Lower Sioux Agency facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lower Sioux Agency
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The Lower Sioux Agency warehouse from the northwest
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| Location | 32469 County Hwy. 2, Sherman Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, USA |
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| Nearest city | Morton, Minnesota |
| Area | 122.86 acres (49.72 ha) |
| Built | 1853–1862 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000308 |
| Added to NRHP | 1970-09-22 |
The Lower Sioux Agency, also known as the Redwood Agency, was once a very important government office for the Lower Sioux Indian Reservation in Redwood County, Minnesota. It was the place where a major event called the Dakota War of 1862 began on August 18, 1862.
Today, the Lower Sioux Agency is a special historic site. It is looked after by the Lower Sioux Community and the Minnesota Historical Society. Visitors can explore the site, learn from an interpretive center, walk on self-guided trails, and see a restored stone warehouse from 1861. This warehouse is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Discovering the Lower Sioux Agency's Past
Why the Agency Was Built
The United States government created the Lower Sioux Agency in 1853. Its purpose was to manage the new Lower Sioux Indian Reservation. This reservation became the home for the Mdewakanton and Wahpekute bands of the Dakota people. They moved there after signing the Treaty of Mendota in 1851.
A Time of Trouble and Need
In August 1862, the Dakota people faced difficult times. They needed supplies from the Agency, especially food. Other Dakota bands had been able to get food from the Upper Sioux Agency earlier that month.
However, Thomas J. Galbraith, the government agent in charge, refused to give food to the Lower Sioux bands without payment. The Dakota representatives asked a trader named Andrew Myrick to sell them food on credit. He reportedly responded in a very harsh way, saying they should eat grass if they were hungry.
Events Leading to Conflict
On August 16, 1862, money for the Dakota people from a treaty finally arrived in St. Paul. It was brought to Fort Ridgely the next day. Sadly, it was too late to prevent the conflict that was about to begin.
On August 17, four young Dakota men were hunting. An incident occurred where some settlers were killed. Soon after, a Dakota council met, and their leader, Little Crow, decided to begin attacks on European-American settlements. Their goal was to try and drive the settlers out of the area.
The Attack on the Agency
On August 18, 1862, Little Crow led a group that attacked the Lower Sioux Agency. Andrew Myrick, the trader who had been so harsh, was found trying to escape. His body was later discovered with grass in his mouth, a grim reminder of his earlier words.
The buildings at the Lower Sioux Agency were burned. This gave some settlers time to escape across the river at Redwood Ferry. Minnesota soldiers and a company from the 5th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment were sent to stop the uprising. However, they were defeated in the Battle of Redwood Ferry. Many soldiers, including their commander, Captain John Marsh, lost their lives. Throughout that day, Dakota groups moved through the Minnesota River Valley. They attacked many settlements, causing widespread destruction.
The Lower Sioux Agency Today
Today, the Lower Sioux Agency is a place where people can learn about this important history. Visitors can walk on self-guided trails around the site. The only building that still stands from the original agency is the 1861 granary.
Special signs mark where other buildings and important places once stood. You can even see the spot where the Redwood Ferry used to cross the Minnesota River. There are also gardens that show the differences between how the Dakota people traditionally farmed and how Euro-Americans farmed.
Images for kids
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The Lower Sioux Agency warehouse from the northwest
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The Lower Sioux Agency Interpretive Center
