Blood and Iron: The Tragedy of Fort Dearborn

In 1812, as the War of 1812 raged, Fort Dearborn in Chicago faced evacuation under Captain Nathan Heald’s command. William Wells, a scout torn between his white heritage and his Miami upbringing, led the evacuation. With his face painted black as a sign of impending death, Wells and the evacuees were ambushed by Potawatomi warriors, leading to a brutal massacre. Wells was killed, his heart eaten by his captors, symbolizing their desire to absorb his courage and strength. The tragedy resulted in significant loss of life and highlighted the intense conflict between American settlers and Native American tribes.