MHS & Community Events

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, Learn about the darkest chapter in Minnesota historythe U.S.-Dakota War of 1862and how it changed the state and nation forever. View the evidence: documents, images and artifacts related to the wars causes and aftermath, plus hear the personal stories of people whose lives were torn apart.2012 marks 150 years since the U.S.-Dakota Wara war that followed years of broken treaties and promises to the Dakota people at a time when homesteaders were pouring into Minnesota. The war was waged over six weeks in southern Minnesota in the late summer of 1862, but the wars profound consequences are still felt today.The exhibit incorporates multiple points of view on what happened and why and was developed in collaboration with descendants of those touched by the war. Throughout, visitors are encouraged to add their own comments and reactions.