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History Of Blackhawks' Namesake

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Any Blackhawks fan knows the names Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp, Keith and Seabrook by heart, but how many really know the story of the team's namesake?

WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports the real Black Hawk was born and lived in the area around Rock Island, and was a war leader or chief of the Sauk tribe, but was not one of the hereditary civil chiefs.

In his native tongue, his name was Makataimeshekiakiak, which translates to Black Sparrow Hawk.

He fought alongside the British in the War of 1812, because he didn't like that Americans had begun moving into Sauk territory. He led the 15-week conflict known as the Black Hawk War in 1832.

Black Hawk dictated his autobiography in 1833, and you can still find it at book stores and libraries.

He died at age 70 in 1838.

The Chicago Blackhawks got their name from a World War I army division that was named after the Sauk warrior.

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