Near Sauk City in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Battle of Wisconsin Heights
Photographed By Keith L, July 27, 2007
1. Battle of Wisconsin Heights Marker
Inscription.
Battle of Wisconsin Heights. . On July 21, 1832, during a persistent rainstorm, the 65-year old Sac Indian leader, Black Hawk, led 60 of his Sac and Fox and Kickapoo warriors in a holding action against 700 United States militia at this location. The conflict, known as the Battle of Wisconsin Heights, was the turning point in the Black Hawk War. Here commanders General James D. Henry and Colonel Henry Dodge and their troops overtook Black Hawk and his followers after pursuing them for weeks over the marshy areas and rough terrain of south central Wisconsin. Yet because of Black Hawk’s superb military strategy, the steady rain and nightfall, approximately 700 Indians, including children and the aged, escaped down or across the Wisconsin River about one mile west of here. Their success was short-lived. The war ended just 12 days later at the Battle of Bad Axe when many of Black Hawk’s followers drowned or were slain in their attempt to cross the Mississippi River.
On July 21, 1832, during a persistent rainstorm, the 65-year old Sac Indian leader, Black Hawk, led 60 of his Sac and Fox and Kickapoo warriors in a holding action against 700 United States militia at this location. The conflict, known as the Battle of Wisconsin Heights, was the turning point in the Black Hawk War. Here commanders General James D. Henry and Colonel Henry Dodge and their troops overtook Black Hawk and his followers after pursuing them for weeks over the marshy areas and rough terrain of south central Wisconsin. Yet because of Black Hawk’s superb military strategy, the steady rain and nightfall, approximately 700 Indians, including children and the aged, escaped down or across the Wisconsin River about one mile west of here. Their success was short-lived. The war ended just 12 days later at the Battle of Bad Axe when many of Black Hawk’s followers drowned or were slain in their attempt to cross the Mississippi River.
Erected 1998 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 395.)
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 month for this entry is July 1727.
Location. 43°
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14.686′ N, 89° 43.403′ W. Marker is near Sauk City, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is on State Highway 78, 0.4 miles south of County Route Y, on the left when traveling south. Marker is about 1½ miles south of Sauk City. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sauk City WI 53583, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Map near the marker showing the battlefield and nearby trails. The marker is in the upper right hand corner of the map.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 5,547 times since then and 190 times this year. Last updated on June 26, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 23, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on June 26, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
