Woodbine Township near Elizabeth in Jo Daviess County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Voices of the Past
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2024
1. Voices of the Past Marker
The Black Hawk War of 1832 broke out. Abraham [Lincoln] joined a volunteer company, and to his own surprise, was elected captain of it. He says he has not since had any success in life which gave him so much satisfaction. from autobiography written for John L. Scripps, c. June, 1860
Both the federal government and the state of Illinois reacted quickly to Black Hawk's return. Over 3,000 men joined the state militia, anxious defend the northwestern settlements from what was considered a serious threat to Illinois. A lifelong fear of American Indians on the part of many settlers fueled the high recruitment rate. Personal reputations, business relationships, and political careers also benefitted from military service and success in war. Along with many other military leaders who went on to greater fame, a young Abraham Lincoln found himself elected Captain of militia from New Salem, Illinois in April. Re-enlisting for a second, thirty day tour of duty, Private Lincoln camped overnight at Apple River Fort a few weeks before the battle.
Fellow citizens: Your country requires your service. The Indians have assumeda hostile attitude and have invaded the state in violation of the treaty of last summer. The British band of Sacs and other hostile Indians, headed by Black Hawk, are in possession of the Rock River country, to the great terror of the frontier inhabitants. I consider the settlers on the frontiers to be in imminent danger. I hope my countrymen will offer their services in defense of their country. Illinois Governor Reynolds in response to news of Black Hawk's crossing into Illinois, April 17, 1832
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[Caption] Abraham Lincoln shown in his militia days attire.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Black Hawk War series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 17, 1832.
Location. 42° 19.118′ N, 90° 13.063′ W. Marker is near Elizabeth, Illinois, in Jo Daviess County. It is in Woodbine Township. It is on Old Fort Road east of Illinois Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the entrance road to Apple River Fort State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2024
2. Voices of the Past Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, 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 walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Voices of the Past (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Voices of the Past (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Voices of the Past (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Voices of the Past (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Voices of the Past (within shouting distance of this marker); Building the Apple River Fort (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Attack! On Apple River Fort (about 600 feet away); Chicago Great Western Railroad Depot (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabeth.
Also see . . . Black Hawk War. Among those who participated in various roles during the war were a number of men who would figure prominently in U.S. history, including future U.S. presidents Abraham Lincoln and Zachary Taylor, longtime military leader and presidential candidate Winfield Scott, and Jefferson Davis, who would become president of the Confederate States of America.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
