Constructed in 1803, Fort Dearborn overlooks the southern side of the Chicago River in what is now downtown Chicago. At the time, the fort was located in what was considered the wilderness between the American territory and British-held Canada. Within the decade after the fort’s construction, Britain—who viewed the Indian tribes as a buffer between themselves and the United States—armed the local tribes and encouraged raids against encroaching settlements. This, among other issues, rapidly deteriorated the relationship between Britain and the United States, leading to a declaration of war on 18 June 1812. A month later, British forces captured nearby Fort Mackinac, prompting a decision by American commanders to evacuate Fort Dearborn.

            The orders came through nearby Fort Wayne, where Capt William Wells assembled a force of around 30 Miami Indians to help escort the evacuees from Fort Dearborn. Upon reaching the fort on 13 August, the commander, Capt Nathan Heald, tried to negotiate a peaceful evacuation with the local Potawatomi Indians; however, no safe passage was assured. On 15 August, the evacuation party—including 66 armed men and 27 civilians—departed the fort. When the party had traveled slightly over one mile away, they were ambushed by a band of Potawatomi. The fighting force became separated from the wagon train, allowing the Indians to successfully attack the civilian contingent of the column. Capt Wells was killed while leading a counterattack, and Capt Hull’s forces managed to regroup on a nearby hilltop where they were forced to surrender. Over half of the soldiers and civilians were killed while Potawatomi casualties were comparatively light.