Black Hawk War

Black Hawk War (1832) - The Black Hawk War was fought in 1832 in the Midwestern section of the United States. The war was named for Black Hawk, the leader of a band of Sauk and Fox American Indians, who fought against the U.S. Army and Illinois militia for possession of lands in the region.

The war began in April 1832 when Black Hawk and several bands of hostile Indians crossed the Mississippi River, into Illinois, from Iowa Indian Territory. The news of that crossing spread into the settlements of Wisconsin and Illinois and resulted in a flurry of fort and blockhouse construction in communities that felt threatened. Militia companies were formed to garrison these fortifications and to chase after the bands of hostile Indians as they attacked. Troops under General Henry Dodge were mobilized to chase down the hostiles who were killing or capturing everyone they came across in the countryside.

The war lasted only five months and ended on 2 Aug 1832 at the Battle of Bad Ax as Black Hawk's total band of about 1000 attempted to cross back over the Mississippi. Roberts indicates that about 250 whites were killed in massacres and pitched battles while almost all of Black Hawk's bands were killed. Black Hawk and others escaped, but later surrendered and were imprisoned.

Treaties ending the Black Hawk War were signed with the Ho-Chunk (15 Sep 1832) and Sauk and Fox (21 Sep 1832) at Fort Armstrong (3), Illinois.

Links:
 * Black Hawk War Chronology