Timeline and History
Timeline of ho-Chunk (winnebago) History
Timeline of ho-Chunk (winnebago) History
The Ho-Chunk people were thriving in its territory far before the 16th century. Archeologists have proven with various artifacts that the Ho-Chunk people have been on Wisconsin land for thousands of years. The Ho-Chunk have a long history, much of which has not been recorded in writing. The following timeline is a summary of important events throughout history starting from 1570, though it is certainly not exhaustive.
The Ho-Chunk people were thriving in its territory far before the 16th century. Archeologists have proven with various artifacts that the Ho-Chunk people have been on Wisconsin land for thousands of years. The Ho-Chunk have a long history, much of which has not been recorded in writing. The following timeline is a summary of important events throughout history starting from 1570, though it is certainly not exhaustive.
Recall Winnebago and Ho-Chunk are the same people. Ho-Chunk is the name that is used today.
Recall Winnebago and Ho-Chunk are the same people. Ho-Chunk is the name that is used today.
1570-1660's
1570-1660's
Around 1570 - A group of Ho-Chunk left the Red Banks on the Door Peninsula of Wisconsin to head west down the Wisconsin River and across the Mississippi River. Once there, they split into 3 major tribes: Iowa, Oto, and Missouri.
Around 1570 - A group of Ho-Chunk left the Red Banks on the Door Peninsula of Wisconsin to head west down the Wisconsin River and across the Mississippi River. Once there, they split into 3 major tribes: Iowa, Oto, and Missouri.
1620 - The first mention of Winnebago to the French took place as the French attempted to expand fur trade in the region.
1620 - The first mention of Winnebago to the French took place as the French attempted to expand fur trade in the region.
1634 - Oral history describes Jean Nicolet, a French explorer, meeting the Winnebago people near Green Bay for the first time.
1634 - Oral history describes Jean Nicolet, a French explorer, meeting the Winnebago people near Green Bay for the first time.
Late 1630’s - Winnebago had conflict with Michigan Algonquian tribes. During this time, a smallpox epidemic killed a large population of Ho-Chunk people. It is estimated that it reduced the Winnebago warriors by two-thirds.
Late 1630’s - Winnebago had conflict with Michigan Algonquian tribes. During this time, a smallpox epidemic killed a large population of Ho-Chunk people. It is estimated that it reduced the Winnebago warriors by two-thirds.
1643 - Jean Boisoeau’s map shows the Winnebago in villages along Lake Winnebago.
1643 - Jean Boisoeau’s map shows the Winnebago in villages along Lake Winnebago.
1659 - Pierre Esprit Radisson referred to Lake Winnebago as the “great lake of stinking.”
1659 - Pierre Esprit Radisson referred to Lake Winnebago as the “great lake of stinking.”
1660’s - Fur trade between Ho-Chunk and the French became prominent in the area.
1660’s - Fur trade between Ho-Chunk and the French became prominent in the area.
1710-1790's
1710-1790's
1712 - 1733 - The Fox Wars occurred on and off for about 20 years. Generally the Ho-Chunk fought alongside the French against the Fox Indians. The war was primarily fought for control of the Fox River.
1712 - 1733 - The Fox Wars occurred on and off for about 20 years. Generally the Ho-Chunk fought alongside the French against the Fox Indians. The war was primarily fought for control of the Fox River.
1763 - As the French and Indian War came to an end, the Ho-Chunk befriended Chief Pontiac and the English.
1763 - As the French and Indian War came to an end, the Ho-Chunk befriended Chief Pontiac and the English.
1775-1783 - The American Revolution meant a shift from fur to lead (mineral) trading. Most of the Ho-Chunk people sided with the British.
1775-1783 - The American Revolution meant a shift from fur to lead (mineral) trading. Most of the Ho-Chunk people sided with the British.
1793- A settlement near Portage, Wisconsin along the Wisconsin River was established by Spoon Decorah.
1793- A settlement near Portage, Wisconsin along the Wisconsin River was established by Spoon Decorah.
1793 - For context, during this time, the U.S. Government was established. George Washington served as the first U.S. president from 1789-1797.
1793 - For context, during this time, the U.S. Government was established. George Washington served as the first U.S. president from 1789-1797.
1800-1890
1800-1890
1803 - The Louisiana Purchase meant the Ho-Chunk homeland was in the middle of the conflict.
