ARF May

[Greg Carter]

Is there still an ARF event planned for early May? Can I come?

One Moc

[Robert Braun]

Greg said:

Is there still an ARF event planned for early May? Can I come?

One Moc

Greg and all... the Apple River Fort event is on! This is the militia muster and "opposing forces" event traditionally run by our friends at Lincoln's New Salem!

Our "Michigan Mounted Volunteers" will fall in as "Illinois Militia"-- either Stone's Company or perhaps Elijiah Iles' Company (Susan indicated on April 9 she wasn't sure about event details just yet.)

At any rate, have plenty of cartridges and be prepared for some patroling at Apple River Fort...

...I hear tell they's been some hoss raidin' by Saukie war parties at th' fort...

I should be their late afternoon on Friday; I'm coming from a convention in Wisconsin Dells straight down to Elizabeth, IL. See you there!

[Robert Braun]

For those OLRHS members who may have missed the distribution, here is the event packet for the May event...
sent April 19 by email:


==========================

Nestled on the hillside among the rolling hills of Northwest Illinois, this weekend event showcases the abilities of some of the most authentic living history demonstrators in the Midwest. Diligent research and strict adherence to authenticity are most important to Fire on the Frontier participants. Quality interpretation and attention to detail are given the highest priority.

This is your special invitation to apply as a participant of "Fire on the Frontier." The event is held the first full weekend in May every year at Apple River Fort State Historic Site, 13 miles east of Galena, IL on the original site of the 1832 battle between Sauk Warrior Black Hawk and the settlers and miners of Apple River. The event features a militia muster and encampment, an afternoon skirmish, and demonstrations of domestic life in 1832.

WHAT ARE THE EVENT DATES?May 1 & 2, 2004. Times are from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. both days

WHERE IS THE EVENT TAKING PLACE? Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, IL just 13 miles east of Galena, IL.

WHERE IS ELIZABETH, ILLLINOIS?Elizabeth, Illinois is in the northwestern corner of Illinois just 13 miles east of Galena, IL on US Hwy 20.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?Participants may begin arriving Friday morning. The staff will be on site on Friday making final preparations for the weekend. The militia will be headquartered in the Blockhouse at the Fort. All militia participants must check-in with the Military Coordinator at the Blockhouse. Those doing Native impressions need to check in at the Interpretive Center.

WHAT KIND OF EVENT IS FIRE ON THE FRONTIER? This event is loosely based on the battle that occurred at the Apple River Fort in June of 1832.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE EVENT? The goal for the "Fire on the Frontier" event is to provide recreational activities that entertain, engage, and educate guests. We will strive to provide personal, relevant and accurate information to our guests. We will meet these goals by actively interpreting, inviting, and encouraging guest participation by “recruiting” guests for the militia, having them assist in setting up camp, and other activities as appropriate. We will also explore the various cultural backgrounds through the interpretation and demonstration of the militia, the women, and the “friendly” Native Peoples during the war. This event also provides a training opportunity for volunteers and staff of Apple River Fort.

IS THIS EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Yes!

WHAT KIND OF IMPRESSIONS ARE NEEDED? The following are welcome: 1832 Civilian, 1832 State Militia Company, and any period impression appropriate for women.

HOW MANY PARTICPANTS ARE ALLOWED? We are limiting settler participants to 45. This is the number that inhabited the Fort in 1832. Native people impressions can be up to 50.

IS THERE A REGISTRAITON FEE? No.

ARE MEALS BEING PROVIDED? Yes, the Apple River Fort Foundation underwrites this event and feeds the participants breakfast both days, noon meal both days, and supper Saturday night.


WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE IT ALL THREE DAYS? Don’t let this stop you! If you can’t get in until Saturday morning, just park your car at the Interpretive Center or in the volunteer lot and march up to the Fort. The site prefers to know what day you will be there so they may be prepared with the meals. When you arrive be sure to check in at the Blockhouse.

IS THERE ANOTHER WAY TO GO ASIDE FROM BEING A FOOT? Yes, you can ride, provided you have a horse with proper period tack and current Coggins papers. If you do plan on coming as a mounted participant you need to contact Susan Gordy, Site Superintendent, to coordinate parking and trailers, etc. Those participating on horseback will be portraying the messengers from Galena during the afternoon skirmish.


