Taoyateduta. Minnesota River HISTORIC water trail. BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Twin Valley Council

Transcription

1 Taoyateduta Minnesota River HISTORIC water trail BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Twin Valley Council

2 U.S.-Dakota War of 18 AUGUST 17, 18 Four Dakota men kill five settlers at Acton in Meeker County AUGUST 18 War begins with attack on the Lower Sioux Agency and other settlements; ambush and battle at Redwood Ferry. Traders stores near Upper Sioux Agency attacked AUGUST 19 First attack on New Ulm leading to its evacuation; Sibley appointed commander of U.S. troops AUGUST 0 First Fort Ridgely attack. AUGUST Principle attack on Fort Ridgely. AUGUST 3 Second attack on New Ulm SEPTEMBER -3 Battle of Birch Coulee SEPTEMBER 3 Battle of Wood Lake SEPTEMBER Freeing of captives with some Dakota combatants surrendering at Camp Release. SEPTEMBER 8 Military trials initiated for Dakota combatants NOVEMBER Dakota are sentenced to death NOVEMBER ,8 noncombatant Dakota are taken to Fort Snelling DECEMBER Lincoln commutes the sentence of all but 40 Dakota condemned to death. DECEMBER 38 Dakota are hung in Mankato - the largest mass execution in U.S. history SPRING 183 Forced relocation of most Dakota from Minnesota ensues The TA-OYA-TE DUTA Minnesota River Historic Water Trail, is an 88 mile water route stretching from just south of Granite Falls to New Ulm, Minnesota. The river route is named after Taoyateduta (Little Crow), the most prominent Dakota figure in the U.S.-Dakota War of The Minnesota River - The name Minnesota is a Dakota word translated variously as "sky-tinted water or cloudy-sky water". The river is gentle and placid for most of its course and one will encounter only a few minor rapids along the Historic Water Trail. Landscape The Minnesota River from Granite Falls to Redwood Falls flows down a narrow channel in an expansive valley. The basin in this location contains some of the oldest known geologic features on earth manifesting as prominent outcrops of gneiss, a metamorphic rock dating back 3. billion years. The banks along this stretch of river are heavily forested with maple, elm, cottonwood, and willow. Away from the river, the high granite domes are covered with oak and cedar. Once past Redwood Falls the river becomes more sinuous and for a portion of its course flows in a more vast, marshy floodplain. Although the river itself has grown, it is still diminutive in relation to the broad valley in which it courses. At certain points, bluffs gradually rise several hundred feet above the river. Along this section, a bottomland forest of silver maple, cottonwoods, American elm, and green ash provide an interrupted blind to the farmland beyond the corridor. Fish and Wildlife The Minnesota River Basin is a birding paradise. The Minnesota River is a haven for bird life and several species of waterfowl and riparian birds use the river corridor for nesting, breeding, and resting during migration. More than 30 species have been recorded in the Minnesota River Valley. Beneath the often grayish and cloudy waters of the Minnesota River, swim a diverse fish population. The number of fish species and abundance has seen a significant rebound over the last several years. Although carp and other riverine fish predominate, within the snags and root complexes, anglers can occasionally find massive flathead catfish. Walleye, sauger, and white bass can also be found in fair numbers. - U.S - Dakota War of 18 - In addition to its beauty and geologic interest, this region is rife with historical significance. Myriad locations along this section of the Minnesota River played a role in the often fractious relationship between the Dakota and early settlers that culminated in the U.S. - Dakota War of 18. The war was a cataclysmic event in Minnesota s history that resulted in the death of settlers, countless Dakota casualties, and the ultimate tragic forced relocation of most of the Dakota out of Minnesota. Prelude to War The war was a culmination of long simmering Dakota resentment related to forfeiture of their land, attempts at acculturation, hunger, and frustration with the U.S. government s failure to make timely annuity payments that had been promised by multiple treaties. Cover photo: Smithsonian Institution

