Battle of Bad Axe

This week in Wisconsin history, the final and most brutal engagement of the Black Hawk War occurred on August 2, 1832. Otherwise known as the Massacre at Bad Axe, after being pursued by US forces, Black Hawk’s band of 500 Sauk and Fox tried to cross the Mississippi River. However, they were mowed down by gunmen on a steamboat that had outflanked the Native band attempting to flee. The following day, despite attempts to surrender, 400 more Natives were mercilessly attacked, including women and children attempting to flee across the river. The death toll for the Black Hawk band was around 400-500, while only 5 US service members lost their lives.