Welcome to Spurs Defeat. This page provides specific event information for the reenactment. Please visit the page often as new information will be posted as available. For general information please see the Facebook Group Spurs Defeat. When we began this project we knew that we had to do something different. We wanted to give the visitor a unique experience at Spurs Defeat that they would not get
at other events. Instead of being passive visitors watching activities, at Spurs Defeat visitors become part of the event themselves. When you pass through the outer picket, you are transported to the fall of 1812 at a forward field army field camp deep in Indian country. Nearby, is the Native camp. The visitors become part of the action in interactive battles and conflicts as the Native army and cavalry led by Tecumseh's younger brother clashes with the American army. At Spurs Defeat visitors are part of the action. In November 1812, an American army of some 1200 soldiers marched deep into Native territory and the Indian stronghold that centered on Prophetstown. General Hopkins followed the slash and burn policy of General Wayne a burned Prophetstown and other satellite villages to the ground. Howard set to work build at fort at the mouth of the Ponce Passau River to claim dominance in this foreign land. During the mission, 18 soldiers were massacred in an ambush by Native cavalry. Heavy snows began to fall preventing the General from proceeding further to attack the Indians whose numbers equaled or exceeded those of his army. Many of the men were not dressed for the winter weather and were suffering. General Hopkins was forced to retreat, burn the newly built fort and turn south and take his broken army back to Vincennes. For more information on the history of Hopkins campaign and the battle please see the Group Page Spurs Defeat. Spurs Defeat is a commemoration to those soldiers that died on the mission but it is also the story of the Native Americans and their struggle to hold onto ancestral lands and a traditional way of life. Spurs Defeat is a chance for the Natives to tell their story and highlight the glory of a proud Native people. The American army was the intruder on Native land and was defeated and forced to retreat. At Spurs Defeat, the Natives always Win!!
