Black Hawk War Collection

Black Hawk and Five Other Saukie Prisoners, 1861 / 1869. Creator: George Catlin
Black Hawk and Five Other Saukie Prisoners, 1861/1869. Muk-a-ta-mish-o-ka-kaik (chief) with Na-se-us-kuk, Wa-saw-me-saw, Pam-a-ho

War Dance of the Saukies, 1861 / 1869. Creator: George Catlin
War Dance of the Saukies, 1861/1869. Ordered by the chief Keeokuk, at his village, on the Desmoines River at the close of the Black Hawk War

Andrew Jackson, from the series Great Americans (N76) for Duke brand cigarettes, 1888

JACKSON AND NATIVE AMERICANS. The 1833 meeting at the White House of President Andrew Jackson, the Native American mystic Tenskwatawa ( The Prophet ), and Sauk Chief Black Hawk

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Chief Black Hawk. Hand-colored engraving of a 19th-century portrait by Charles B. King

Treaty with the Pottawattomies at Fort Dearborn, 1833
Pottawattomies agreeing to a treaty at Fort Dearborn, Chicago, 1833. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

The old arsenal, Rock Island, Arsenal Island, Black Hawk War, United States of America

BATTLE OF BAD AXE, 1832. The battle at the mouth of the Bad Axe River, Wisconsin, on 2 August 1832 in which Sauk and Fox Native Americans under Black Hawk were defeated by an American mixed force of

ANDREW JACKSON: NATIVE AMERICANS. The 1833 meeting at the White House of President Andrew Jackson, the Native American mystic Tenskwatawa ( The Prophet ), and Sauk Chief Black Hawk

BLACK HAWK WAR, 1832. The defeat of the Sauk and Fox Native Americans under Black Hawk by an American mixed force militia

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Battle of Bad Axe in Wisconsin, ending the Black Hawk War, 1832. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration

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"Black Hawk War: A Struggle for Land and Freedom" The Black Hawk War, a pivotal event in American history, unfolded during the early 19th century. This conflict arose between the Sauk and Fox Native Americans, led by their revered chief Black Hawk, and the expanding United States of America. George Catlin's captivating artworks provide glimpses into this tumultuous period. In "Black Hawk and Five Other Saukie Prisoners, " we witness the aftermath of battle as captured warriors find themselves held captive by their adversaries from 1861 to 1869. The accompanying piece titled "War Dance of the Saukies" showcases the resilience and spirit of these indigenous people amidst adversity. Andrew Jackson, a prominent figure in this era, is depicted in an iconic image from Duke brand cigarettes' Great Americans series. Jackson's presidency witnessed significant interactions with Native Americans, including his meeting with Tenskwatawa (The Prophet) and Chief Black Hawk at the White House in 1833. One crucial moment that shaped relations between settlers and indigenous tribes was the Treaty with the Pottawattomies at Fort Dearborn in 1833. This agreement aimed to redefine territorial boundaries but ultimately resulted in further displacement for many Native American communities. The Battle of Bad Axe stands out as a defining episode within this war's narrative. General Henry Atkinson led a mixed force militia against Black Hawk's forces near Wisconsin's Bad Axe River on August 2nd, 1832. Wood engravings from that time immortalize this clash where Sauk and Fox warriors faced defeat against overwhelming odds. Despite its name being synonymous with Chief Black Hawk himself, this war had far-reaching consequences beyond one individual or tribe. It represented an ongoing struggle for land rights and freedom endured by countless Native American nations across North America during westward expansion.