It Happened Here, A Black Hawk War Guide

media release: On Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 p.m., Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark (2975 Cave of the Mounds Road, Blue Mounds) will host local author Ben Strand. Strand will share research and local stories associated with his recent book, “A Black Hawk War Guide: Landmarks, Battlefields, Museums & Firsthand Accounts” –including discussion of nearby sites and historical characters familiar to southwestern Wisconsin. A book signing will follow, with copies available for purchase. (Cash only sales.)

Strand’s compendium was a dozen years in the making and meaningfully shaped by relationships forged with Sac and Fox communities in Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa. In it, he provides local insights and tips for accessing information and locations associated with the 1832 Black Hawk War—while sketching a big-picture view of this wide-ranging historical tragedy. The guide follows the conflict from the Quad Cities on the Illinois/Iowa border, through the “Trembling Lands” along the Kettle Moraine and into the Lead Region and Driftless area of southern Wisconsin.

Ben Strand grew up in southwestern Wisconsin, where he has fond memories of serving as a bus boy at Dodgeville dining staple Thym’s Supper Club and holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Vermont’s Goddard College.

NOTE: Previously scheduled co-presenter Sac and Fox Cultural Ambassador and Historian Juaquin Hamilton will not be able to join this October 20 event, due to unforeseen circumstances. He hopes to visit Wisconsin in 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

“A Black Hawk War Guide” is the final installment of the Cave of the Mounds-Mount Horeb Area Historical Society’s 3-part 2024 Sunday Speaker Series. This educational event is free and family-friendly, with some intense historical themes. Reservations are not required. For more information, call 608-437-6486 or email mthorebahs@gmail.com.