U.S.-Dakota War of 1862

The state of Minnesota places bounties—ranging from $25 to $200—on the scalps of Dakota people.

About 1600 Dakota women, children and older men are marched from the Lower Sioux Agency to Fort Snelling. Along the route they are attacked by mobs of angry settlers.

Nearly 300 Dakota prisoners die over the winter, victims of illness and of attacks by civilians and soldiers.

The Dakota then attack settlements along the Minnesota River valley, killing hundreds of white settlers in the first few days.

Annuity payments are late again, and the traders refuse to extend further credit.

the Senate replaces “in perpetuity” with “at the discretion of the President.”

A federal law, the Dakota Expulsion Act, abrogates all Dakota treaties and makes it illegal for Dakota to live in the state of Minnesota. The act applies to all Dakota, regardless of whether they joined the war in 1862. This law has never been repealed.

On December 26, 1862, 38 Dakota men were hanged at Mankato.

Following the mass execution on December 26, it was discovered that two men had been mistakenly hanged.

On November 5, the commission completed its work. 392 prisoners were tried, 303 were sentenced to death, and 16 were given prison terms.

In August 1862, with the Dakota facing starvation, some tribal factions attacked white settlements