Today In Native American History: On December 26th, 1862 at 10:00 AM, the largest mass hanging in U.S. history took place in Mankato, MN. The condemned were 38 Dakota Sioux found guilty in a kangaroo court for their role in the Sioux Uprising or Dakota War of 1862. Abraham Lincoln signed the order. After years of mismanagement of funds by Indian Agents, the Sioux were living under extreme conditions including starvation. Local merchant Andrew Myrick at the time said, ...if they are hungry let them eat grass or their own dung. He was among the first killed, found dead with grass in his mouth. Partially led by Chief Little Crow, the Dakota began to attack settlements along the Minnesota River. More than 600 Euro-Americans died during the skirmishes. Today, horseback riders from the Dakota 38+2 Memorial Ride arrive in Mankato from Lower Brulé, SD. This annual ride honors the Dakota.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 16:11:34 +0000
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