Dr. Porter's Trail.

[Robert Braun]

We have added Dr. C. V. Porter's interpretation of Black Hawk's trail to the banks of the Mississippi, as published in an 1887 edition of the De Soto Chronicle, on the "Articles" page of the OLRHS website. www.geocities.com/old_lead/articals


It is an interesting preliminary look at Dr. Porter's work, and some of the people with whom he talked.

Enjoy!

[Larry Koschkee]

Another anniversary of the Battle of Bad Axe is fast approaching which prompts me to re-examine my files on the subject. Many times in years past I have planned motor trips to the battle site to coincide with this anniversary. Not this year... I am on the mend, a horse got the better of me in South Dakota two weeks ago. However, I will meet with some amigos at Prairie du Chien on August 27 to observe the anniversary of Black Hawk's surrender to U. S. Indian Agent, Joseph Street. A couple of us were at the 1999 dedication of the historic marker commemorating his surrender.

Dr. Porter's tablet No. 8, erected in the "1880s" reads:

BATTLE BLUFF ELV. 1139 FT

BATTLE HOLLOW
Severe fighting 1 mile east between Gen. Henry's 300 Ill. Militia and 300 Sac Indians
Aug. 2, 1832

BATTLE ISLAND
Hard fighting opposite. 1200 white soldiers engaged. 17 killed. 12 wounded. Of Indians, 150 shot, 150 drowned, 50 taken prisoners. 300 crossed river of whom 150 were killed by Sioux instigated by Gen. Atkinson. Of the 1000 Sacs who crossed the river from Iowa in April 1832. "Not more than 150 survived to tell the tragic story of the BLACK HAWK WAR"

R. G. Thwaites

No. 8 CVP 1880s

For those of you who have a copy of Crawford Thayers book MASSACRE AT BAD AXE. A photograph of this tablet is on page 205.

The State of Wisconsin has posted a plaque next to this marker and other Porter tablets because - in the State's words - "...so as to disclaim any language used which might prove offensive to anyone."

"The State of Wisconsin recognizes Dr. Porter's Markers as part of Vernon County history but does not condone the language or prejudicial inferences used on the markers. Dr. Porter used descriptive, interpretative language which he researched anf felt was acceptable for his era."

This is just another example of what our present society is afflicted with - an obsession with the fear of offending some one or group of individuals. Five people could walk up to the tablet and all five walk could walk away with a different interpretation of events. So What!

What is my interpretation?

1) Battle Bluff at 1139 ft above sea level is one heck of a climb or descent on foot.

2) Illinois favorite son, James D. Henry, received some recognition. Wisconsin's favorite son, Henry Dodge did not. Dodge is like Rodney Dangerfield. "I get no respect."

3) General Henry Atkinson was made out to be a very bad person.

4) Overall, the battle was a tragic event of human drama in an ancient and modern world of survival of the fittest.

Larry