MAY 21, 1832

INDIAN CREEK MASSACRE USED TO START BLACK HAWK’S WAR

The influx of settlers into Illinois (IL) coupled with the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and resulting forced relocations of tribes led to increased tensions between Natives and settlers. These were heightened as Chief Black Hawk, whose Sauk tribe had been forced west of the Mississippi River, led a band to the river’s eastern shore in 1832 hoping to settle peacefully. When a community of about 30 settlers near current Earlville, IL, built a dam for power across Indian Creek, it severely affected the ability of a Potawatomie village near Paw Paw Grove to catch fish. When village leaders complained, the settlers insulted them. After Black Hawk routed the attacking Illinois militia at Stillman’s Run, Potawatomie Chief Shabona warned the settlers of a potential raid. When it did not happen as expected, settlers returned to their homes. In late afternoon, Potawatomie warriors attacked, killing 15 and taking 2 girls for ransom. Settlers wrongly blamed Black Hawk for the attack in order to justify pursuing his band.

Source: Tommy Luca,  “The Indian Creek Massacre 1832,” Military History of the Upper Great Lakes, 10/26/2019.  Retrieved 1/31/2023, The Indian Creek Massacre 1832 – Military History of the Upper Great Lakes (mtu.edu)

Photo:  Rattis irrittis, 1/6/2007.  Monuments for the Indian Creek massacre. The monument built in 1877 is left, while the newer 1902 monument is right. Permissive Use.