Post by RangerBanks on Mar 14, 2005 16:26:16 GMT -5
Welcome!
My discussion for this thread pertains to events leading up to statehood and eventually the Black Hawk War.
I welcome all information about indian attacks, battles, fortifications, units, and life in the territory prior to 1818.
I am a member of the Illinois Territorial Rangers, 17th Regiment, Comapny A. Our regiment was created by an act of Congress in 1811. Ten Companies of mounted riflemen were created under the command of Col. Wm. Russell to protect settlers in the Illinois territory from indian attacks and british incursions.
Our reenacting group was founded in 1984 by Harley Bonham. Harley is a retired ISP officer. He discovered the Rangers through his historical research and wanted to find out more. He soon realized that it was a story that had never been told. Began a research project that ended up as a manuscript for a book, "Lost Glory." He shopped it around to several publishers, who did not want to publish it. They felt the language was a little too strong in regards to the indians. Specifically original documentation using the word "savages" and stories of the brutality of indian tribes in Illinois. The manuscript remains to this day unpublished.
The Territorial Rangers were Regular Troops with a twist. They provided their own clothing, equipment, guns, food, and in many cases, their own horse. They patrolled the territory, defending settlers. They were to be paid $1 a day for their services. They were also provided land grants in northern Illinois. Most didn't take their land claims as the area was full of hostiles.
Please visit our website at: www.geocities.com/ilrangers
Shawn Banks
My discussion for this thread pertains to events leading up to statehood and eventually the Black Hawk War.
I welcome all information about indian attacks, battles, fortifications, units, and life in the territory prior to 1818.
I am a member of the Illinois Territorial Rangers, 17th Regiment, Comapny A. Our regiment was created by an act of Congress in 1811. Ten Companies of mounted riflemen were created under the command of Col. Wm. Russell to protect settlers in the Illinois territory from indian attacks and british incursions.
Our reenacting group was founded in 1984 by Harley Bonham. Harley is a retired ISP officer. He discovered the Rangers through his historical research and wanted to find out more. He soon realized that it was a story that had never been told. Began a research project that ended up as a manuscript for a book, "Lost Glory." He shopped it around to several publishers, who did not want to publish it. They felt the language was a little too strong in regards to the indians. Specifically original documentation using the word "savages" and stories of the brutality of indian tribes in Illinois. The manuscript remains to this day unpublished.
The Territorial Rangers were Regular Troops with a twist. They provided their own clothing, equipment, guns, food, and in many cases, their own horse. They patrolled the territory, defending settlers. They were to be paid $1 a day for their services. They were also provided land grants in northern Illinois. Most didn't take their land claims as the area was full of hostiles.
Please visit our website at: www.geocities.com/ilrangers
Shawn Banks
