The largest mass execution in U.S. history took place in my hometown, Mankato. For white Minnesotans, at least of my generation, the struggle that birthed our place barely registered. I made this one hour piece for and with this American life. With TAL's permission, I'm replaying it here on C-Non Radio as part five of our series, Seeing White.
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