The Apple River Fort at the Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, Illinois. (Site listed on the National Historic Register)

Not far from Galena Illinois, just two and a half miles east of The Great River Road, you'll find an important vestige of early American history, The Apple River Fort.

This was the site of a decisive battle in the Black Hawk War of 1832.  On June 24, 1832 the settlers at the fort sustained, and turned back an attack by more than 200 Sauk and Fox warriors led by the mighty Sauk chief Black Hawk.  The Black Hawk War embroiled settlers, Illinois militia, and U.S. Army in a short but violent 16 week war over territory.   Several notable American figures fought in the Black Hawk War, including Jefferson Davis, General Winfield Scott, and a young Illinois militiaman named Abraham Lincoln.
 

This short-lived war related to a controversial 1804 treaty in which the Sauk and Fox gave up 50 million acres for $2,234 and a $1,000 per year annuity there-after.  Under the terms of the treaty, the tribes could continue to live on this land until it was eventually sold.  Something they imagined would take many years.

The discovery of vast pockets of lead in the nearby Galena area however, ignited an influx of miners and settlers.  With a scarcity of shelters and cleared lands during the harsh Illinois winters many of these settlers moved into the seemingly abandoned villages of the tribes. 

Regrettably, the villages were not abandoned, and when the Sauk and Fox returned from their winter hunting grounds in the spring they found their villages and homes taken over.  The tribes were forced to relocate to the west side of the Mississippi to their winter hunting grounds.

While this certainly was the impetus for war, it was fully ignited when Black Hawk, a warrior who had fought with the British against the colonists of the United States, decided to take back the land he believed still belonged to his people.  On April 5, 1832, he started up the Rock River with a band of 500 warriors and 700 others.

Hearing of the approaching tribes and of the skirmishes along the Rock River, the settlers in the area of what is now Elizabeth, frantically built the fort for some measure of protection.  The Apple River Fort served them well and was to be the only fort attacked during the Black Hawk War.

Today, the site and the authentic looking replica of the Apple River Fort are open to the public.  Interpretive programs and a cozy and welcoming log visitors center and museum ensures an enjoyable and informative visit.
 
There are many educational and entertaining events and programs that are scheduled throughout the year.  Re-enactors and nice folks in authentic period costumes will help bring the history to life.  Please check their website at www.appleriverfort.com for additional program and site details. 

Location:
20 minutes south east from Galena, IL. 311 East Myrtle, in Elizabeth, IL. (IL State Route 20 and 84 split) just about two and a half miles east of the Great River Road.