The Colonel Augustin De La Balme Memorial Commemoration ceremony - an educational as well as historical event - will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in Whitley County.

The ceremony will take place at the only Revolutionary War site in northern Indiana, 7175 E De La Balme Rd., Columbia City, near the Allen/Whitley County line along the Eel River. A memorial marker locates the site.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend this event jointly sponsored by the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter, National Society Sons of the American Revolution, Fort Wayne and Colonel De La Balme Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Columbia City. Participating will be State presidents of both organizations and members of the Indiana SAR Color Guard, American Legion Honor Guard of Fremont, and a member of the Miami Indian tribe of Indiana.

This Revolutionary War Battle site was an Indian victory over Col Augustin De La Balme and his men which occurred at this site on Nov 5, 1780. The men were massacred by Chief Little Turtle and his warriors who were sympathetic to the British Crown in retaliation for the earlier murders of Indians at Kekionga, now known as Fort Wayne.

Directions to the site:From US 30 and State Rd 9, turn east on 30, Turn north on West Co Line Rd, Turn west on Old Trail Rd, Turn north on De La Balme Rd.

Article and photos contributed.

Photos from last year’s commencement ceremony contributed by Martha and Roger Barnhart.