CAN ORGANIZED UNITS PARTICIPATE? Yes! Organized units must fall in with Clack’s militia. Individual unit commanders will be placed into the existing chain of command according to unit size and command experience.

WHAT WILL THE CAMP BE LIKE? Participants are encouraged to set up camp both inside and outside the Fort. The Fort is located on a beautiful hillside just outside of downtown Elizabeth. The nighttime views can be breathtaking. We are aiming for a refugee look to the fort so bring lots of period appropriate stuff and spread it out! We will provide limited amounts of straw but plenty of firewood. Portable toilets with sanitizers will be close to the site. Potable water is available inside the Fort. Please note that if you are bringing horses and they need hay you must supply it yourself.

CAN WE USE TENTS? Wedge tents, wall tents, and tarps tied off the side are acceptable. No teepees, baker tents, and marquees.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE? The weather in northwestern Illinois can do just about anything. We have had events where it was sunny and in the 70s and we have had events where it was cool and drizzly. Be prepared for anything.

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR MY PHYSICAL IMPRESSION? The setting of the event is June of 1832 with the emphasis on the Black Hawk War. State militia and civilian impressions from the period are acceptable. The Apple River Fort prides itself on its overall impression of life in 1832. We ask that you do the same. Please do not try to slide by. Do it right. If you have questions please do not hesitate to ask. Keep in mind, most French & Indian War and Revolutionary War styles are way out of fashion and the Civil War hasn't happened yet. They will not work for Black Hawk War. If you are new to this impression the following is a basic 1830s man's civilian wardrobe:

• White, checked, striped linen or cotton shirt
  
• Wool or cotton vest pattern from 1815-1832
  
• Small or broadfall trousers (CW style is NOT okay) Wool jean is a great fabric for these!
  
• Frockcoat, tailcoat, or roundabout c. 1815-1832
  
• Stock, cravat, or kerchief
  
• Militia impressions can simply add a hunting frock or overshirt.
  
• Brogans, boots, and hand-made moccasins of the Woodland style are appropriate for footwear.
  
• Woolen or other period stockings
  
• Surplus black or white belts of 1812 era vintage
  
• Cartridge boxes or belly boxes on either white or black belt
  
• Bayonet and scabbard on belt if using a military musket
  
• Flintlock Musket or rifle
  
• Extra flints and cleaning rags
  
• Period blankets
  
• Period great coat or blanket coat
  
• Knapsack or bedroll
  
• Period civilian head wear circa 1815-1832. (No 1839 Pattern Wheel Caps or Kepis)

ARE WOMEN AND CHILDREN ALLOWED? Women and children will be expected to fulfill the roles of 19th century women and children. Women and children are encouraged and are vital to the success of the event. In 1832 women and children were the main inhabitants of the Fort during the battle. Women and children attending the event are expected to participate in programming and interpretive activities.

WHAT IS THE COMMAND STRUCTURE? The event will be organized as follows:

• Captain Clack Stone...... Jon Kuester, Post Commander
  
• 1st Liut......... Don Ferricks
  
• 1st Sergt..... Chris Gordy
  
• Other NCO’s assigned as needed
  
• Native Peoples Organizer…… Jim Hart
  
• Civilian Coordinator……Sheila Cottral (Site Interpretive Coordinator)

HOW MUCH PERSONAL BAGGAGE IS ALLOWED? The fort was a refuge for surrounding inhabitants and therefore transportable housewares would be common items and we encourage you to set up a "family" camp area with appropriate 1832 sundries.

WHAT KIND OF ATTITUDE IS EXPECTED OF ME? This program does not need confrontational, argumentative people. The Fort strives to offer quality interpretation by friendly, cooperative and enthusiastic participants.

[Robert Braun]

...continued...


Historical Information and Background
The Black Hawk War was fought in northwest Illinois and what is now southwest Wisconsin in 1832. It pitted a band of Sauk and Fox, led by Black Hawk, against the Illinois militia and the U.S. Army. The conflict had its roots in a controversial 1804 treaty in which the Sauk and Fox ceded 50 million acres to the United States for $2,234.50 plus a $1,000 per-year annuity. Under the terms of the treaty, the tribes could continue to live on the land until it was sold.

