Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Cathy Wurzer
ST. PAUL, Minn.

European settlers caught in the middle of the US-Dakota War

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

This week marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the US-Dakota War of 1862. The seeds of the unrest had been simmering for some time among Dakota Indians. Government payments for their land and shipments of food were late. The Indians were starving and tensions boiled over near Acton Township in western Minnesota on Aug. 17. Five settlers were killed. That began a brief, but bloody series of battles between whites and Dakota Indians.

Historian Annette Atkins from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's Univeristy talks with Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer about the white settlers who found themselves caught between government corruption and desperate Indians.