Wood River Massacre
The Wood River Massacre was a violent attack by a group of Native Americans, likely Kickapoo or Potawatomi, on a group of settlers in what is now Madison County, near present-day Alton Illinois. The attack occurred on July 10, 1814 amidst the backdrop of the War of 1812. The attack was the result of years of escalation by encroaching settlers and forced removal of natives. It escalated tensions between settlers and natives, fueled settler fears, and contributed to harsh retaliatory attacks by the settlers and local militias.
Background
Before European settlement
Before European settlers arrived in the area that is now Southern Illinois, the region was home to various indigenous groups, most notably the Illiniwek, or Illinois Confederation. This confederation was composed of several Algonquin-speaking tribes including the Kaskaskia, Cahokia, Peoria, and Tamaroa, who lived in semi-permanent villages along local rivers and streams. They practiced agriculture (especially beans, maize, and squash) and caught fish to supplement their diets. The Wood River area, near present-day Alton, Illinois, was rich in natural resources and the rivers and forests supported a unique ecosystem. Trade routes linked the Illiniwek to other natives across the Mississippi Valley and Ohio Valley. Cahokia, a historically significant pre-Columbian mound site, is located just south of the Wood River area.
European-Native relations prior to the massacre
Relations between European settlers and Natives had been marked by periods of trade and diplomacy and periods of hostilities and war. French fur traders were the first European settlers to form relations with Natives in the area in the 17th and 18th centuries. The French ultimately ceded the area to Britain following the Treaty of Paris (1763), who then ceded it the United States of America after the American Revolution. Americans were more intent on acquiring the land permanently, in comparison to their French and English counterparts, who were more interested in hunting and mining. By the early 1800s, increasing numbers of Anglo-American settlers were encroaching on Native land in the Illinois territory, often displacing entire communities under threat of violence. Tensions began to boil over after a series of fraudulent treaties and land cessions in favor of the settlers. Multiple tribes, especially the Shawnee, Kickapoo, and Potawatomi, began violently resisting the settler's encroachment.
By 1814, the United States was fully enveloped in the War of 1812 against Britain and their Native Allies The period was marked by frequent skirmishes and raids all across the frontier, especially in the Illinois Territory. The Wood River Settlement was a small community of American families, located near present day Edwardsville. Attacks by Natives were common in the area during the time, and it is likely not the first time these settlers had been involved in a skirmish. Due to the increase in hostilities, local militias were stretched thin, and families often built their own stockade and defenses. One the day of the massacre, a group of children had been left unguarded at the settlement. The group consisted of children and teenagers from the Regan and Moore families, whose parents were occupied with chores or out on patrol.
Events of the massacre
Mid-day on July 10, 1814, a group of seven teenagers and children were picking berries near the Wood River and near their settlement while their parents were occupied with farm work and militia patrol. Picking berries was a common chore and pastime for American youth at the time. The attack was an ambush, and occurred quickly, allowing little time to raise alert or escape. Seven children were killed, with one surviving the initial attack and dying the next day. The victims were found mutilated and scalped. The discovery of the victims caused panic in the region, with news of the massacre spreading quickly, reinforcing settler's fears. The victims were:
- William Moore Jr. - about 15 years old
- Rebecca Regan - about 14 years old
- Polly Regan - about 12 years old
- Betsey Moore - about 11 years old
- John Moore - about 9 years old
- Joel Regan - about 8 years old
Aftermath
Following the massacre, settlers abandoned smaller settlements and outposts and moved their families and operations to more secure areas or into stockades. Militia patrols were increased and violent retribution killings followed. The massacre helped to cement anti-Native sentiment in the region. It also served as justification for harsh removal acts and policies that would come in following decades. In 1818, Illinois achieved statehood, and by 1830, the state had removed nearly all groups of Native Americans. Today, the Wood River Massacre is remembered by historical markers and occasional events.