Search Site Anishinabe | Algonquian Tribes | Ojibway Language
Shoshone Ojibwa's | Ojibwa Tribes
October 5, 1813 Battle of the Thames
Over 8,000 American Soldiers had been raised up to attempt to bring Fort Detroit back under white control, then force their way into southern Ontario. If they succeeded, it meant Michigan and southern Ontario would fall. After their defeat at Fort Stephenson, Ojibway military commanders knew their hold on southern Michigan was weaker. Whites had built many ships to control Lake Erie which allowed them to prevent Ojibway Navies ability to defend that lake. Though their canoes were much smaller, many were large enough to hold 40 or more sailors. With greater number of ships, white military commanders knew they could easily reach all of southern Ontario. Fighting for control of southern Ontario and Michigan, had commenced with intense feelings. After Battle of Lake Erie, William Henry Harrison led around 4,000 soldiers of his 8,000 soldiers including Tecumseh and his Ojibway Soldiers, towards Fort Detroit, then attacked forts in that region including destroying Fort Amherstburg. Ojibway Soldiers retreated north and also east. Harrison's force then entered southern Ontario. They proceeded to a location near where Thamesville, Ontario is. There, to meet them, was a large Ojibway military force ready to defend their southern Ontario lands. Harrisons force was around 5,000 including close to 1,500 of Tecumseh's Ojibway Soldiers. Ojibway military commanders knew about this large military force eager on stealing their land and instructed their brave soldiers to disperse in wetlands to fight their land stealing enemies. They knew it would cause fewer casualties and help them fight a victorious battle or an indecisive battle. Ojibway Soldiers held their ground and used it's terrain to fight an indecisive battle. Harrison was forced to retreat to Fort Detroit. If he had won, he would have stayed in southern Ontario. White casualties in Battle of the Thames were significant. Well over 100 were either killed or wounded and nearly 600 captured by Ojibway Soldiers. Nearly 15% of Harrison's force became a casualty. However, whites had now brought Fort Detroit back under their control and now had a military presence in extreme western south Ontario. Tecumseh was quickly singled out by Ojibway military commanders to be killed. It happened early in this battle. More battles were later fought in southern Ontario.