One hundred fifty years ago thirty eight Dakota warriors were hanged in Mankato, Minnesota, in the largest mass hanging in U.S. history. Three hundred and three braves were condemned to death by a military tribunal at the close of the 1862 Dakota Conflict. Bishop Henry Whipple gathered information proving most were innocent. He contacted President Lincoln who reprieved all but thirty-eight who were hanged in a public hanging the day after Christmas 1862.
ABERCROMBIE TRAIL tells this story through fictionalized characters. Many non-fiction books investigate the reasons and political realities of the time. If you are not informed about this event, you might consider investigating it further.
It is a day to reflect on this tragic historical event.
2 Responses
Yesterday on the Minnesota Channel 22-6 (TPT) there was a program about the ride of Dakota horsemen from South Dakota to Mankato, for remembrance and reconciliation.
Also on KAXE/KBXE at 6 pm there was an hour-long rebroadcast of “Clash of Cultures” by Milt and Jamie Lee of Bemidji.
Both programs detailed the crisis of hunger experienced by the Dakota in the Minnesota River Valley, and the withholding of needed food on the part of the federal agents.
Thanks for the heads up, Gordon. I will try to catch the program on the web. Happy New Year!