CAMPBELLS ISLAND

It was named after Lt. John Campbell, whose 120 men battled Black Hawk and his 500 warriors on the island on July 19, 1814 during the War of 1812.

Lt. Campbell was headed from St. Louis to Prairie du Chien to reinforce a fort when the expedition's boats ran aground on a large rock near the island.

Black Hawk and his men won the battle, losing just two warriors compared to 16 casualties among Lt. Campbell's men, giving the British and American Indians control of the Mississippi River valley, according to the story.

After $5,000 was appropriated from the state in 1905, a monument was erected on the island to mark the location of the battle between Lt. Campbell and Black Hawk.

BATTLE OF CAMPBELL'S ISLAND

 

 

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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Illinois Ancestors