1803 - The Louisiana Purchase meant the Ho-Chunk homeland was in the middle of the conflict.
1806 - Over 300 people play the sport LaCrosse for a tournament in Prairie du Chien.
1806 - Over 300 people play the sport LaCrosse for a tournament in Prairie du Chien.
1811 - Hundreds of Ho-Chunk warriors fight in the Battle of Tippecanoe.
1811 - Hundreds of Ho-Chunk warriors fight in the Battle of Tippecanoe.
1812 - The War of 1812 takes place.
1812 - The War of 1812 takes place.
1814 - The signing of the Treaty of Ghent ends the war of 1812. A portion of Ho-Chunk peoples signed a peace treaty with the Americans soon after. There would be 10 more treaties like this one signed.
1814 - The signing of the Treaty of Ghent ends the war of 1812. A portion of Ho-Chunk peoples signed a peace treaty with the Americans soon after. There would be 10 more treaties like this one signed.
Loew, Patty. Native People of Wisconsin. Madison, Wi, Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2015.
1827 - Rumors spread that tribal warriors had been executed at Fort Snelling in Minnesota. The Red Bird War Chief attacked the home of white squatters in south La Crosse, killing 7 people. He later surrendered. To some, his courage to concede was respected.
1827 - Rumors spread that tribal warriors had been executed at Fort Snelling in Minnesota. The Red Bird War Chief attacked the home of white squatters in south La Crosse, killing 7 people. He later surrendered. To some, his courage to concede was respected.
1829 - Conflict arises over resources and land. A treaty is signed, the first of many land cessions.
1829 - Conflict arises over resources and land. A treaty is signed, the first of many land cessions.
1830- The Indian Removal Act was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830. This authorized the president to grant lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for Indian lands within existing state borders. A few tribes went peacefully, but many resisted the relocation policy.
1830- The Indian Removal Act was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830. This authorized the president to grant lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for Indian lands within existing state borders. A few tribes went peacefully, but many resisted the relocation policy.
1832 - A Sauk leader named Black Hawk tried to reclaim land in northern Illinois. Non-Indians killed most of Black Hawk’s people and has become known as the Bad Axe Massacre of the Black Hawk War. This war split Ho-Chunk people as some supported the Sauk war chief and others did not.
1832 - A Sauk leader named Black Hawk tried to reclaim land in northern Illinois. Non-Indians killed most of Black Hawk’s people and has become known as the Bad Axe Massacre of the Black Hawk War. This war split Ho-Chunk people as some supported the Sauk war chief and others did not.
1837 - A controversial attempted land-cession occurred. Americans offered the Ho-Chunk land they said was desirable and they had 8 years to move, but it turned out to be 8 months. The new land was present-day Minnesota. Some refused to leave. The Wisconsin Ho-Chunk today are the descendants of “renegades” or “rebel faction” or in other words, those who refused to settle out west.
1837 - A controversial attempted land-cession occurred. Americans offered the Ho-Chunk land they said was desirable and they had 8 years to move, but it turned out to be 8 months. The new land was present-day Minnesota. Some refused to leave. The Wisconsin Ho-Chunk today are the descendants of “renegades” or “rebel faction” or in other words, those who refused to settle out west.
1861 - Civil War broke out. Many Ho-Chunk enlisted in the Union Army joining Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin.
1861 - Civil War broke out. Many Ho-Chunk enlisted in the Union Army joining Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin.
1862 - The Sioux Uprising claimed almost 500 settlers. The Ho-Chunk were not initially part of it but some Europeans demanded that the Ho-Chunk be removed from the area along with the Sioux. Hostilities grew but many Ho-Chunk people refused to move.
1862 - The Sioux Uprising claimed almost 500 settlers. The Ho-Chunk were not initially part of it but some Europeans demanded that the Ho-Chunk be removed from the area along with the Sioux. Hostilities grew but many Ho-Chunk people refused to move.
1865 - Some Ho-Chunk signed a treaty to purchase a reservation on a portion of Omaha, Nebraska and many remain there today.
1865 - Some Ho-Chunk signed a treaty to purchase a reservation on a portion of Omaha, Nebraska and many remain there today.
1872 -1874 - There is a final attempt to remove Ho-Chunk People from Wisconsin. Over half of Wisconsin Ho-Chunk who were sent to Nebraska had come back home.