The discovery of lead in the Galena area during the 1820’s brought many miners to the area. Nearby, at the Apple River settlement, the miners built a cluster of cabins and in 1827 opened the first general store. When the Sauk and Fox returned from their winter hunt early in 1829, they found settlers living in their villages. Later that year, their land was offered for sale and the Sauk and Fox were forced to relocate to the west side of the Mississippi River.

Black Hawk, a Sauk warrior who had fought with the British against the United States in the War of 1812, was determined to return to the land he believed belonged to his people. On April 5, 1832, he started up the Rock River with a band of 500 warriors and about 700 women, children, and old men. Illinois’ Governor Reynolds immediately called out the militia. On May 14, Black Hawk sent a three-man peace envoy to meet with Major Stillman’s militia north of present-day Dixon. When the messengers were captured and one of them killed, Black Hawk and 40 warriors attacked the 275-man militia force. The militia broke ranks and retreated to Dixon. The Black Hawk War had begun.

Settlers throughout the area hearing of the battle and other Indian attacks, were panic stricken. Others simply left Galena and the surrounding area by steamboat. In the Apple River settlement (now Elizabeth), the settlers immediate concern was protection against the Indians. Meeting at the Labaum and St. Vrain store, the settlers chose a knoll between the Apple River and Terrapin Ridge to erect a fortification.

The settlers felled trees, dug a trench, and built a stockade by enclosing a settler's cabin and a second structure. The 1878 Jo Daviess County History describes the construction of the fort, the “ground was enclosed by driving these rough posts down, close together, leaving them above ground about twelve feet. One corner of the fort was formed by the log house in which one of the settlers lived. In the opposite corner, was built a ‘blockhouse,’ of two stories, with the upper story projecting over the other by about two feet, so that the Indians could not come up near to the building for the purpose of setting it on fire, without being exposed to the guns of the settlers, from above. On one side of the yard were built two cabins, for dwelling purposes, and in the two corners not occupied by houses, benches were made to stand upon and reconnoiter.” To the forty five settlers in the area this 50 by 70 foot fort would serve as a haven for the unknown.

With the fort complete, Clack Stone formed a militia company with the intent of assisting the other units in the area as well as keeping an eye out on the fort. Soon the settlers began to move in, stocking up on food and supplies should a siege occur. Various accounts report that the settlers did not live in the fort rather they continued their work during the day and slept in the fort at night. Other reports claim the settlers stayed in the fort venturing out only to check occasionally on home and property.

However, any peace they hoped for was shattered as small war parties consistently stole horses from the fort, tethered only 30 yards away. Captain Elijah Iles of Sangamon County with a young private Abraham Lincoln in his company found the residents of the fort in a heightened state of panic in early June, “When we got within fifteen miles of Galena, on Apple river, we found a stockade filled with women and children and a few men, all terribly frightened. The Indians had shot at and chased two men that afternoon, who made their escape to the stockade. They insisted on our quartering in the fort, but instead we camped one hundred yards outside and slept, what little sleep we did get, with our guns in our arms. “ Captain Iles and his men left the next day to journey on to Galena.

===================

Part 3 next....

[Robert Braun]

The final part of the event packet...

==========================


Life continued on in the Apple River Fort. On June 24, the women and children residing in the fort decided to hunt for berries. Four couriers arrived from Galena on their way to Dixon. They visited with Captain Stone, saddled up and made their way over Terrapin Ridge riding straight into Blackhawk’s band of Indians. A brief exchange of shots occurred, injuring one of the men. Three fled back to the fort while the fourth fled west to Galena to raise a call for help. In Frank E. Stevens, The Black Hawk War, the battle is vividly recalled, “The shots by the Indians warned all of approaching danger and gave them time to leave the berries and the river and gain the fort, but no sooner were they all safely “forted” than the Indians, who had been massing from all points of the compass to the number of at least 200, surrounded it and hurled against the fort a terrific fire…. Under its first fire the garrison showed fear against such tremendous odds, but instantly Mrs. Elizabeth Armstrong, in a commanding address, inspired man and woman alike with such resolution that nothing could have driven them from their posts. She divided the women into two squads, one to mold bullets, the other to reload muskets as they were discharged…The day was hot. Confinement in close quarters of the fort, amidst the fumes of gunpowder and heat of the firing, brought on a state of suffering bordering upon exhaustion, but the almost fainting women, by their heroic disregard for danger and suffering, and by their words of cheer, propped the falling energies of the fighting men. Every advance by the enemy was met with a galling fire from within and the assailants were repulsed…”

