Black Hawk and the War of 1832: Removal in the North

Bowes, John P. Black Hawk and the War of 1832: Removal in the North. Part of the Landmark Events in Native American History. 2007. 131p. ISBN 978-0-7910-9681-9. Available at 973.5 BOW on the library shelves.

When we think of Black Hawk, we may have a combat helicopter in mind. Or a hockey team from Chicago. Or a series of landmarks such as hotels and parks. But Black Hawk was a real person who lived on the east side of the Mississippi at a time when the frontier of the United States didn't stretch past Ohio. A member of the Sauk nation, Black Hawk was not considered to be a chief of the tribe, but he nevertheless inspired many to follow him.

In the 1800s, following the War of 1812, peace had been restored between the British in Canada and the Americans, but the various Native tribes that populated the frontier had been left to their own devices. Some accepted American rules, others actively resisted. All, however, saw the steady arrival of migrants from the Eastern seaboard. These new arrivals were looking for cheap land they could settle on and create new communities. Natives attempted various stratagems to retain control of their lands and traditional territories, but in the end were forced by the U.S. government to give up their claims of ownership and move further west.

Black Hawk refused to leave, and returned to his ancestral home with a large party intent on re-settling it again. However the settlers in what was then the Illinois territory grew concerned at what they perceived as Native aggression. The irreconcilable differences between the two groups led to the last Native war in the Northwest frontier and to the defeat of Black Hawk and his tribesmen.

 Black Hawk and the War of 1832 presents information about Black Hawk and the cause of the War of 1832. It explores how the crisis emerged as more and more settlers moved west, how Black Hawk and his British Band were instrumental in attempting to return to their ancestral lands, and how American militiamen and military units confronted and defeated them. The impact of this defeat on the surviving Native tribes is also discussed, as well as the legacy Black Hawk left behind. Fans of history will appreciate the thoroughness of the author and the inclusion of various images and primary sources, and will gain a new perspective on a little known event in the history of the United States.