The Tri-Cities Blackhawks, later known as the Milwaukee Hawks, hold an important place in the NBA’s early years. This overview of Tri-Cities Blackhawks history highlights the team’s formation, key players, and notable moves across cities. Fans of the Tri-Cities Blackhawks still remember the impact this team had on shaping professional basketball’s foundation.
Established
1946
City
Tri-Cities - Milwaukee - St. Louis - Atlanta
League History
1949 – Present / National Basketball Association
1946 – 1949 / National Basketball League
Team History
1968 – Present / Atlanta Hawks
1955 – 1968 / St. Louis Hawks
1951 – 1955 / Milwaukee Hawks
1946 – 1951 / Tri-Cities Blackhawks
Nickname
Blackhawks - The Tri-Cities Blackhawks have been a beloved NBA team since its inception in 1946. The team's name has an interesting origin story that many sports fans may not be aware of.
Initially, the franchise was known as the Milwaukee Hawks and was based out of Wisconsin. However, when they moved to Illinois in 1951, they changed their name to reflect their new location - hence why they became known as “the Tri-Cities Blackhawks”
After three cities located along the Mississippi River: Rock Island (Illinois), Moline (Illinois) and Davenport (Iowa). It is said that this particular nickname was chosen due to its rich Native American heritage; it pays homage to Sauk Chief Black Hawk, who fought against US forces during a war in 1832 for control over land near these three towns.
Tri-Cities Blackhawks Origin
In addition to paying tribute through its moniker, this basketball organization also honors Black Hawk by featuring his image on its logo. It includes feathers representing each city within its borders. Rock Island being represented by one feather while both Moline and Davenport are featured with two feathers each – all placed around a circular design including five stars symbolizing unity among them.
Despite being from different states geographically speaking. This iconic logo has become synonymous with great success for years, making it no surprise that many people continue supporting such a fantastic franchise!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
1958
Arena
2019 - Present / State Farm Arena
1999 - 2018 / Philips Arena
1997 – 1999 / Georgia Dome & Alexander Memorial Coliseum
1972 – 1997 / The Omni
1968 – 1972 / Alexander Memorial Coliseum
*St. Louis*
1955 – 1968 / Kiel Auditorium
*Milwaukee*
1951 – 1955 / Milwaukee Arena
*Moline*
1946 – 1951 / Wharton Field House
Owner
2015 – Present / Tony Ressler
2004 – 2015 / Atlanta Spirit, LLC
1977 – 2004 / Ted Turner/Turner Broadcasting
1968 – 1976 / Tom Cousins/Cousins Corporation, Carl Sanders
1946 – 1968 / Ben Kerner
- 1946
- 1949
- 1950
-
Tri-Cities Blackhawks Formation
Along the banks of the Mississippi River in the area known as tri-cities, where the cities of Moline, Illinois; Rock Island, Illinois; and Davenport, Iowa form a consolidation the newest franchise in the National Basketball League began to play after starting the season as the Buffalo Bisons for a few games, with General Manager Leo Ferris who was instrumental in ... -
Hire “Red” Auerbach
After losing their next six games Coach Roger Potter was fired and replaced by Arnold “Red” Auerbach. Under Auerbach, the Blackhawks would go on to finish in third place with a 29-35 record finishing in third place in the Western Division. IN the playoffs the Blackhawks would be knocked off by the Anderson Packers in a three-game series. Following the ... -
Cousy to the Chicago Stags
Following the season Auerbach would not renew his contract taking the coaching job with Boston Celtics where he would go on to build a dynasty, along with Bob Cousy who the Blackhawks would trade to the Chicago Stags shortly after the draft. Cousy who end up in Boston after the Stags folded prior to the start of the next season.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Tri-Cities Blackhawks History
The Tri-Cities Blackhawks, later known as the Milwaukee Hawks and now the Atlanta Hawks, are a foundational franchise in the NBA. Established in 1946, the team was originally based in Moline, Illinois, representing the Tri-Cities area of Moline, Rock Island, and Davenport. This early chapter of Tri-Cities Blackhawks history reflects the roots of one of basketball’s most enduring organizations.
During the first years of Tri-Cities Blackhawks basketball, the team competed in the National Basketball League (NBL) before joining the newly formed NBA in 1949. Under head coach Red Auerbach from 1947 to 1949, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks began developing their identity. Although their inaugural BAA season ended at 23–41, they showed potential and built a loyal regional fan base that played a key role in shaping the team’s future.
As Tri-Cities Blackhawks history continued, the team saw multiple coaching changes, including Chuck Guarman and Paul Seymour in the early 1950s. In 1951, the franchise relocated to Milwaukee and became the Milwaukee Hawks, a move that set the stage for greater stability and exposure. This period introduced more standout players while keeping the legacy of the Tri-Cities Blackhawks alive.
Over the years, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks produced several notable players, including Hall of Famers like George Mikan, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, and Walt Bellamy, who either played for or were associated with the franchise during its evolving journey. Their contributions helped establish a competitive culture, making the team a crucial part of basketball history even before its move to larger markets.
Blackhawks Achievements
In terms of achievements, the franchise that began as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks has reached remarkable milestones. After the team’s move and transformation into the St. Louis Hawks, they captured the 1958 NBA Championship by defeating the Boston Celtics, marking their first and only title to date. They also made four NBA Finals appearances between 1957 and 1961, cementing their status as one of the league’s early powerhouses.
Today, the legacy of the Tri-Cities Blackhawks history lives on through the modern Atlanta Hawks. The franchise boasts numerous division titles, playoff appearances, and a continued reputation for nurturing basketball legends. Fans of the Tri-Cities Blackhawks can trace the roots of today’s success back to the grit and determination of the original team from Illinois, keeping its story alive in NBA lore.
Learn more about the franchise on Wikipedia or explore its transformation from the Milwaukee Hawks to its present-day success in Atlanta.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
9 / Bob Pettit
21 / Dominique Wilkins
23 / Lou Hudson
44 / Pete Maravich
55 / Dikembe Mutombo
59 / Kasim Reed
– / Ted Turner
*Blue is this team’s history