What caused the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862?

Like any war, there is no single answer to the question. Genocidal policies from the government, apathetic officials, fraudulent fur traders, and a series of unforgiving seasons have all been to blame. This episode seeks to understand the rising tensions in the young state of Minnesota and why these series of events led to mass bloodshed.

Discussed in this podcast are the stories of German immigrants, the fact and fiction of Inkpaduta, and the desperate measures some indigenous leaders like Taoyateduta or Little Crow [pictured] took to keep their cultures alive. 

Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Ten of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd.

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Race is an unavoidable and complicated element of Minnesota history. How neighbors viewed each other, how the population was counted, and who was considered fully human; perspectives on these issues shaped and, in turn, were shaped by public policy. Often, businesses could profit by painting one group as lesser and one group as greater. Politicians could exploit cultural divides whenever it might suit their political needs. Individuals could have a great many reasons for personal biases. 

But bigotry was not the default. For generations, Minnesota had a unique and nebulous understanding of race. 

Race informed the social and political challenges of early Minnesota, from enfranchisement of mixed blood voters to the enforcement of fugitive slave laws. This chapter explores the stories of individuals like Dred Scott and George Bonga, as well as broader events like the State Constitutional Convention and the economic panic of 1857.

Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Nine of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd.

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If you attended sixth grade history class in the State of Minnesota, you've probably heard of the treaties of Traverse des Sioux and Mendota. You've also probably heard that those treaties were both corrupt and important to the foundation of the state. But perhaps you need a refresher on what exactly that means. 

You're in luck: on this podcast, we touch on many of the major treaties from the 1840s and 1850s. You'll hear about the shady exploits of Henry Rice and how he mysteriously convinced the Dakota to sign an unfavorable treaty. You'll gasp at the lengths to which Henry Sibley will go to make a profit for himself and his fellow fur traders. You can't help but marvel at the witty and courageous--yet heartbreaking--remarks from Dakota, Ojibwe, and Winnebago negotiators. Wabasha, Sleepy Eyes, Flat Mouth, Big Canoe, and Hole-in-the-Day are just some of the indigenous leaders vital to this story. 

There are many complexities which make this story difficult to tell, but this episode can be your primer on some of the things you may have forgotten from history class. 

Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Eight of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd.

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St. Paul was not supposed to be the seat of government in Minnesota Territory. 

Land grabs, purchased elections, and alcohol determined the course of history in 1850s Minnesota. Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant and Alexander Ramsey introduce themselves to our story in this chapter, and the dreams of both men changed the lives of countless Minnesotans for generations. For one, their ambition was to lead a wealthy new territory to statehood; for the other, it was to sell alcoholic beverages in peace. How a booze port became the capital of a U.S. territory, and the breakdown of possibly the most absurd election in Minnesota history are explained in this chapter of North Country. 

Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Seven of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd.

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Minnesota was a complicated place to be for a mixed race fur trader. Throughout his life, Alexander Faribault had to navigate a world with constantly changing cultural, political, and professional norms. As he tried to build a town, the state was torn apart by a war that would define his legacy.

The Dakota people who populated the land of Faribault were primarily Wahpekute. Their relationships with the land, the white settlers, and the U.S. government were complicated and sometimes dangerous.  Local historian Larry Richie was interviewed in January of 2017 for our "Peoples of Faribault" documentary. This interview has been adapted to the podcast platform to explore Faribault's perspective on Minnesota history in the 1850s and '60s.   

View the full "Peoples of Faribault" documentary here: https://youtu.be/gGXi88-37i0

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Stolen land and fraud define Minnesota's history. 

Henry Sibley, Alexis Bailly, and Hercules Dousman were among those seeking profits in the 1830s and '40s. Lawrence Taliaferro made the case against the former fur traders. Both parties worked to sweet talk and bribe both indigenous leaders and Washington politicians alike. Hunger and desperation drove leaders like Wakinyatanka (Little Crow) to the bargaining table. In addition to treaties, this episode will discuss early white settlement, the dehumanization of Native women, and the unrealized vision of an American Indian State. 

Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Six of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd.

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Steamboats were a game changer for the North Country. They brought profiteers, tourists, and a certain #Hamilton into the Minnesota story. Missionaries plied their faith and attempted to Christianize indigenous people; some successful, some not. American leaders delivered aristocracy and began the push toward white settlement. It is a time of transition in Minnesota. The characters of Joseph Nicollet, Henry Sibley, Augustin Ravoux, and that mysterious #Hamilton play important roles in this week's story.

Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Five of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd.

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Zebulon Pike. Lawrence Taliaferro. Henry Hastings Sibley.  Big names come into play, this week on the podcast. Land cessions from indigenous people, fraud by ambitious profiteers, and drunken "dregs" at Fort Snelling dot the landscape of this era in Minnesota history.

Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Four of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. 

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The culture of the fur trade is changing. Britain is picking up the shambles of French Minnesota. The Dakota and the Ojibwe are trying to reckon with this changing climate while staving off illness and the new British social caste. Meanwhile, to the east, rebellious Yankees throw a wrench into the machinations of the fur trade by declaring independence from Britain. Monopolies, river rendezvous, and more excite this chapter of Minnesota history.   

Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Three of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd.

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