3 The Dakota, traditionally hunters, had conveyed all their territory in Minnesota under the treaties of of Traverse des Sioux and Mendota save for a 10 mile strip on the southern side of the Minnesota River extending from Big Stone Lake to a few miles west of New Ulm. The reservation land lacked favorable hunting grounds and the Dakota people were left to subsist principally on goods and annuity payments promised by the U.S. government under the terms of the various treaties. The reservation was administered from two separate agencies, the Upper Sioux Agency near the mouth of the Yellow Medicine River and the Lower Sioux Agency near present-day Redwood Falls. Of the four principle Dakota bands in Minnesota, the Sisitoŋwaŋ and Waĥ petoŋwaŋ bands were located near the Upper Sioux agency and hence were referred to as the Upper Bands and the Bdewakaŋtoŋwaŋ and Waĥpekute, bands were in close proximity to the Lower Sioux Agency and respectively referred to as the Lower Bands. The Upper Sioux Agency State Park, where the Taoyateduta Minnesota River Historic Water Trail begins, is located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Yellow Medicine Rivers. The Agency was established at the park s current location in 183 in hopes of making the Dakota people become self-supporting by teaching them to farm and by acculturating them to other ways of the newcomers lifestyle. The majority of the Dakota, however, clung to their traditional way of life. Although many Dakota were resistant to the ambitions of the mission, some did adopt European styles of agriculture, carpentry, and other ways of life. By 181, 14 families worked more than 1,000 acres at the agencies. Much of the success of the agencies could be attributed to Joseph R. Brown, a very respected agent to run the Upper Sioux Agency and the Lower Sioux Agency, 30 miles downstream. Brown was an experienced frontiersman and had been sympathetic to the Dakota s plight. The inflexibility, however, of Brown s successor, Thomas J. Galbraith, aggravated settler- Dakota discord and likely also contributed to the U.S.-Dakota War of 18. Crops had been poor in 181 and the Dakota had minimal food stores for the winter of Hunger was widespread. In early August, the Dakota gathered at the Upper and Lower Sioux Agencies to await federal payments to buy food. Promised by treaty and due in June, the annuities still had not arrived by mid- August. The Dakota had become dependent upon traders for goods and arms. The traders would sell on credit, then claim the cash when the government distributed the money annuities. Due to the delay in the annuity delivery, the traders ceased the distribution of goods. In addition, Galbraith, the agent in charge of Sioux Agencies, initially refused to release warehoused food until the annuity payments arrived. Ultimately, Galbraith was forced to capitulate after 00 near starving Dakota arrived at the Upper Sioux Agency and broke into the warehouses to obtain sacks of flour. The Dakota s patience was now at its end. On 17 August 18, four younger Dakota men killed five settlers near the town of Acton, MN. The killings were capricious and in part simply a dare among the four young Dakota. This act, however, was the spark that ignited a conflagration that would engulf the Minnesota River Valley into war Taoyateduta (Little Crow), about 180 Battle of Lower Sioux Agency Elements of the Dakota realized that retribution for the killings at Acton would likely be harsh and swift and possibly extend beyond the individuals culpable. With that in mind and recognizing that many Minnesota soldiers were engaged in the Civil War, many felt the time was ripe to go to war predicated on self-preservation. Taoyateduta became their leader. On 18 August, Dakota warriors attacked the Lower Sioux Agency, a town of about 100 settlers and mixed-race civilians. Within a few hours 0 settlers had been killed and 10 taken captive. The Dakota broke into the warehouses and took food and stores. Soon after fighting began, some Dakota looted and burned the Upper Sioux Agency near Granite Falls. Not all Dakota, however, were in favor of going to war. Indeed it was a minority of the Dakota that

