traditional craftsmen.
Food vendors tempt passers by with English trap pies, barbecued chops, bratwurst, ribs and chicken, hearty stews, baked potatoes, French pastries, fry bread and ice cream. Ongoing performances of music, songs, and stories fill the crisp autumn air throughout the War of 1812 reenactment weekend.
War of 1812 Indiana Village and Wilderness Camp
The picketed fort and the traditional long house are the centerpieces of the Indian village. The village offers a glimpse of Indian life that is seldom seen today. Storytellers captivate visitors with their Native American legends.
The Wilderness Camp, where trappers, traders, and voyageurs struggled with dastardly river pirates in an effort to carve a pioneer settlement from the woodland, brings new sights and sounds to visitors. Most reenactors camp overnight by the Mississinewa River, just a short distance from the War of 1812 battle site.
If You Go To Mississinewa 1812
- Event location: 7 miles north of Marion, Indiana and 13 miles south of Wabash, Indiana on State Road 15. Battle of the Mississinewa, War of 1812 Battle Site.
- Event Dates: Held annually in October. This year’s dates: October 11-13, 2013.
Hours: Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-4pm.
War of 1812 Reenactment held daily. - Accessibility: Handicap Parking, Handicap Restrooms. No Pets Allowed. Assist Animals Only.
Mississinewa 1812 is sponsored by the Mississinewa Battlefield Society Inc., Marion, Indiana. It is a historical commemoration of the Battle of Mississinewa fought near Marion during the War of 1812. Approximately 30,000 visitors from across the nation attend the critically acclaimed event each year in October.
Upcoming Events
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04/04/2013
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05/03/2013
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05/23/2013
