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What happened during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862?

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A Cheyenne River Sioux dancer in colorful traditional regalia performs during the Grand Entry at a powwow, with an American flag and other participants in the background. — Oceti Sakowin A member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe performing during the Grand Entry at the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Fair Rodeo and Powwow, Eagle Butte, South Dakota, September 4, 2016.

The U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 was a six-week conflict in Minnesota triggered by the U.S. government’s repeated violation of treaties and failure to deliver promised annuities, which led to widespread starvation among the Dakota people.12

Conflict and Key Events

Violence began on August 17, 1862, when four Dakota hunters killed five settlers. Under the leadership of Chief Little Crow, Dakota warriors launched an offensive against the Redwood Agency and surrounding settlements. While the Dakota achieved success in battles such as the engagement at Birch Coulee, they were ultimately outmatched by U.S. forces at the Battle of Wood Lake in September. Following this defeat, the Dakota Peace Party secured the release of hundreds of settler hostages at Camp Release.21

Aftermath and Consequences

The conflict resulted in the deaths of more than 600 Euro-American settlers and an unknown number of Dakota. In the aftermath, nearly 400 Dakota men were tried by military tribunal. Although 303 were initially sentenced to death, President Abraham Lincoln commuted most sentences, and 38 men were hanged in Mankato on December 26, 1862—the largest mass execution in U.S. history.23

Following the war, the U.S. government revoked its treaties, and the Dakota were forcibly removed from Minnesota and sent to Nebraska and other territories.12