Dr. Jane Simonsen, Augustana professor of history, will present a free lecture, "Standing (on) Her Ground: Native American Women & Land Claims in Eastern Iowa,” at 5:00 pm, on February 17 at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street.
Dr. Jane Simonsen, Augustana professor of history, will present a free lecture, "Standing (on) Her Ground: Native American Women & Land Claims in Eastern Iowa,” at 5:00 pm, on February 17 at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street.
Quad-Cities residents who know of the region's history might share the idea that after the Black Hawk War of 1832, the Meskwaki and Sauk peoples were quickly and completely driven out of the area. In reality, many stayed for years.
Some of those who stayed — including a large number of women — fought for the legal right they had to their land. That included Marguerite LeClaire, the wife of Antoine LeClaire, the principal founder of Davenport. She was part Meskwaki and managed to hang onto her land. Her husband was part Pottawatomie.
Dr. Simonsen will share the stories of Native American women who sought a legal claim to their land. The presentation will be presented in-person in the library’s Community Room. Through special arrangement with the speaker, participants may follow the live talk via Facebook Live. However, a recording will not be available.
Masks are required at all times in the library. The event is free and open to all. Registration is not required.
For more events from the Rock Island Public Library, visit the library calendar. For more information, visit the library website or call 309-732-READ.