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US-Dakota War of 1862 Sesquicentennial Commemoration Events
2012 marks 150 years since the US-Dakota War of 1862. At least 450 white settlers and soldiers lost their lives along with many unrecorded Dakota causalities and forced removals. In 2012 we try to understand the events leading up to the conflict along with the grim outcome - the simultaneous hanging of 38 Dakota on December 26, 1862. It was the largest mass execution in US History. The US-Dakota War also was the largest attack on settlers in the history of the US.
Several communities in the Greater Mankato Area are holding special events to commemorate the conflict.
Calendar of Events
Setting the Scene: The History of the US Dakota War
Chronology of the 1862 War
Resources for the US Dakota War
A Self Guided Tour
This self-guided tour takes you to 20 historic sites in Mankato, St. Peter, Redwood Falls, Sleepy Eye and New Ulm, Minnesota.
These maps can be found at the Greater Mankato Convention and Visitors Bureau (link), The Blue Earth County Historical Society (link) and the Blue Earth County Library (link).
Some communities along the self-guided tour have events scheduled throughout 2012 in commemoration of the US-Dakota War of 1862. To find out more about those community events click on the links below.
Self Guided Tour Brochure
Mankato
- Mankato (Mahkato) Annual 40th Traditional Pow-Wow Honoring the 38 Dakota - September 21-23, 2012
- Every September Native Americans from a number of tribes gather in Mankato’s Land of Memories Park, where the Dakota people held many ceremonies and gatherings before the US-Dakota War of 1862. The conflict resulted in the execution of 38 Dakota warriors in Mankato on December 26, 1862. The Pow-wow, which is co-sponsored and co-organized by the Mdewakanton Association, costs $5 for the weekend and is open to the public.
In keeping with the theme of reconciliation visitors and participants, native and non-native alike are welcome to attend. The Pow-Wow has been held in Mankato since 1972. The three-day event includes the beautiful regalia of the dancers, traditional music, delicious foods and beautiful crafts. The event is open Friday from 3 p.m. until the dancers are done dancing, Saturday from 9 a.m. until the dancers are done dancing and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 2012 Poster
Mahkato Pow-Wow
Land of Memories Park Google Map
mahkatowacipi.org
- The Dakota 38+2 Wokiksuye Horse Ride – December 26, 2012
- The Dakota Conflict - 150 Years - Perspectives "Through Their Own Eyes"
- 4 to 5:30 p.m. on February 21, March 13, April 3, September 20, October 11, November 15
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
CSU Ballroom
Mankato, MN
507.389.6300
St. Peter
Treaty Site History Center/Nicollet County Historical Society
1851 North Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter, MN
507.934.2160
http://www.nchsmn.org/
All year round the Treaty Site History Center/Nicollet County Historical Society has a wealth of information regarding the Dakota people and the US-Dakota War.
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Dakota History Lecture Series
Gustavus Adolfus College
800 West College Avenue, St. Peter, MN
507.933.8000
https://gustavus.edu
New Ulm
The Brown County Historical Society, 150th Steering Committee, Turner Hall and Junior Pioneers have planned a 150th Commemoration week-long event including symposiums, walking tours, historic area bus tours, round-table discussion, cemetery tours, theatrical performances, Thunder in the Valley, postage cancellations, book signings, cemetery tours, banquets and marker dedications along with several other events during the week.
Morton
Renville County Historical Museum
441 North Park Drive, Morton, MN
507.697.6147
director@renvillecountyhistory.com
http://www.renvillecountyhistory.com/
Over Labor Day weekend 2012 the Renville County Historical Museum will have a battlefield encampment set up to show the soldiers of the Civil War era. They will perform dramas including surgeries, training and meals that would have taken place at camps outside of the battlefields. They will have representation from the Dakota people to represent their lifestyle during that period as well. For more information contact Director Carl Colwell with the contact information listed above.
Other
Dakota War History Ride August 2-5
A bicycle tour is a new addition to events already planned to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the US Dakota War of 1862. Based on interest and feedback, Have Fun Biking, Wahoo! Adventures, and The Fit Tourist have combined their expertise to add a 150 mile, 3-day, fully supported, bicycle ride that will be educational and scenic. Riders will be bused from St. Peter to Montevideo to begin the 3-day journey through the Minnesota River Valley, stopping at historic sites to learn from local experts and overnight stops in Monte, Redwood Falls, and New Ulm. Registration and pricing will be announced soon. Contact Kerri at 651-280-7299 or kerri@havefunbiking.com if you can help promote, provide lodging, a food or snack stop, or something fun to offer along the route!
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