 The period between Stillman 's Run and the raid at Sinsinawa Mound was filled with war @-@ related activity . A series of attacks at Buffalo Grove , the Plum River settlement , Fort Blue Mounds and the war 's most famous incident , the Indian Creek massacre , all took place between mid @-@ May and late June 1832 . The week before the Battle of Apple River Fort ( on June 24 ) was an important turning point for the settlers : between June 16 and 18 two key battles , one at Waddams Grove and the other at Horseshoe Bend , played a role in changing public perception about the militia after its defeat at Stillman 's Run . The Battle of Apple River Fort occurred five days before the Sinsinawa Mound raid ; the fight was a 45 minute gun battle between defenders garrisoned inside Apple River Fort and Sauk and Fox warriors led by Chief Black Hawk himself . 
