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A memorial honoring two Revolutionary War soldiers is located on a farm field along “Indian Lane” in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Private Thomas Van Doran and Corporal Jacob Shadecre were killed in action on July 24, 1778 in an engagement with five American Indians and were *buried at the monument's location.

What seems like an isolated incident in central Pennsylvania is a microcosm of the American Revolution itself, revealing the conflicting agendas and violent relationships between Patriots, British forces, and Native Americans. Thus, the short film is both a national and local story.

In 1778, raids by British-allied factions intensified on Pennsylvania frontiers. The violence caused many settlers to flee toward safer forts in what is known as the Great Runaway. In Penns Valley, a local family was killed when their cabin was raided in May of 1778, prompting General Potter to write for reinforcements. In response, the two soldiers, Thomas and Jacob, were detached with a small company (8th Pennsylvania Regiment) to protect the harvesters near Potter’s Fort (known today as “Old Fort”). However, this would be their final duty.

The marker is a tangible reminder of regional hardships during the American Revolution. Using authentic primary sources, the film presents the facts and historical context in which the skirmish took place, discussing why and how the engagement happened.

In the aftermath of many incidents like these in 1778, General Washington ordered total war against the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois/Six Nations) with the Sullivan Campaign in 1779. At the same time, Thomas and Jacob’s regiment (8th PA), also contributed to this campaign by marching north from Fort Pitt, attacking Native communities along the Allegheny River.

The film also features the prominent role of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in shaping collective memory. The Bellefonte Chapter (DAR) preserves historic sites and honors veterans like Thomas Van Doran and Jacob Shadecre by safekeeping the site and replacing U.S. flags at their graves. The essential role of agriculture is a constant backdrop of the film.

The documentary film is about 17 minutes in length. It includes a creative mix of on-site interpretation, expert-interviews, narration over historical images, documents, maps, quotes, and local footage. This film was produced in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

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*At the time of the monument's dedication by the DAR on Nov. 10, 1900, bones and part of a skull were verified at the location. Both soldiers are recorded in the County Veterans’ Grave Registration Record. In addition to the two Patriots, it is likely that at least one Native American is buried nearby in an unmarked grave. This is the meaning behind the title of the film “Graves on Indian Lane.”