Posted on 05/22/2023 4:48:58 AM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson
FORT SNELLING, Minn., Saturday, May 16, 1863.
Generally monotonous as is the face of the Western county, the contrast is striking when you launch upon the Upper Mississippi, with its tireless succession of lofty peaks and rounded heights, its labyrinth of deep valleys descending from the back country, its groves of stately trees along the bottom lands, and then for miles its mural bluffs of limestone, two hundred feet in height, like colossal ramparts, darkly reflected in the glassy surface beneath. The intersection of the valley of the Minnesota with that of the Mississippi, with Fort Snelling frowning down upon it; the waterfall of Minne-ha-ha, and the tiny cascade of Minne-iska -- scenes of idyllian beauty: and the falls and rapids of St. Anthony are highly attractive features of the Upper Mississippi scenery, and come almost within one sweep of the eye.
Forty years ago, far out in the "vast howling wilderness," this fort was built. Its massive masonry, rising from half way up the high, rocky bluff, on the two river sides, makes it an imposing structure when seen from the valley of the Mississippi or the Minnesota, whose waters roll together at its feet.
As a defence to the region round about, its day has long passed. As a military rendezvous for this State, however, its position is central and convenient. For this purpose it has been used by the General Government during the past two years, and since the Sioux began their war upon the white settlers its importance as a military station has increased.
The first five regiments of Minnesota Volunteers are in the war at the South. The First, in the army of the Potomac, is the oldest three-years' regiment in the service.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
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The Rebel Sioux: The Indian War in the Northwest – 2
Affairs in Tennessee: Departure of Gen. Schofield for St. Louis – 2
Another Order from Gen. Burnside: The Families of Rebel Sympathizers – 2
The Twelfth Regiment at Home – 3
The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts (Colored) Regiment, &c. – 3
The Siege of Vicksburgh: Capture of Jackson, Mississippi – 3
Fighting Near Suffolk: Skirmishing With the Rebels on the Blackwater – 3
An Unfortunate Mistake Near Franklin – 3-4
Department of North Carolina: A Brilliant Cavalry Dash – 4
The Draft: The Enrollment to Commence Immediately – 4
The Enlistment of Colored Troops: A Letter from Gov. Todd, of Ohio – 4
News from Washington: A Draft to be Made as Soon as Possible – 4-5
Editorial: Rebels Banished from St. Louis – 5-6
Editorial: Our Lesser Wars – 6
Emigration – 6
Editorial: Reminiscenses of Stonewall Jackson – 6
Thanks for the article. The uprising started in Acton Township Minnesota, at a farm three miles south of my Great Grandfather’s homestead. It is called by locals “The Acton Township Massacre”. I remember going with my father to visit the Acton Township Memorial for the settlers who were killed there. He was born a half century later, and his grandparents could recount it with burned in memories.
This location is about 75 miles west of Fort Snelling. There was a local there who is called the “Minnesota Paul Revere” He rode a series of horses to Fort Snelling to warn the military there of the events.
Incidentally, my great grandfather’s 17-year-old brother had just arrived from Norway at the time. He was quickly drafted into the Minnesota Militia, and was killed in the Civil War, fighting to free the slaves. Does this absolve our family from the 13 $trillion in reparations demanded for all Blacks now? If all blacks receive it, and all whites must pay it, isn’t that the epitome of racism?
I have an Aunt buried at Fort Snelling, and I grew up in Minnesota. Your family history made me look up the Acton Township Massacre and I found the above article.
The guy has NUMEROUS eye witness and historical accounts of the incident and presents them all. Some sort of argument that spun into a much larger thing. Four Indians killed five whites that sparked the Dakota War.
To be clear, the massacre sparked the war by emboldening the Indians to attack more white settlers, which then was put down by the army. 650 whites were killed, 150 Indians killed and 38 hanged later.
Thanks, that is an interesting link. I’ll study it more later. I am quite familiar with the area. I lived up until second grade in Litchfield, just east of Acton. We moved to Forrest City for my third and fourth grade, and then on to Bemidji. A cousin still lives in the Acton area and knows quite a bit of the local history.
Forrest City maintained a gristmill and a fort at the time of the massacre, so it was important for security. That explains why it was mentioned a lot in the link. When the Great Northern railroad went through Litchfield, Forrest city dwindled, and the county seat was moved to Litchfield. The railroad also passes through the northern side of the family farm. My great grandfather donated a piece of the farm to the Lutheran church in Atwater, and many of my relatives are buried there, including my mom and dad.
The Mpls/St.Paul airport is now located right next to Fort Snelling way out in the “vast howling wilderness”...
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