4 advocated for war. War was waged predominantly by Bdewakaŋtoŋwaŋ and Waĥ pekute men. It is estimated that,00 Dakota people lived on reservation land and that no more than 1,000 were actually combatants, some of which were coerced into battle. John Other Day, a Dakota Chief, like many Dakota of the Upper Sioux Agency, refused to take part in the fighting and actually led many setters from the agency to safety. Battle of Redwood Ferry News of the Lower Sioux Agency attack reached Captain John S. Marsh at Fort Ridgely. Without clear appreciation of the circumstances, Marsh chose 4 men, along with interpreter Peter Quinn, to set out for the Agency. At the Redwood Ferry the company was ambushed. In the fight, half of Marsh s men had been killed. Marsh himself drowned while trying to swim the river. The war quickly spread throughout much of the Minnesota River Valley. In the following weeks, the militants among the Dakota killed scores of settlers in the countryside. Battles of New Ulm The Dakota pursued two attacks on the settlement of New Ulm, the largest town nearest the Dakota Reservation. At the time, there were approximately 900 townspeople and was viewed as a enticing target for a Dakota attack. The first attack came on 19 August with about 100 Dakota warriors firing on the city from the bluff behind the town. A small number of civilians returned fire. A thunderstorm later in the day, however, discouraged the Dakota from continuing their attack. The initial attack was not well orchestrated and there were no senior chiefs present to give orders. The first battle ended with six settlers killed and five wounded. After the first attack, Charles Eugene Flandrau reached the city as part of a detachment from St. Peter and Le Sueur. Flandrau's forces were bolstered by about a hundred men from Mankato, two companies from Le Sueur, and militias from Brown County, Nicollet County, St. Peter, Lafayette, and New Ulm. In all, Flandrau had about three hundred citizensoldiers under his command, but most were poorly armed. More than a thousand settlers were barricaded on New Ulm's main street. In the morning of 3 August, the Dakota began their second siege on the city. The Dakota were superior in numbers and were able to encircle the entire town. The defenders of New Ulm set many buildings on fire in an attempt to create an open space to disallow cover for the Dakota. After nightfall, Flandrau ordered that the rest of the buildings outside of the barricades to be burned. In total, 190 structures within the city were destroyed. The next morning, 4 August, the Dakota reappeared, fired some innocuous long-range shots, and subsequently withdrew. Flandrau convened with his officers later that day and decided to evacuate the city due to a shortage of ammunition and food as well as concerns about possible disease. The following morning, 000 people, including 13 wagons and a large number of refugees, left the city and headed to Mankato, about 30 miles to the southeast. The procession was escorted by about 10 troops and made it to Mankato safely. Battle of Fort Ridgely On 0 August and again on August, the Dakota attacked Fort Ridgely, a minimally fortified outpost built on a nearly indefensible site flanked on three sides by wooded ravines. The initial force of about 400 Dakota, however, failed in its efforts to overrun the 80 soldiers and civilian defenders at the fort on the first assault. On the second assault at dawn two days later, a stronger force of 800 Dakota attacked the fort, but were once again repelled. The U.S. forces had four casualties. Dakota losses are unknown. Battle of Birch Coulee Though now a placid prairie, the Birch Coulee Battlefield was the scene of one of the most daunting engagements of the entire war. On September 18, Dakota warriors laid siege to a burial party that was at camp on the Birch Coulee site. The burial party consisted of 170 men sent by Col. Henry Sibley. The Birch Coulee campsite was highly exposed and the detachment was vastly outnumbered. In the early morning ambush, the Dakota wounded many and killed most of the cavalry s horses within the first hour. The siege, however, persisted. Col. Sibley could hear the battle from Fort Ridgely sixteen miles away. An initial relief party of 40 was sent from the fort, but thinking they too were surrounded by Dakota halted and called for additional reinforcements. Sibley returned with additional reinforcements, including an artillery brigade. The shelling ultimately dispersed the Dakota. After the 3 hour siege, Sibley saw the horrible aftermath with thirteen men and ninety horses dead. Forty-seven men were severely