1872 -1874 - There is a final attempt to remove Ho-Chunk People from Wisconsin. Over half of Wisconsin Ho-Chunk who were sent to Nebraska had come back home.
1875 - Wisconsin Ho-Chunk petitioned the U.S. government to allow citizenship.
1875 - Wisconsin Ho-Chunk petitioned the U.S. government to allow citizenship.
1881 - Congress passed legislation so that Wisconsin Ho-Chunk would have 40 acres of land (though land that was not ideal for hunting, gathering, fishing, or gardening). Fences and private property signs replaced areas tribe members used to gather for cranberry harvesting.
1881 - Congress passed legislation so that Wisconsin Ho-Chunk would have 40 acres of land (though land that was not ideal for hunting, gathering, fishing, or gardening). Fences and private property signs replaced areas tribe members used to gather for cranberry harvesting.
1893 - A government school opened and then closed in 1934. Students were expected to speak English and children as young as 6 were placed in schools without being able to return home. Other boarding schools were opened during this era with the intent to assimilate native children. This led to family and community disassociation.
1893 - A government school opened and then closed in 1934. Students were expected to speak English and children as young as 6 were placed in schools without being able to return home. Other boarding schools were opened during this era with the intent to assimilate native children. This led to family and community disassociation.
1900-2010
1900-2010
1917-1918 - As the United States entered World War 1 (WWI), many Indigenous peoples in Wisconsin joined the Wisconsin National Guard and were based near Hayward. The 32nd Division was deployed in 1918.
1917-1918 - As the United States entered World War 1 (WWI), many Indigenous peoples in Wisconsin joined the Wisconsin National Guard and were based near Hayward. The 32nd Division was deployed in 1918.
1924 - Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act, stating that “all non-citizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the U.S. be, and they are thereby, declared to be citizens of the United States.”
1924 - Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act, stating that “all non-citizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the U.S. be, and they are thereby, declared to be citizens of the United States.”
1930s - The Great Depression impacted everyone in the United States, some groups were hit especially hard.
1930s - The Great Depression impacted everyone in the United States, some groups were hit especially hard.
1935 - The Tomah Industrial school closes. It later became the Veterans Administration hospital.
1935 - The Tomah Industrial school closes. It later became the Veterans Administration hospital.
1941 - The U.S. joined World War II (WWII) in 1941 after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Some joined and served as Code Talkers. The Ho-Chunk language proved to be one the Japanese could not decipher. 33 Tribes from across the U.S. participated as code talkers in WWII. Mitchell Red Cloud Junio proved to be one of the most well-respected veterans, earning a Medal of Honor from President Truman.
1941 - The U.S. joined World War II (WWII) in 1941 after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Some joined and served as Code Talkers. The Ho-Chunk language proved to be one the Japanese could not decipher. 33 Tribes from across the U.S. participated as code talkers in WWII. Mitchell Red Cloud Junio proved to be one of the most well-respected veterans, earning a Medal of Honor from President Truman.
1946 - Indian Claims Commission Act is passed into law as an attempt to resolve ancient tribal claims. It established a temporary commission to hear and decide land claims.
1946 - Indian Claims Commission Act is passed into law as an attempt to resolve ancient tribal claims. It established a temporary commission to hear and decide land claims.
1963- The Ho-Chunk is federally recognized as the Wisconsin Winnebago. Post Civil Rights Movement, the American Indian Movement (A.I.M.) is founded to continue to fight for justice.
1963- The Ho-Chunk is federally recognized as the Wisconsin Winnebago. Post Civil Rights Movement, the American Indian Movement (A.I.M.) is founded to continue to fight for justice.
1964 - The Civil Rights Act is passed. It did not apply to American Indians.
1964 - The Civil Rights Act is passed. It did not apply to American Indians.
1968- The American Indian Civil Rights Act becomes federal law, stating that Indian tribal governments cannot pass or enforce laws that violate certain individual rights. It is similar to the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights.
1968- The American Indian Civil Rights Act becomes federal law, stating that Indian tribal governments cannot pass or enforce laws that violate certain individual rights. It is similar to the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights.
1972 - The Indian Education Act (IEA) passed as a landmark federal legislation addressing the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students. IEA reaffirms the federal government’s responsibility to ensure education for all children. It has been modified over the years.
1972 - The Indian Education Act (IEA) passed as a landmark federal legislation addressing the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students. IEA reaffirms the federal government’s responsibility to ensure education for all children. It has been modified over the years.
