Statewide Archives – Iowa Genealogy

The Half-Breed Tract

The Half-Breed Tract in Iowa was a significant area reserved for the half-breeds of the Sac and Fox tribes as per the treaty signed on August 4, 1824. This reservation, approximately 119,000 acres between the Mississippi and Des Moines Rivers, was intended to provide land for those of mixed Native American and European descent. However, complications arose when the surveyor’s line deviated, leading to disputes over the land’s boundaries. In 1834, Congress relinquished the United States’ reversionary rights, allowing half-breeds to own the land outright. This led to a rush of speculators exploiting the half-breeds, often through dubious transactions. To resolve these conflicts, a commission was established in 1838, but its actions were later invalidated, resulting in prolonged legal battles. The final resolution came through the 1841 decree of partition by the United States District Court for the Territory of Iowa, which divided the land into shares for the claimants, a system still recognized today.

The Original Owners of Iowa Territory

The history of Iowa is deeply intertwined with the Native American tribes who originally inhabited the land. Before the arrival of European settlers and the subsequent formation of the Iowa Territory, these tribes, including the Sacs, Foxes, and Sioux, were the primary occupants of the region. Their presence and conflicts over the fertile land were significant, shaping the cultural and historical landscape of Iowa. As European nations claimed and traded the territory, the rights and sovereignty of these indigenous peoples were largely ignored, leading to numerous treaties and conflicts as the United States sought to acquire land already occupied. This article delves into the complex and often overlooked history of Iowa’s original owners, highlighting their struggles, migrations, and the impact of European colonization on their lives and territories.

Indian Purchases, Reserves and Treaties

The article “Indian Purchases, Reserves and Treaties” examines the historical agreements between the United States government and various Native American tribes, focusing on the period following the Black Hawk War in 1832. It begins with the pivotal treaty signed on September 21, 1832, where the Sac and Fox nations ceded a significant portion of land in eastern Iowa to the United States. This treaty, known as the Black Hawk Purchase, facilitated the opening of Iowa to white settlers and included specific provisions for annual payments and compensation to the tribes. Subsequent sections detail additional treaties, land reserves, and the relocations of Native American tribes, highlighting the complex negotiations and the impacts on both the indigenous populations and the expansion of the United States.

The Black Hawk War

The Black Hawk War of 1832 was sparked by the occupation of Black Hawk’s village on the Rock River by white settlers during the chief’s absence on a hunting expedition. Upon returning, Black Hawk and his band found their homes taken and their families displaced, leading to their indignant recrossing of the Mississippi to reclaim their land. Despite initial peaceful intentions and attempts at negotiation, the tension escalated as Illinois authorities, fearing a larger uprising, ordered military action to remove the Native Americans. This conflict, compounded by misunderstandings and broken promises, led to a series of engagements, including the infamous Stillman’s Run. Black Hawk’s attempts to avoid war were ultimately in vain, and the hostilities culminated in the pursuit and tragic defeat of his band. Captured and taken on a tour through Eastern cities, Black Hawk spent his final years on a reservation, passing away in 1838.

Indian Wars in the Territory of Iowa

The Territory of Iowa, although officially acquired by the United States, remained occupied by Indigenous tribes who claimed rightful ownership of the land. The process of extinguishing these claims and opening the land for white settlement involved significant expenditure and conflict. The frontier was frequently disturbed by Indian wars, often sparked by broken treaties or acts of oppression. The Sac and Fox tribes, particularly under the leadership of the prominent chief Black Hawk, resisted American encroachments fiercely. These conflicts continued through various treaties and confrontations, including the erection of military posts like Fort Madison, which heightened tensions. The struggles in Iowa reflected the broader tumult of Indian-American relations during the early 19th century, marked by persistent disputes over land and sovereignty.

Pike’s Expedition

Pike’s Expedition was one of the early exploratory missions undertaken by the United States government shortly after the Louisiana Purchase. Led by Lieutenant Zebulon M. Pike, the expedition aimed to explore the newly acquired territory, establish relations with Indigenous tribes, and identify potential sites for military posts and trading stations. Beginning in August 1805, Pike and his small team embarked from near St. Louis, navigating the Mississippi River and interacting with various Native American groups along the way. Their journey took them through what is now Iowa, where Pike made significant observations and selected strategic locations for future development. The expedition extended up to the headwaters of the Mississippi, marking an important chapter in the exploration and expansion of the United States into its western territories.

Discovery and Occupation of Iowa

The article “Discovery and Occupation of Iowa” delves into the historical journey of the region known as Iowa, translating to “The Beautiful Land.” Before 1803, the Mississippi River marked the western boundary of the United States, with the expansive territory westward under Spanish control. The narrative outlines the significant exploratory missions led by European powers, beginning with De Soto’s discovery of the Mississippi River in 1542 and progressing through various French and Spanish claims and settlements. The article highlights key figures and events, including Marquette and Joliet’s 1673 expedition, La Salle’s formal possession in 1682, and the evolving territorial claims culminating in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. This acquisition marked a pivotal moment, integrating Iowa into the United States and setting the stage for its future development and statehood.

Huebinger’s Map and Guides

Huebinger's Map and Guide for Blue Grass Road

The Huebinger series of automotive publications were popular a century ago as adventurous motorists braved the primitive roads and uncertain terrain of Iowa and beyond. Noted landmarks on these road-maps include schools, houses, churches, piles of stumps, unusual rocks, cemeteries, and windmills. Today, these map collections are actually history books showing how towns and cities have developed, roads have changed, and some communities have disappeared.

Iowa State Death Record Indexes, 1917-1939

The State Historical Society of Iowa is in the process of making more of these records available online. Currently they have placed online death records for 87 counties with various dates for all of them which fall between 1917 and 1939.