The Fort Dearborn Massacre

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Illinois History

• The Fort Dearborn Massacre

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The Fort Dearborn Massacre 1812 Tecumseh
(Shawnee Chief) leads last fight for the NW
country U.S vs. England go to war again
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The Start of the Problems April 1812 Indians
attack farm 4 miles from Ft. Dearborn causes
panic July 1812 War of 1812 begins (US vs.
England) Would British and Indians unite again?
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Evacuation of Fort Dearborn Aug. 1812 Capt.
Nathan Heald (Com. of the Fort) is ordered to
destroy arms and evacuate to Ft. Wayne,
IN Captain Wells (Indian Expert) joins them
along with 30 Indian warriors
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Aug. 15th 1812 Potawatomi Chief gives warning to
Capt. Heald returns friendship medal No
choice but to go - arms had already been destroyed
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The Disastrous Journey The group had 55 army
men with 30 Indian warriors 12 militia / 9 women
/ 18 children 1.5 miles into trip - Capt. Wells
spots enemy Indians Wells Indian warriors flee
Capt. Heald charges the enemy Indians leaving
women behind
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Women and militia were ambushed fierce hand to
hand combat Killed are All 12 militia / 2 women
/ 12 children
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Capt. Heald surrounded half his men and Capt.
Wells were killed Entire battle 15
minutes Some captives tortured and killed Capt.
Heald survived Indians burnt fort 1816 U.S.
returns to rebuild Fort Dearborn