Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
HORSESHOE BLUFF
HORSESHOE BLUFF. First bluff south of the JULIEN DUBUQUE MONUMENT. The climactic battle between the SAUK AND FOX against the DAKOTA for possession of lands west of the MISSISSIPPI RIVER was fought on these heights with the defeat of the Dakota.
The bluff was named for the miraculous escape of one Dakota warrior. Pursued by Fox, the warrior rode over the southeast portion of the precipice on horseback to the astonishment of all observers.
The site was a favorite subject of Dubuque artist, John J. KAVANAUGH.