Red Bird
Red Bird was a prominent war chief of the Prairie La Crosse Winnebagos, born at the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. He rose to leadership during a period of escalating tensions between Native Americans and European settlers over land and resources, particularly as demand for lead increased in the 1820s. In response to violence and accusations against his community, Red Bird led a retaliatory attack in 1827, resulting in the deaths of white settlers. His actions were part of a broader conflict, known as the Winnebago War, ignited by grievances over the treatment of Native peoples and land rights. After a series of confrontations, Red Bird ultimately surrendered to U.S. authorities, anticipating execution. However, he died of dysentery before his trial could proceed, and the charges against him were later dropped due to insufficient evidence. Red Bird's story illustrates the complexities of Native American resistance during a turbulent era in U.S. history, highlighting the struggles for autonomy and justice faced by Indigenous communities.
Red Bird
- Born: c. 1788
- Birthplace: Near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
- Died: February 16, 1828
- Place of death: Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Category: War Chief
Tribal affiliation: Winnebago
Significance: Leader of the brief Winnebago Uprising, Red Bird was war chief of a small, militant group of Winnebagos
Born at the forks of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, Red Bird succeeded his father as war chief of the Prairie La Crosse Winnebagos. As lead prices rose in the 1820’s, federal officials seeking to obtain rich Indian lands attempted to discourage Indians from mining and selling lead to traders. Consequently, tensions escalated, and in 1826 warriors killed members of a French trading family. In 1827, two warriors were accused of murder; rumors of their imminent execution reached Red Bird’s village. Authorized by tribal council, Red Bird and two other warriors killed two white settlers and scalped an infant. On June 30, Red Bird also attacked a Mississippi boatman who had kidnapped and raped several Indian women. Subsequently, federal troops, Illinois volunteers, and white volunteer miners massed at Fort Snelling. When other Winnebagos failed to join the uprising, Red Bird surrendered to white forces, expecting immediate execution. His trial met with several delays, however, and Red Bird died of dysentery shortly before charges against him were dropped because of a lack of witnesses.
