St. Paul, Minn. – Events are planned around the state this week to commemorate the anniversary of the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War, which began 150 years ago this week. The Minnesota Civil War Commemoration Task Force released this updated schedule for events that are open to the public. This is part of an on-going effort to recognize the sacrifices of U.S. troops and Dakota Indian warriors during the conflict which lasted from August 17 - December 26, 1862. A complete list of events can be found at the Task Force’s website at www.mncivilwar150.com/events.
Thursday August 16
Dakota Camp – Flandreau Santee Sioux Nation, South Dakota
- Workshops, talking circles, youth activities, games, exhibits and activities all day.
- A Celebration of Life featuring John Trudell and Jackie Bird at 7 p.m.
Part of the “Legacy of Survival: Commemorating 150 years of Dakota Exile from Minnesota (1862-2012)”
Friday August 17
Welcome Home Dakota Exiles – Walk to Pipestone, Minnesota
- From Flandreau, Dakota Exiles will walk and relay across the Minnesota border to return to their most significant sacred place, Pipestone Quarry, for ceremonies and a feast. All Minnesotans are encouraged to welcome them home.
Part of the “Legacy of Survival: Commemorating 150 years of Dakota Exile from Minnesota (1862-2012)”
Saturday August 18
Sesquicentennial Dakota Conflict Tour
Oakland Cemetery, St. Paul – 10:30 a.m.
Walking tour of the Historic Oakland Cemetery with tour guide Pat Hill. Participants in this two-hour tour will examine the Treaty of 1851 and the consequences for the Dakota people; the Battles of Fort Ridgely, New Ulm and Birch Coolee; the effort among Dakota people to save lives and restore order and visit the final resting places of some of the primary participants in early Minnesota history. Participants are asked to dress appropriately as this is a two-hour walking tour over uneven ground, and bring a bottle of water for their personal hydration. For more information contact Mr. Pat Hill at (651) 772-2027 or visit http://oaklandcemeterymn.com
Saturday August 18 – Sunday August 19
Fort Snelling Civil War Weekend
Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul, MN
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fee: $11 adults, $9 seniors and college students, $6 children ages 6-17; free for children 5 and under and Minnesota Historical Society members.
Travel back to the 1860s and experience life at the frontier fort during the Civil War. Meet costumed staff and Civil War reenactors as they perform military drills and cannon firings. View equipment and weapons displays, learn about Fort Snelling’s role in the national debate over slavery during the 1800s and explore the complex history of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. For more information visit www.mnhs.org.
The following events are in Brown County. More information can be obtained at http://www.
Monday, August 20
Leavenworth Rescue Tour
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tours start at the Brown County Historical Society (BCHS). Tickets are required. $15 from the BCHS.
“Lincoln, Little Crow and the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War”
Scott Berg, Professor, George Mason University
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Turner Halle, 102 South State St., New Ulm.
Free admission
“Choosing Sides on August 20th”
Dr. Gwen Westerman, Professor, Minnesota State University, Mankato
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Turner Halle, 102 South State St., New Ulm.
Free admission
Milford Historical Area Tour
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tours start at the BCHS. Tickets are required. $15 from the BCHS.
Downtown Battlefield Walking Tour
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tours begin every 15 minutes between 1:00 and 2:00. Tours are one hour long.
$3 per person. Purchase tickets at the BCHS.
Hanska Historical Area Tour
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tours start at the BCHS. Tickets are required. $15 from the BCHS.
Video-“Dakota War”
2:00 p.m.
Video will be shown at the BCHS Annex building behind the BCHS museum.
Free admission.
Grand Center for the Arts
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Artists Showcase. Kiesling House, 220 North Minnesota Street, New Ulm.
Multicultural Dance Celebration
7:00 p.m.
Featuring Mike Lucio Native American Dancers, Dale Holtz Polka Band and Otto’s Sound.
German Park. Free admission.
Tuesday, August 21
Milford Historical Area Tour
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tours start at the Brown County Historical Society (BCHS). Tickets are required. $15 from the BCHS.
Afternoon with the Authors
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Loren Dean Boutin, Lois Glewwe, Colette A. Hyman, Michael Keigan, John LaBatte, Corinne Marz, Lowell Ueland, Jeff Williamson.
Free admission. Lunch is available for purchase at Turner Halle, 102 South State St., New Ulm.
Leavenworth Rescue Tour
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tours start at the BCHS. Tickets are required. $15 from the BCHS.
Downtown Battlefield Walking Tour
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tours begin every 15 minutes between 1:00 and 2:00. Tours are one hour long.
$3 per person. Purchase at BCHS.
Video-“Dakota Exile”
2:00 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Video will be shown at the BCHS Annex building behind the BCHS musuem.
Free admission.
“Why Did They Come? German Emigration to America and Minnesota in the 19th Century”
Gerhard Solbach, Retiring Professor, University of Dortmund, Germany
7:00 p.m. New Ulm Public Library, 17 N. Broadway St., New Ulm.
Free admission.
Wednesday, August 22
Leavenworth Rescue Tour
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tours start at the Brown County Historical Society (BCHS). Tickets are required. $15 from the BCHS.
Battlefield Archaeologists
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Turner Halle, 102 South State St., New Ulm.
Richard Rothias, APB Battlefield Report, Michelle Terrell, Wood Lake.
Free admission. Lunch is available for purchase at Turner Halle.
Milford Area Historical Tour
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tours start at the BCHS. Tickets are required. $15 from the BCHS.
Downtown Battlefield Walking Tour
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tours begin every 15 minutes between 1:00 and 2:00. Tours are one hour long. $3 per person. Purchase at the BCHS.
Video-“Return to Shetek, the Courage of the Fool Soldiers”
2:00 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Video will be shown at the BCHS Annex building behind the BCHS museum.
Free admission.
John LaBatte and Del IronCloud
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Turner Halle, 102 South State St., New Ulm.
Free admission.
The Minnesota Civil War Commemoration Task Force can be reached at www.mncivilwar150.com.
