Makataimeshekiakiak
Makataimeshekiakiak (also known as Black Sparrow Hawk or simply Black Hawk) was a tribal leader of the Sauk nation.
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History
Quashquame was compelled to sign the Treaty of St. Louis in 1804 and cede Sauk territory to Harrison. When American colonists began to arrive and seize the lands, Makataimeshekiakiak emerged as a leader and organized a militia (the British Band).
In 1832, the Black Hawk War erupted with the Battle of Stillman's Run; major Isaiah Stillman ordered the frontier militia to open fire on civilians, to which Makataimeshekiakiak responded with a devastating camp raid. Eventually though, U.S. forces were reorganized under the command of brigadier general Henry Atkinson, with a relief force under Scott being moved to Ft. Armstrong.
The war ultimately ended with the decimation of Makataimeshekiakiak's militia in the Battle of Bad Axe. While he escaped from the battle, he surrendered himself about a month later.
He was imprisoned but eventually released.
Legacy
Makataimeshekiakiak is celebrated as a highly capable war leader.
At the same time, he is remembered as a foil to Quashquame and his pragmatic diplomacy.