Dells Area Indian History

by Ross Curry

Wisconsin has been home for many Indians over the centuries, Sauk county is named after the tribe that was living in the southern part of the county when Europeans first arrived. They later allied with the Fox Indians who lived along the river of the same name, after the Foxes were severely decimated by their conflicts with the French and other tribes. Blackhawk, who passed through this area in the early part of the 19th century is the best known member of this tribe.

The Menominees lived immediately to the northeast of Sauk County on lands formerly occupied by the Ho Chunks, known for most of their history as the Winnebagoes. For the last 150 years the Ho Chunks have been the dominant Indian tribe in this area.

They have no large reservation but live among their white neighbors in individual groups and small settlements.

Ross Curry
Author