5 wounded and others to a lesser degree. The survivors were weary, hungry, and dehydrated. The battle of Birch Coulee was a victory for the Dakota. Battle of Wood Lake On 18 September, Sibley lead 1,19 men from Fort Ridgely up the Minnesota River valley. After a four days march toward the Upper Agency, Sibley s forces encamped on the east shore of Lone Tree Lake (mistakingly felt to be Wood Lake). Henry Hastings Sibley, about 183 During the night of September, 700-1,000 Dakota warriors approached unnoticed to within a few miles of then encampment. The Dakota s intent was to ambush the soldiers in the morning as they drew up the road. A small U.S. detachment, however, had left to obtain potatoes at the Upper Agency and happened upon the Dakota who where hiding in the tall grass upsetting the element of surprise. The Dakota fired upon the soldiers who then reciprocated and were quickly supported by the other U.S. forces. After two hours of fighting, the Dakota withdrew. The battle was a decisive victory for the U.S. forces and marked the end of organized warfare by the Dakota. Camp Release After the Battle of Wood Lake on 3 September, Taoyateduta started to loose support while the influence of the pacifist chiefs including Waba ś a (Red Staff), Mazaśa (Red Iron), and others grew. The Dakota Peace Party three days later presented scores of hostages to Sibley at a location opposite the mouth of the the Chippewa River that became known as Camp Release. The site is located near present-day Montevideo. Within a few days, 8 settlers and mixed-race captives were released. At the same time, many Dakota combatants surrendered at Camp Release. Denouement After the war, more than 300 Dakota were sentenced to death. President Lincoln commuted the sentences of the convicts who were determined to have been simple combatants. Of the remaining, 38 were convicted of murder or rape and were hanged en masse on a single gallows in what would be the largest mass execution in U.S. history. 300 more were imprisoned. After the fighting ended, some Dakota fled west. Some went to Canada. Subsequent U.S. expeditions in 183 and 184 led to various battles in which hundreds of Dakota were killed and many were forced further westward. In 183, by acts of Congress, all treaties with the Santee Dakota were revoked. What followed was the forced expulsion of all but a few select groups of Dakota from the state of Minnesota. In May that same year, Steamboats were loaded with 1,300 Dakota who were ultimately sent to the desolate Crow reservation in South Dakota. 00 Dakota died in the first sixth months. Present Day Today, the remains of the old Agency site can be found in the Upper Sioux Agency State Park. The park offers a visitor center with exhibits. At Fort Ridgely State Park, the Minnesota Historical Society operates an interpretive center on the grounds of the old fort. Few buildings remain, though the fort s restored commissary serves as a museum telling the story of the fort and the U.S.-Dakota War. At the Lower Sioux Agency History Center, an interpretive center tells the story of the history of the agency site as well as the nearby Redwood Ferry ambush site. The Minnesota Historical Society exhibit tells of the major developments in the Dakota people s history from 170 to after The Historic Water Trail - The TA-OYA-TE DUTA Minnesota River Historic Water Trail is divided into segments each named after a prominent Dakota figure in the U.S.-Dakota war of 18. Each segment could easily be completed in a day of paddling. The included maps are intended as a paddle guide primarily, but also indicate locations of the principle battles along the river route. The vast majority of the major battles during the U.S. - Dakota War of 18 took place right along the river. As you paddle, think of the events that unfolded in this landscape and how Minnesota was forever dramatically changed. -Happy and safe paddling!

6 F R E E B O R N ST. PAUL KAPOSIA Wanta Sweet Corn TRAVERSE BROWNS VALLEY Standing Buffalo Big Stone Lake Traverse B I G S T E V E N S P O P E Chippewa River S T E A R N S Taoyateduta Minnesota River HISTORICAL water trail Segments Tataŋka Naziŋ (Standing Buffalo) Waŋmdi Taŋka (Big Eagle) Lake S T O N E Mazaśa (Red Iron) Scarlet Plume D A K O T A T E R R I T O R Y Minnesota River DAKOTA RESERVATION L A C Q U I P A R L E Y E L L O W M E D I C I N E Lac LINCOLN PIPESTONE Extended Tail Feathers qui ParleR. Yellow MedicineRiver Lean Bear Lac qui Parle Wakanmani Sleepy Eyes CAMP RELEASE L Y O N Lake Shetek S W I F T Mazamani Red Iron Inyangmani Otherday Inihan Akipa M U R R A Y C H I P P E W A Cloud Man Simon Anawangmani LAC QUI PARLE MONTEVIDEO Hawk GRANITE FALLS Redwood River Cr. REDWOOD KANDIYOHI R E N V I L L E Beaver Cr. LOWER SIOUXAGENCY HAZELWOOD MISSION PAJUTAZEE MISSION UPPER SIOUX AGENCY SACRED HEART Red Middle Voice Shakopee Big Eagle Little Crow Birch Coulee Cr. Makato Traveling Hail Wakute Wabasha MIDDLE CREEK TOWNSHIP B R O W N COTTONWOOD MORTON ACTON Red Legs M E E K E R FORT RIDGELY TRAVELERS HOME NEW ULM Cottonwood River WATONWAN W R I G H T M C L E O D C A R V E R S I B L E Y N I C O L L E T MILFORD TOWNSHIP ST. PETER B L U E E A R T H Minnesota River H E N N E P I N S C O T T L E S U E U R Mankato Wabaśa (Red Staff) Makato (Blue Earth) W A S E C A Mississippi River FORT SNELLING R I C E D A K O T A S T E E L E R O C K N O B L E S J A C K S O N M A R T I N F A R I B A U L T Minnesota in 18 Adapted from Through Dakota Eyes (Minnesota Historical Society Press)

