Dakota War of 1862

The Dakota Indians fought in many wars through their days in the 1800’s. One of the biggest wars was the Dakota War of 1862. In this war between the Dakota and the US army led by Colonel Henry Sibley. The Dakota fought but lost many warriors and the number is unknown. The Americans lost between 300-800 soldiers in the war. Although they have lost many numbers by the fighting, they also lost some from the hangings on December 26th, 1862 in which 38 Dakota Indians were hanged at the hands of the us government on Mankato, MN which is the largest mass execution in us history. Along with that war they fought in wars against the Ojibwe tribe and other smaller tribes throughout the present day Minnesota and Dakota areas. Although they had fought so much and left scares all over they are one of the most well remembered tribes in the area.

By Danny Glass