Illinois was not the setting for large Civil War campaigns, but its soil holds important stories of conflict, settlement, service, and survival. From the War of 1812 at Fort Dearborn and Campbell’s Island to the Black Hawk War sites of Stillman’s Run, Apple River Fort, and Kellogg’s Grove, these locations help tell the story of a young nation expanding westward — and the Native nations whose lives and lands were forever changed.

1. Battle of Fort Dearborn — Chicago

Conflict: War of 1812
Date: August 15, 1812
Location: Present-day Chicago

This was one of the most significant early military conflicts in Illinois. U.S. troops, militia, and civilians were evacuating Fort Dearborn when they were attacked by Potawatomi warriors near present-day Chicago. It is often called the Battle of Fort Dearborn, though historically it was also referred to as the Fort Dearborn Massacre.

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2. Battle of Rock Island Rapids — Campbell’s Island

Conflict: War of 1812
Date: July 19, 1814
Location: Campbell’s Island, near present-day Rock Island / East Moline

This War of 1812 battle involved U.S. forces against Sauk, Meskwaki, and Kickapoo warriors. It is one of the notable military engagements fought in Illinois.

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3. Battle of Stillman’s Run — Stillman Valley

Conflict: Black Hawk War
Date: May 14, 1832
Location: Near present-day Stillman Valley

This was the opening battle of the Black Hawk War. A group of Illinois militia under Major Isaiah Stillman panicked and retreated after encountering warriors connected to Black Hawk’s band. The battle became one of the most remembered episodes of the war.

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4. Apple River Fort Battle — Elizabeth, Illinois

Conflict: Black Hawk War
Date: June 24, 1832
Location: Elizabeth, Illinois

Apple River Fort was the only fort directly attacked by Black Hawk during the Black Hawk War. Illinois DNR notes that settlers at the fort turned back an attack by roughly 200 Sauk and Fox warriors led by Black Hawk.

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5. Battle of Kellogg’s Grove — Near Kent, Illinois

Conflict: Black Hawk War
Dates: June 16 and June 25, 1832
Location: Near Kent, Illinois

Kellogg’s Grove was the site of two Black Hawk War engagements. It is one of the more important Illinois battlefield locations from that conflict.

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6. St. Vrain Massacre — Near Pearl City

Conflict: Black Hawk War
Date: May 19, 1832
Location: Near present-day Pearl City, Illinois

This was one of several violent incidents shortly after Stillman’s Run. It involved the killing of Indian agent Felix St. Vrain and others during the Black Hawk War period.

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7. Plum River Raid — Near Savanna Conflict:

Black Hawk War
Date: May 21, 1832
Location: Near present-day Savanna, Illinois

The Plum River Raid was another Black Hawk War event in northwest Illinois. It fits well in a broader “Black Hawk War Trail” feature.

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