= Makataimeshekiakiak = '''Makataimeshekiakiak''' (also known as '''Black Sparrow Hawk''' or simply '''Black Hawk''') was a tribal leader of the [[UnitedStates/Sauk|Sauk]] nation. <> ---- == History == [[UnitedStates/Quashquame|Quashquame]] was compelled to sign the '''Treaty of St. Louis''' in 1804 and cede [[UnitedStates/Sauk|Sauk]] territory to [[UnitedStates/WilliamHenryHarrison|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, [[UnitedStates/ArmedForces|U.S. forces]] were reorganized under the command of brigadier general '''Henry Atkinson''', with a relief force under [[UnitedStates/WinfieldScott|Scott]] being moved to [[UnitedStates/QuadCitiesIowaIllinois|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 [[UnitedStates/Quashquame|Quashquame]] and his pragmatic diplomacy. ---- CategoryRicottone