7 Sacred Heart Vicksburg Co. Park Campground & Landing Whispering Ridge AMA Campsite & Carry-In 4 Vicksburg County Park Skalbekken County Park 10 Renville Co. Trongard W.M.A. Taoyateduta Minnesota River HISTORIC water trail Yellow Medicine Upper Sioux Agency State Park River 1 Hawk Skalbekken Co. Park Campground & Landing Tataŋka Naziŋ SEGMENT Upper Sioux Agency State Park to Vicksburg County Park 1.9 miles Upper Sioux Agency SP Campground & Landing 0.0 Battle of Wood Lake 18 Wood Lake Monument Wood Lake Sacred Heart W.M.A. Lone Tree Lake 74 Swedes Forest S.N.A Homme-Krollin Unit (I) 7 1 Legend Boiling Spring 13 1 Rapids (I) Difficulty River Access N Pattersonʼs Rapids (I-II) 1. River Mileage Campground U.S. - Dakota War Battlefield State Monument 0 1 Many smaller roads are not shown! Echo Yellow Medicine Co. Redwood Co Echo 1 9 Beckendorf Lake

8 Taoyateduta HISTORICAL water trail Tataŋka Naziŋ Segment Put-In Upper Sioux Agency State Park Take-out Vicksburg County Park Distance 1.9 miles Approximate Time 4- hours Most Difficult Rapids Class 1- Elevation Drop 7 feet Average Gradient 1. feet per mile Minimum Suggested Flow - Water Level Info / Phone - Paddlers Guide 0.0 Mile Upper Sioux Agency State Park The Riverside Campground has six watercraft campsites. Four of the campsites are reservable. The sites have a picnic table and fire ring. There is a concrete-plank boat ramp at the campground. Contact: Mile Yellow Medicine River (R) The confluence of the Yellow Medicine River is on the right. The Dakota name for the river is Pajutazee, meaning Yellow Medicine. Yellow Medicine is the slender root of the moonseed plant which grows in the region. 1.8 Mile Hawk (L) The confluence of Hawk is on the left.. Mile County Road 10 Bridge The Renville Co. Rd. 10/Yellow Medicine Co. Rd. 1 bridge as built in 198 and is 331 feet long. 3. Mile Skalbekken County Park Landing (L) Skalbekken Park is also known as Renville County Park No. 1. The 403 acre park offers a picnic area and camping near the park road entrance with approximately 8 sites with fire rings. ¾ miles from the park road entrance is a concrete-plank boat ramp. Adjacent to the put-in and on the other side of the park road is a tent campsite. There is a single fire ring with a mowed lawn able to accommodate multiple tents. Both the main campsite area and tent campsite have vault toilets. You must bring your own water. There is a fee to camp. Contact: Mile Wood Lake (R) The confluence of Wood Lake is on the right. At this point in the river, a variety of small islands divide the river into several narrow braided channels. Battle of Wood Lake The Wood Lake Battle took place on September miles upstream on Wood Lake near Lone Tree Lake (mistakingly felt to be Wood Lake at the time and hence the battle is actually misnamed). U.S losses were seven men dead and thirtyfour seriously wounded. The exact Dakota losses are unknown. The battle was the last major engagement in the U.S.