1974 - The Ho-Chunk won a $4.6 million judgment from Indian Claims Commission to compensate for lands lost through fraudulent treaties.
1974 - The Ho-Chunk won a $4.6 million judgment from Indian Claims Commission to compensate for lands lost through fraudulent treaties.
1978 - The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is put into effect. The purpose of this law is to protect the best interests of Indian children as well as promote stability and security for their families.
1978 - The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is put into effect. The purpose of this law is to protect the best interests of Indian children as well as promote stability and security for their families.
1978 - American Indian Religious Freedom Act is enacted, protecting the rights of Native Americans to enjoy and express their traditional religions. This includes but is not limited to access to sacred objects and ceremonial procedures.
1978 - American Indian Religious Freedom Act is enacted, protecting the rights of Native Americans to enjoy and express their traditional religions. This includes but is not limited to access to sacred objects and ceremonial procedures.
1980-1990 - Baraboo and Lake Delton areas become a main location for economic opportunities Smoke shops and gaming enterprises grow in popularity. The Wisconsin Dells area as a whole booms with tourism.
1980-1990 - Baraboo and Lake Delton areas become a main location for economic opportunities Smoke shops and gaming enterprises grow in popularity. The Wisconsin Dells area as a whole booms with tourism.
1989-1990 - ACT 31 is passed by the Wisconsin Legislature. This ensured Wisconsin schools included Wisconsin Indians, issues of sovereignty, and civil rights into its curriculum.
1989-1990 - ACT 31 is passed by the Wisconsin Legislature. This ensured Wisconsin schools included Wisconsin Indians, issues of sovereignty, and civil rights into its curriculum.
1993 - Majestic Pines, Rainbow Bingo and Casino, and Ho-Chunk Casino hold grand openings.
1993 - Majestic Pines, Rainbow Bingo and Casino, and Ho-Chunk Casino hold grand openings.
2000-Today
2000-Today
2008- The Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008 is put into effect in recognition of the dedication and valor of Native American code talkers to the U.S. Armed Services during WWI and WWII. “Code talkers” refers to those Native Americans who used their native language as a means of secret/code communication during wartime.
2008- The Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008 is put into effect in recognition of the dedication and valor of Native American code talkers to the U.S. Armed Services during WWI and WWII. “Code talkers” refers to those Native Americans who used their native language as a means of secret/code communication during wartime.
2009 - The Wisconsin Indian Child Welfare Act (WICWA) is signed into law.
2009 - The Wisconsin Indian Child Welfare Act (WICWA) is signed into law.
2000 - present: The Ho-Chunk Nation continues to develop economically and politically. Language and culture preservation continue to be of great importance though increasingly challenging.
2000 - present: The Ho-Chunk Nation continues to develop economically and politically. Language and culture preservation continue to be of great importance though increasingly challenging.
The Ho-Chunk and other first nations are still very much alive and part of our community today.
The Ho-Chunk and other first nations are still very much alive and part of our community today.
Sources for Timeline
- Indian Nations of Wisconsin: Histories of Endurance and Renewal by Patty Loew
- “Ho-Chunk Nation (Wisconsin) | U.S. Mint.” U.S. Mint, https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-medal-programs/medals/native-american-code-talkers/ho-chunk-nation. Accessed 9 Dec. 2021.
- Horton, Russell. “Indigenous Wisconsin Veterans – Wisconsin Veterans Museum.” Wisconsin Veterans Museum – Every Veteran Is a Story, 2020, https://wisvetsmuseum.com/blog/indigenous-wisconsin-veterans/.
- Drexler, Ken. “Introduction - Indian Removal Act: Primary Documents in American History - Research Guides at Library of Congress.” Home - Research Guides at Library of Congress, 2019, https://guides.loc.gov/indian-removal-act.
- Rykken, Paul. “Parallel Journeys: US History Within the Context of Ho-Chunk History.” Intro to First Nations Studies, Wisconsin First Nations, https://wisconsinfirstnations.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Rykken-Parallel-Journeys-Timeline.pdf.
- Mankel, Geneve. “Chief Shares History of Ho-Chunk Nation during Fort McCoy Event.” Fort McCoy Public Affairs, U.S. Army, 2 Dec. 2014, https://www.army.mil/article/139255/chief_shares_history_of_ho_chunk_nation_during_fort_mccoy_event.