The Bad PR of Minnesota

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In 1863, Congress passed a law confiscating all the Dakotas land in Minnesota. President Lincoln signed it effectively banishing the Dakota from the state. About 25 years later, some Dakota who were considered friendly to return and establish small settlements in the state. Today, visitors to Minneapolis can drive down Hayawatha Boulevard and visit Minneaha Falls.

Growing up in Mankato, Minnesota, John Biewen heard next to nothing about the town’s most important historical event. In 1862, Mankato was the site of the largest mass execution in U.S. history – the hanging of 38 Dakota warriors – following one of the major wars between Plains Indians and settlers. In this documentary, originally produced for This American Life, John goes back to Minnesota to explore what happened, and why Minnesotans didn’t talk about it afterwards.

Image: The Minnesota State Seal, 1858

Key sources for this episode:

Gwen Westerman, Mni Sota MakoceMary Wingerd, North Country: The Making of Minnesota