-Dakota War of 18. It was a decisive victory for the U.S. forces and marked the end of organized warfare by the Dakota. 8. Mile Gneiss Rock Outcroppings (R) Gneiss (pronounced like nice ) rock is an ancient metamorphic rock dating back to 3. billion years and formed when granite and other rocks were subjected to intense heat and pressure within the earth. 9. Mile County Road 7 Bridge The Renville Co. Rd. 9/Redwood Co. Rd. 7 Bridge bridge as built in 19 and is 347 feet long Mile Class I Rapids The shallow and wide riverbed is filled with boulders and a small island. During higher and faster water, stay to the left of the island being mindful of the boulders Mile Boiling Spring (R) The confluence of Boiling Spring is on the right Mile County Road 19 Bridge The Renville Co. Rd. 1/Redwood Co. Rd. 19 Bridge was built in 1998 and is 3 feet long. 14. Mile Echo (R) The confluence of Echo is on the right. 1. Mile Patterson s Rapids (class 1-) During moderate waters levels the rapids are class I, but during high water, class and merit closer attention. There is a rock outcrop on the right and a ledge on the left. Continue on the right to avoid the ledge. At this point the river drops ft. in ⅓ mile. 1.3 Mile Sacred Heart (L) The confluence of Sacred Heart is on the left. 1.9 Mile Big Eddy A large gneiss rock outcrop on the right creates a -foot deep eddy, know as Big Eddy, a reported favorable fishing spot. 1.9 Mile Vicksburg County Park Landing (R) Vicksburg County Park is also known as Renville County Park No.. There is a concrete-plank boat ramp a mile upstream from the County Road bridge. The 41 acre park offers a camping and picnic area. Contact: Driving Directions (Google Maps) GPS Coordinates Upper Sioux Agency State Park Landing Skalbekken County Park Landing Vicksburg County Park Landing Upper Sioux Agency SP Landing Yellow Medicine River Hawk County Road 10 Bridge Skalbekken County Park Landing Wood Lake Gneiss rock outcroppings County Road 7 Bridge Class I Rapids Boiling Spring County Road 19 Bridge Echo Patterson s Rapids (class 1) Sacred Heart Big Eddy Vicksburg County Park Landing 44 44'.78"N, 9 7'19.7"W 44 44'0.7"N, 9 '47.1"W 44 44'09.97"N, 9 '4.31"W 44 43'.8"N, 9 '1.80"W 44 43'49.00"N, 9 4'3.80"W 44 4'9.43"N, 9 3'9.8"W 44 41'.03"N, 9 1'37."W 44 41'4.40"N, 9 0'4.70"W 44 40'.3"N, 9 18'4.41"W 44 39'8.8"N, 9 17'8.0"W 44 39'.7"N, 9 17'1.04"W 44 39'34.9"N, 9 1'8.98"W 44 39'4.8"N, 9 1'19.18"W 44 40'0.1"N, 9 14'38.8"W 44 39'3."N, 9 14'18.34"W 44 39'38.7"N, 9 14'0.0"W

