Near De Soto in Vernon County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Battle of Bad Axe

Photographed by Greta Schassler, May 2, 2026

1. Battle of Bad Axe Marker

Inscription. After holding off his pursuers at the Battle of Wisconsin Heights (about 1½ miles south of present Sauk City) Black Hawk led his people over unfamiliar country toward the Mississippi. In the meantime, the Army alerted Fort Crawford at Prairie du Chien. When the Indians reached the Mississippi, they found an armed steamboat blocking escape. The Battle of Bad Axe fought near here August 1-2, 1832 ended the Black Hawk War. Driven into the water by their pursuers, the Indians – warriors, old people, women and children – were shot down or drowned as they tried to escape. Black Hawk succeeded in getting away, but was soon taken prisoner. Later, when asked about his ill-fated venture, he said simply: "Rock River was a beautiful country; I loved my towns, my cornfields, and the home of my people. I fought for it."

Erected 1955 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 33.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Black Hawk War, and the Wisconsin Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.

Location. 43° 27.415′ N, 91° 12.812′ W. Marker is near De Soto, Wisconsin, in Vernon County. It is on Great River

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Road (State Highway 35) 2½ miles north of Main Street (State Highway 82), on the right when traveling north. Marker is at a highway pull-off, 0.2 miles south of Battle Hollow Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: De Soto WI 54624, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Corn Belt,

in the Driftless Area — Bluff Country,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Black Hawk War (a few steps from this marker); Head of Battle Isle (approx. 0.7 miles away); Chief Win-no-shik, the Elder (approx. 2.1 miles away); Winneshiek’s Landing (approx. 2.1 miles away); Black Hawks Outpost (approx. 2.4 miles away); Site of Red Bird's Village (approx. 3.9 miles away); Black Hawk and Winnebago Trail (approx. 5.9 miles away); Walnut Mound Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in De Soto.

Also see . . . Bad Axe Massacre. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on October 25, 2009.)

Photographed by Keith L, October 7, 2009

2. Battle of Bad Axe Marker

Photographed by Keith L, October 7, 2009

3. Battle of Bad Axe Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 8,285 times since then and 159 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 2, 2026, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 2, 3. submitted on October 25, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.