Fort Blue Mounds Archaeologist & Field Trip Opens Cave of Mounds-MHAHS Black Hawk War Speaker Series

The 1832 Black Hawk War, that crisscrossed Wisconsin and Illinois, illustrates both the desperate courage of indigenous communities protecting their way of life and the ruthless aggression of Americans who considered their invasion of the West righteous and justified. 

Cave of the Mounds and the Mount Horeb Area Historical Society are partnering on a 3-part Sunday Speaker Series that invites tribal and academic experts to explore the implications and impact of this horrifically violent and profoundly tragic four-month conflict. “The Black Hawk War, Its Aftermath and Legacy” includes a once-monthly presentation, August through October. 

On Sunday, August 25 at 2:00 p.m., Cave of the Mounds (2975 Cave of the Mounds Road, Blue Mounds) will host “Life, Death and Archaeology at Fort Blue Mounds,” presented by Robert Birmingham, who literally wrote the book on this local historic landmark. 

Retired UW-Waukesha Professor and former Wisconsin State Archaeologist Robert Birmingham, who led the investigative excavation of this strategically located site, will offer a glimpse into the lives of soldiers and settlers who sought refuge at Fort Blue Mounds—many of whom have descendants that still call the Blue Mounds and Mount Horeb area home. 

Then, afterwards, join Mr. Birmingham on a field trip to the original Fort site, just a short jaunt down the road from Cave of the Mounds. This property, once a lead mine, was owned by Dane County’s earliest permanent settler Ebenezer Brigham and donated in the 1920s by his family to the Wisconsin State Historical Society. Members of Brigham’s family still own nearby property yet today; this includes Cave of the Mounds, which they have operated as one of Wisconsin’s premier destinations since its 1940 opening.

All installments of this Sunday Speaker Series are free and family-friendly. Reservations are not required. 

Next up: Dr. Libby Tronnes presents “A New History of the Black Hawk War: Ho-Chunk Peacekeeping in 1832” on Sunday, September 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the Mount Horeb’s downtown Driftless Historium.

For more information, call 608-437-6486 or email mthorebahs@gmail.com.

During the Blacklight & Brews Tour, guests will have the rare opportunity to witness the cave in a new light as ultraviolet illumination reveals breathtaking fluorescent minerals and formations. This immersive tour is designed for relaxation and exploration, allowing participants to enjoy their journey through the cave at a relaxing pace, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Adding to the ambiance, guests can indulge in a complimentary drink upon arrival, choosing from a selection that includes beer, wine, or a refreshing frozen margarita or sangria. The event is for adults aged 21 and over.