Tippecanoe

Tippecanoe is a toponym and cultural reference associated with Indiana and, more broadly, with a historical event in United States frontier history. The name is of Native American origin and is linked to a river and several places in Indiana, as well as to a famous political slogan of the 19th century.

The Battle of Tippecanoe took place on November 7, 1811, along the Tippecanoe River near present-day Lafayette, Indiana. American forces commanded by the territorial governor William Henry Harrison defeated a confederation of Native American warriors led by Tecumseh and his ally Tenskwatawa (the Prophet). The battle halted Tecumseh’s alliance temporarily and became a symbol of American frontier resistance, influencing subsequent relations between the United States and Native peoples and shaping Harrison’s later political career.

Tippecanoe County is a county in Indiana named in honor of the battle, with Lafayette serving as the county seat. The Tippecanoe River runs through western Indiana and is a notable geographic feature of the region, contributing to the county’s name and local identity. Various towns, parks, and institutions in the area reflect the historical significance of the river and the battle.

In American political culture, the name Tippecanoe gained enduring prominence during the 1840 presidential campaign of William Henry Harrison. The Whig slogan “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too” highlighted Harrison (often nicknamed “Old Tippecanoe”) and his running mate, John Tyler. The slogan helped popularize the name in historical memory and popular culture, though it remains primarily of historical interest today.