Next we move to the Lower Sioux Agency in Morton, MN. Here is an area rich in cultural history for the Dakota. In 1862 many lives were altered when in a small town called Acton, some Dakota youths stole some eggs and killed some settlers because the government had let them down and they and their families were starving. Many people were affected by these actions in Acton, and in a couple of days the revolt became overwhelming and spread as far as New Ulm and Lake Shetek. By December 26th, 1862 the revolt had ended, the Native warriors captured, and tried in a one-sided court process which most of them didn't understand. The president, Abe Lincoln, had been involved and 39 Dakota men were due to hung that day in Mankato in the biggest mass execution in the history of America.

All except one of the men were hung that day to the sound of their own death songs, and buried close to the river, near the spot where they were hung. By the next morning all of the bodies had been exhumed and taken. Some were taken to medical facilities for experimentation, some were taken as souvenirs, some were just taken by the angry mob. In recent years groups of people have been working on finding the remains of these victims of a world gone mad. Chuck and I worked on a committee for 4 years doing just this, and working to find a way to rest the Spirits of these 38 men plus 3 others who were also killed in similar circumstances. In 1997, at Birch Coulee on Memorial day weekend, a Medicine Man performed a ceremony that had not been seen in over 100 years, to help these Spirits move on in peace. We watched in awed silence the flashing lights up in the trees that surrounded us, we listened to the drum and we knew that Spirit was pleased with the ceremony. It was a great honor to be there to witness spiritual history taking place.

To learn more about what is known as the Minnesota Uprising of 1862 you can visit the Lower Sioux Agency Museum where they have a very big area dedicated to this part of Minnesota Dakota history. The grounds are also interesting to walk around and the museum often puts on demonstrations and exhibits of other Dakota items.

Their web site is located HERE

For various other historic sites please go to this link

In November, 2004 the 2nd Dakota Commemorative March took place from the Lower Sioux Reservation in Morton, to Fort Snelling. This March followed the route that the Dakota walked in 1862. These were mostly women, children and elders. Many of them were killed along the way. This march was first completed in 2002 by people who are descendants of the Dakota who walked in 1862, and will again take place in 2006. For more details please click HERE

copyright above org.	Camden State Park Split Rock Creek Park Lake Shetek Park
State Parks Information	Upper Sioux

Photo copyright Minnesota Historical society

Federal Inter-agency which provides information for Native American Communities.