9 Tiger Lake W.M.A. 71 Beaver 19 Beaver Falls Co. Park 19 Echo 1 Vicksburg Co. Park Campground & Landing 0.0 Pattersonʼs Rapids (I-II) Whispering Ridge AMA Campsite & Carry-In 1.9 Vicksburg County Park 1 Beckendorf Lake (I) Timmʼs Renville Co Shwandt Memorial 4 1 Middle 1 Taoyateduta Minnesota River HISTORIC water trail Waŋmdi Taŋka SEGMENT Vicksburg County Park to Renville County Road 1 Bridge 1.4 miles Rice Cedar Rock W.M.A. 7 Smith (I) Legend Rapids Difficulty 9 N Delhi 17 Camp Pope River Access River Mileage Campground 17 Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing 1.4 State Monument 0 1 Many smaller roads are not shown! Redwood Co Delhi W.M.A. Redwood River 1 Redwood Falls

10 Taoyateduta HISTORICAL water trail Waŋmdi Taŋka Segment Put-In Vicksburg County Park Take-out Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Distance 1.4 miles Approximate Time 4 hours Most Difficult Rapids Class 1 Elevation Drop 11 feet Average Gradient 0.9 feet per mile Minimum Suggested Flow - Water Level Info / Phone - Paddlers Guide 0.0 Mile Vicksburg County Park Landing Vicksburg County Park is also known as Renville County Park No.. The 41 acre park offers a camping and picnic area. Contact: Mile Big Eddy Across from the Vicksburg County Park Landing is a large gneiss rock outcrop creates a -foot deep eddy, know as Big Eddy, a reported favorable fishing spot. 1.9 Mile Whispering Ridge Campsite/Carry-In (R) 3.1 Mile Rapids - class 1 A few minor rapids are noted on this section. 3.4 Mile Timm s (L) The confluence of Timm s is on the left. The river in this section has low, wooded banks. An occasional opening in the woods provides a glimpse to pastoral fields. The river is generally placid with occasional eddies making for easy paddling. Schwandt Memorial The 0. miles up Timm s is the Schwandt Memorial. Near this spot is where the Johan Schwandt family was killed in the U.S.-Dakota War of 18. It was erected in memory of the Schwandt family members and of their friends that were killed on 18 August Mile Rice (R) The confluence of Rice is on the right. 4.8 Mile Renville Co. Rd. 1/Redwood Co. Rd. 17 Bridge The Renville Co. Rd. 1/Redwood Co. Rd. 17 Bridge was built in 1910 and is 191 feet long. The bridge is single lane with a height limit of 8. There is a nice picnic area upstream of the bridge on the left..4 Mile Cedar Rock Wilderness Management Area (R) The WMA is 40 acres in size. Look for migrating raptors in the Spring and Fall.. Mile Middle (L) The confluence of Middle is on the left. 9.0 Mile Smith (L) The confluence of Smith is on the left. 9. Mile Camp Pope (R) The confluence of Camp Pope is on the right. 11. Mile Flood Diversion Channel (L) 1.4 Mile Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing (R) The take out is a boat ramp on the right located on the downstream side of the bridge. There is parking at the landing. There is a river gauge painted on a bridge pier that is visible from the landing. A reading of feet indicates medium water levels. The Renville Co. Rd. bridge was built in 197 and is 313 feet long. Driving Directions (Google Maps) GPS Coordinates Vicksburg County Park Landing Whispering Ridge Campsite/Carry-In Vicksburg County Park Landing Big Eddy Whispering Ridge Campsite/Carry-In Rapids - class 1 Timm s Rice Renville Co. Rd. 1Bridge Cedar Rock WMA Middle Smith Camp Pope Flood Diversion Channel Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing 44 39'38.7"N, 9 14'0.0"W 44 39'3.9"N, 9 14'.77"W 44 38'44.88"N, 9 1'49.37"W 44 38'0.01"N, 9 11'0.98"W 44 37'.70"N, 9 11'3."W 44 37'3.99"N, 9 11'08.08"W 44 37'10."N, 9 10'40.44"W 44 37'14.7"N, 9 10'04.44"W 44 37'13.78"N, 9 09'49.1"W 44 3'43.7"N, 9 07'0.91"W 44 34'47.9"N, 9 0'0.39"W 44 34'39.18"N, 9 0'0.3"W 44 34'1.84"N, 9 0'0.47"W Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing

11 Mazaśa SEGMENT Franklin Franklin Boat Landing & Camping Redwood Co. Brown Co. Smith 19 Renville Co. Taoyateduta Minnesota River HISTORIC water trail Watercraft Campsite. Beaver Beaver Falls Co. Park Beaver Falls W.M.A. Birch Coulee Monument Renville County Road 1 Bridge to Franklin 18.4 miles Klabunde W.M.A. Redwood River 1 Redwood Falls Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing 0.0 Tiger Lake W.M.A Crow 4 Morton Access Boat Landing Battle of Birch Coulee Morton Birch Coulee 1 Lower Sioux Indian Reservation Battle of Lower Sioux Agency Battle of Redwood Ferry Legend 71 River Access River Mileage N 7 13 Campground U.S. - Dakota War Battlefield Wabasha 11 State Monument 0 1 Many smaller roads are not shown!

