Gas City, IN — The Mississinewa Battlefield Society, Inc. (501c-3) is excited to announce that the organization is purchasing 225 acres of rural land in Grant County, nestled along the Mississinewa River between Marion and Gas City, IN. The purchase of this land will not only restore the grand, annual War of 1812 living history event known as Mississinewa 1812, but also provide a future of possibilities and potential for the organization to march into the next era of living history.
“We are ecstatic as we begin to plan and strategize for building a living history grounds that will provide a permanent footprint to not only provide relief and assistance to its volunteers, but also enhance the visitor experience. We are inspired by elements of similar locations such as The Old Fort in Fort Wayne, Koteewi Park in Strawtown, and Conner Prairie in Fishers,” said Anthony Decker, president of Mississinewa Battlefield Society.
The organization, composed solely of volunteers, has achieved an incredible 36 years of providing a premier, multisensory encounter with local history, attracting 3,000 participants from all over the nation, some coming from overseas, and up to 30,000 visitors annually! Alexis McClure, treasurer of the organization, says, “And until now, it was all accomplished on land that was leased to the organization, in which a temporary village, larger than the size of many towns, was built and then put away in a window of 10-14 days.”
Not only are we thrilled to have a permanent home for Mississinewa 1812, but we are also excited for the potential of hosting more events throughout the seasons, becoming more than a festival, but a true Grant County tourist attraction! The possibilities of smaller, more personal experiences with individual school field trips, and groups from the general public, especially those of the special needs community, are all within reach once we grow and develop the event grounds.
Mississinewa 1812, which is scheduled for October 3-5, 2025, will not only be restored in spectacular fashion, but will open the next chapter in the organization’s own history book.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Though the Mississinewa 1812 event was previously held on State-owned land open year round to the public, the new property secured by the Mississinewa Battlefield Society is privately held. The land will be under construction to prepare for the new venture, so please do not trespass.
