Black Hawk (1767-1838), a chief of the Sac and Fox tribes of indians, who was born in Kaskaskia, Ill. He earned his position as head chief of the allied tribes by his successful expeditions against the Osage and Cherokee tribes. In 1804 the Sacs and Foxes agreed to cede to the United States lands extending about 800 miles along the Mississippi River. This contract Black Hawk repudiated, claiming that the chiefs had been made drunk before they signed the documents. During the War of 1812 Black Hawk, tempted by British agents, joined them with about 500 warriors, but soon retired from British service. In 1823 most of the Sacs and Foxes, under the leadership of Keokuk, removed to their reservation beyond the Mississippi River; but Black Hawk, with part of the tribe, refused to emigrate and fought with the whites what is known as the Black Hawk War. After several encounters, the indians were defeated, and Black Hawk and his two sons became captives. The three were confined in Fortress Monroe until 1833.