The battle raged for about 45 minutes. Then Black Hawk, thinking the Fort heavily armed, abandoned the battle, raiding nearby cabins for supplies as he and his warriors departed. Blackhawk reported the following in his Autobiography after the war,

“Before my braves commenced feasting, I took my medicine bags, and addressed them in the following language: Braves and warriors- these are the medicine bags of our forefather, Muk-a-ta-quet, who was the father of the Sac nation. They were handed down to the great war chief of our nation, Na-na-ma-kee, who has been at war with all the nations of the lakes and all the nations of the plains, and have never been disgraced! I expect you all to protect them! After the ceremony was over, and our feasting done, I started with about two hundred warriors, following my great medicine bags. I directed my course towards sunset, and dreamed the second night after we started, that there was a great feast for us after one day’s travel! I told my warriors my dream in the morning and we all started for Mos-co-ho-co-y-nak, (the Apple River). When we arrived in the vicinity of a fort the white people had built there we saw four men on horseback. One of my braves fired and wounded a man, when the others set up a yell, as if a large force were near and ready to come against us. We concealed ourselves, and remained in this position for some time, watching to see the enemy approach-but none came. The four men, in the meantime, ran to the fort and gave alarm. We followed them, and attacked their fort! One of their braves who seemed more valiant than the rest, raised his head above the picketing to fire at us, when one of my braves, with a well directed shot, put an end to his bravery. Finding that these people could not all be killed, without setting fire to their houses and fort, I thought it more prudent to be content with what flour, provisions, cattle and horses we could find, than to set fire to their buildings, as the light would be seen at a distance, and the army might suppose that we were in the neighborhood, and come upon us with a force too strong. Accordingly, we opened a house and filled our bags with flour and provisions - took several horses, and drove off some of their cattle."

Unbeknownst to Black Hawk, not only men participated in the battle for the Apple River Fort. In the July 4th, 1832 edition of The Galenian, the following article paid homage to both the men and women defenders of the Apple River Fort.

WAR NEWS FROM GALENA

Behold around our fort appears the savage band - Welsh’s wound is dress’d and he eagerly seizes (sic) a musket and acts in our defence - the men, about twenty or twenty-five, run to the fort - Herclerode gets upon a situation to pick his Indian, a female at his side, takes his unloaded piece, and quickly hands him one she had just loaded - his hand grasps the piece - he falls! His life is gone!

Thus the women were all occupied as well as the men - girls of eight years old took their part, some made cartridges, some run balls, some loaded muskets, all were engaged, and God grant that America may never have greater cowards in her armies than the ladies on Apple river fort.

This is not all - this subject is not interesting only to patriots, or to the curious, but to the young men of our country, for know oh! Our countrymen, that those heroic hearts speak vividly through sparkling eyes.

The next day, at the Second Battle of Kellogg’s Grove, the arrival of U.S. Army troops forced Black Hawk to flee north to Wisconsin. Finding his band hungry and disheartened, Black Hawk decided to lead his followers west across Wisconsin and back into Iowa. Pursued by the Army and the militia, Black Hawk’s band struggled on to the Mississippi at the mouth of the Bad Axe River. The Black Hawk War ended August 2nd, when the Indians were caught between the steamboat Warrior and the Army troops. Of the 1,200 who had started out with Black Hawk, only about 150 survived. Black Hawk escaped but was later captured.

The Apple River Fort, hastily erected that May, survived its first and only attack that June Sunday. Yet the residents of the Apple River Settlement would never forget the heroic contribution of the women of the fort and paid tribute to the Elizabeth’s of the fort by naming their village Elizabeth in 1842. Unfortunately the fort itself was torn down some 15 years later in 1847, its lumber used to build a barn.

These accounts both relay a vivid battle that remained in the hearts and minds of Jo Daviess County residents for over 150 years. As early as 1931, calls to the citizens of Elizabeth requested the preservation of the old Fort site where the town of Elizabeth earned her name. Then in 1934, the state of Illinois erected a plaque on Hwy. 20 east of Elizabeth commemorating where the old fort once stood. Over sixty years later, the Apple River Fort Historic Foundation would finally locate and reconstruct the Fort and successfully turn the Fort over to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

====================

That's it. This thread will now entertain your thoughts, questions, and comments...


