Category Archives: Dakota Commemorative March

The Dakota Prisoners’ Caregivers

Real life is never as cut and dried as histories make it seem. The stories of the Dakota Women’s March to Fort Snelling, and of the Prisoners’ March to South Bend in November 1862 are great examples. Although the majority … Continue reading

Posted in Dakota Commemorative March, Primary Sources | 18 Comments

Hot Water, Part 2

“They were coming to the end of the town and they thought they were out of trouble. Then there was a big building at the end of the street. Someone threw hot, scalding water on them. The children were all … Continue reading

Posted in Dakota Commemorative March, Doing Historical Research, Indian Hating, Primary Sources, truth-telling | Tagged | Leave a comment

Hot Water

Henderson, Minnesota Few stories tell us as much about the mindset of Minnesotans in the wake of the 1862 war. Or how little we know today about who we were then. Dakota people told us first. It took years of … Continue reading

Posted in Dakota Commemorative March, Indian Hating, Primary Sources, truth-telling | 1 Comment

The Deer That Got Me A Better Car When I Turn Sixteen

This is a post in my series honoring the 2012 Dakota Commemorative March. I’m just going to tell you a different story. It’s true. Last night we had a dinner party at our house. Just before dessert, my husband left … Continue reading

Posted in Commemorating Controversy, Dakota Commemorative March, Doing Historical Research | Tagged | 1 Comment

A Scheme for Revenge

“The Union forever! Hurrah, boys, hurrah! Kill every Indian, papoose and squaw; The Indians must be slain or driven to the plain And silence the war whoop forever.” — rendition of “The Battle Cry of Freedom” attributed to soldiers in Minnesota, … Continue reading

Posted in Commemorating Controversy, Dakota Commemorative March, Indian Hating, Primary Sources, truth-telling | Tagged | 1 Comment

Soldiers “Trysting” in the Dakota Camp

“…I did not drill to day was sick –feel better to night –nothing of importance –another bans read on dress parade that there should be  no more Trysting with the Squaws it made the boys a little mad as there … Continue reading

Posted in Dakota Commemorative March, Doing Historical Research, Indian Hating, Primary Sources, truth-telling | Tagged | 2 Comments

Indian Hating

Wilhelmina Buce Carrigan (1855-1912)  Minnie Buce Carrigan was seven years old in August 1862, when she witnessed the deaths of her mother, her father, and four younger siblings at the hands of Dakota warriors at her home on Middle Creek … Continue reading

Posted in Commemorating Controversy, Dakota Commemorative March, Indian Hating, truth-telling | Tagged | 6 Comments

“Let the Sioux Race be Annihilated”

Unexpectedly, on August 18, 1862, Abraham J. Van Vorhes, editor of the Stillwater Messenger and member of the Stillwater (Washington County, Minnesota) militia home guard, became a Dakota War correspondent. Deputized by Superintendent of Indian Affairs Clark W. Thompson to … Continue reading

Posted in Commemorating Controversy, Dakota Commemorative March, Primary Sources | Tagged | 3 Comments

Stories that Measure the Human Heart

Minnesota stands of the verge of one of the most poignant commemorations of 1862. Over six days, from November 7-13, 2012, Dakota people and their allies will march roughly 150 miles from the Lower Sioux Agency near Morton, Minnesota, to … Continue reading

Posted in Commemorating Controversy, Dakota Commemorative March | Tagged | Leave a comment

The 2012 Dakota Commemorative March Series

I imagined 2012 Dakota Commemorative March, at least part of it, might be my first. A short answer from my doctor this week,”No way,” ended that hope. But I will be there in spirit, supporting those who will be marching … Continue reading

Posted in Commemorating Controversy, Dakota Commemorative March, Dakota Peace Party, truth-telling | Tagged | Leave a comment