Black Hawk deserves to be honored as one of America's great patriots. Leading his Sauk warriors in defense of his tribe, he said, "I liked my town, my cornfield, and the home of my people. I fought for them." Truly no American ever loved his country more.

As he grew up in the beautiful Illinois forests, Black Hawk learned to hunt buffalo, trap beaver, and protect his tribe. When he was a young war chief, white people began to move into the Sauk villages. Many Indians moved to new homes across the Mississippi. But Black Hawk was determined to fight for what he felt rightfully belonged to his tribe.

First allied with the British in 1812, and then alone against the U.S. soldiers, Black Hawk's band made a desperate stand to save their nation.

The plight of the Indians and the unfair way they were treated come through clearly in this biography of Black Hawk whose life story carries a message of loyalty, courage, and duty.

From the dust jacket