Bob.

[Greg Carter]

I am coming, with all gear and etc. Anyone want to pull shifts at picket post on the firing steps during the overnight following the OLRHS meeting?

GMC

[Robert Braun]

Greg said:

I am coming, with all gear and etc. Anyone want to pull shifts at picket post on the firing steps during the overnight following the OLRHS meeting?

GMC

I'm your huckleberry!

See you at the west platform....

Bob.

[Laurel]

All three boys and I will be there. Since it may not be appropriate for the boys to be in the militia, (they're too young) what do you think of having them and me roll cartridges and distribute them to the men while the fighting is goins on? With permission they could also load weapons or at least load their own and hand them off for shooting. I've discussed this with Ian and Rion and they are aminable to the suggestion. Of course this would all be with Susan OK. It could lead to some great interpretation as well.

Betsy

[pshrake]

Both Kim and I will be there!

I would be honored to turn a watch with either of you gentlement after the meeting.


Pete

[Robert Braun]

I thought the lads acquitted themselves well at LNS. Their "in" in my book! After Greg's excellent instruction, I think they would compare favorably to most of the miltiamen at the event! They've already proven themselves at a companion state historic site. I believe their participation is OUR decision.

As for the ARF event, I don't know if my application will be accepted. My linen vest isn't on their list of acceptable items. Looks like I may be sent to the sidelines, eh? Right... me and my BROGANS.

Baffled Bob.

[Greg Carter]

I have to agree with Bob here. Ian, Ryan, Andrew and even Dominick all earned their marks at New Salem, right down to shooting in open order as partners and kneeling as well as standing. Young or not, they have proven that they are mature enough even at their age to handle a deadly firearm and bayonet, something many adult reenactors across the country prove unable to do each year. If there is any matter of concern, I will gladly take charge of them again as I did at LNS. My drilling is far from excellent (thanks for the compliment anyhow!), but I will stand with them anytime.

Since my linen vest is out too, I think I will go in my One Moc outfit. WAIT A MINUTE! That means my linen loin cloth is out too! What will I do? However, I do see that despite the total lack of historical documentation, I will able to pack my stuff in a knapsack instead of a wallet this time!

It will be good to see you there, Pete! Shoot me an e-mail if you need any gear. I don't have much extra but I have a canteen and a cartridge box you can use.

Nimrod Wildfire

[Laurel]

Whatever you gentlemen deem proper is great by me. I only raised the question because I know the age for the militia was 18 - 45. I know the boys would give anything to be part of the militia I was only trying to come up with an alternative if you felt that wasn't appropriate. Ian has not stopped talking about his experience at New Salem. I would still love to roll cartridges and distribute them if you feel that would add to our impression. Looking forward to seeing you all next weekend.

Betsy

[Robert Braun]

Our OLRHS militia squad will function as a part of an overall "company" at the May event at Apple River Fort.

This being said, we will function and operate as our own squad or platoon. We will elect a "Corporal" from those members present at the event, and we plan to elect a new corporal each day, to give more participants a chance to serve as a militia leader.

Our squad will drill more than the required schedule at the event, and I will instruct interested persons on the finer points of "tracking" "trailing" and "stalking."

We'll make woodsmen outta of you fellers yet!

Also bring approximately forty to fifty cartridges per man to the event. We don't want nobody kilt fer lack o' shootin'!

See you Friday night.

Bob.

[Greg Carter]

Ok,

first to post again! Definitely an interesting event! Good to see all of you again, this time weeks apart and not months! Especially you Pete!

Sheila- if you are reading this, which I know you will sooner or later, I still have a cartridge or two saved for you next time I am out that way!
;D
GMC

[Robert Braun]

Agreed... an interesting and unique event!

Great to see all our chums from Springfield, Lincoln's New Salem, and the greater Jo Daveiss County region!

Great vittles, and a real break in the weather--- the rain went away, no bugs and the blankets felt good an night. It was great not to be "sweatin' to the oldies"--- which will be coming soon enough!

I was also very gratified to learn that our beloved Captain was not blasted from his rooftop perch by a sharpshooting Saukie... and that "firing by wings" definately kept the war-party at distance.

Ol' Clack Stone would have been proud-- provided ol' Clack had had ANY leadership or martial prowess all, which IMHO is looking increasingly unlikely! ;D