12 Taoyateduta HISTORICAL water trail Mazaśa Segment Put-In Take-out Distance Approximate Time Most Difficult Rapids Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Franklin Boat Landing 18.4 miles hours flat-water Elevation Drop 14 feet Average Gradient 0.8 feet per mile Minimum Suggested Flow - Water Level Info / Phone - Paddlers Guide 0.0 Mile Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing (R) The take out is a boat ramp on the right located on the downstream side of the bridge. There is parking at the landing. There is a river gauge painted on a bridge pier that is visible from the landing. A reading of feet indicates medium water levels. The Renville Co. Rd. bridge was built in 197 and is 313 feet long. 0.4 Mile Redwood River (R) The confluence of the Redwood river is on the right. 1. Mile Flood Diversion (L) The confluence of the flood diversion channel is on the left.. Mile Watercraft Campsite (R) The watercraft campsite sign is just after a larger gneiss outcropping. There is a trail that leads up to toward the top of the outcropping that brings one to two separate campsites, both with a picnic table and fire ring. There is a pit latrine between the two. There is no water. 3.3 Mile Beaver (L) The confluence of Beaver is on the left. 7. Mile Morton Access Boat Landing (R) 8. Mile Hwy US-71/MN-19 Bridge The bridge was built in 1997 and is 371 feet long. 8.8 Mile MN Valley Railroad Bridge The bridge was built in Mile Birch Coulee (L) The confluence of the Birch Coulee is on the left. Battle of Birch Coulee The Battle of Birch Coulee took place near Birch Coulee 4. miles upstream of the confluence on September 18. The Battle of Birch Coulee was the most deadly for the U.S. forces in the Dakota War of 18 and considered a clear victory for the Dakota. The U.S. forces were on a burial mission and had made camp in a poorly defensible area. Thirteen men and ninety horses died. Forty-seven men were severely wounded. The survivors were exhausted from a thirty-one hour siege and were without water or food. 1.0 Mile 1.1 Mile Attack of Lower Sioux Agency The Battle of Lower Sioux Agency was the initial battle of the Dakota War of 18. On 18 August 18, Dakota warriors launched a surprise attack on the Lower Sioux Agency, a town of about 100 settlers and mixed-race civilians. Within a few hours, 0 settlers had been killed and 10 taken captive. The Dakota broke into the warehouses and took food and stores. The shore is typically such that one can stop and hike up to the Lower Sioux Agency. Caution is required during time of higher water. Battle of Redwood Ferry News of the Lower Sioux Agency attack reached Captain John S. Marsh at Fort Ridgely that same day. Without clear appreciation of the circumstances, Marsh chose 4 men, along with interpreter Peter Quinn, to set out for the Agency. At the Redwood Ferry the company was ambushed. In the fight, half of Marsh s men had been killed. Marsh himself drowned while trying to swim the river. The war quickly spread throughout much of the Minnesota River Valley. 1.1 Mile Renville Co. /Redwood Co. 11 Bridge The bridge was built in 199 and is 371 feet long Mile Franklin Boat Landing & Campsite (L) The Franklin boat landing is just after the Renville Co. /Redwood Co. 11 Bridge and has a concrete-plank boat ramp. At the landing is a campground with fire rings. Driving Directions (Google Maps) Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing Morton Access Boat Landing GPS Coordinates Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing 44 34'1.84"N, 9 0'0.47"W Redwood River 44 34'1.79"N, 9 0'18.8"W Flood Diversion 44 34'19.4"N, 9 04'43."W Watercraft Campsite 44 34'0.3"N, 9 03'4.17"W Beaver 44 33'38.48"N, 9 0'9.1"W Morton Access Boat Landing 44 3'33.77"N, 9 00'09.0"W Hwy US-71/MN-19 Bridge 44 3'43."N, 94 9'4.8"W MN Valley Railroad Bridge 44 3'47.01"N, 94 9'.47"W Birch Coulee 44 31'9.34"N, 94 7'3.03"W Renville Co. /Redwood Co. 11 Bridge 44 31'01.3"N, 94 3'04."W Franklin Boat Landing & Campsite 44 31'03.7"N, 94 3'04.30"W Franklin Boat Landing

13 1 4 Minnriver WMA 77 Renville Co. State Hwy. 4 Water Access 1. Nicollet Co Taoyateduta Minnesota River HISTORIC water trail 19 1 Franklin Franklin Boat Landing & Camping 0.0 Wabaśa SEGMENT Franklin to Fort Ridgely State Park 1. miles 3 1 Wabasha 11 Anderson Lake Park 3 4 Threemile 1 Fort Ridgely 11 Legend River Access River Mileage Campground U.S. - Dakota War Battlefield Redwood Co. N Brown Co Mack Lake Park Landing & Camping Kettnerʼs Landing & Camping 11. Mack Lake Park 1 Battle of Fort Ridgely 1 Fort Ridgely Monument Fort Ridgely State Park State Monument 8 Morgan 0 1 Many smaller roads are not shown! 30

14 Taoyateduta HISTORICAL water trail Wabaśa Segment Put-In Take-out Distance Approximate Time Most Difficult Rapids Franklin Boat Landing State Highway 4 Water Access 1. Miles 4- hours flat-water Elevation Drop 13 feet Average Gradient 0.8 feet per mile Minimum Suggested Flow - Water Level Info / Phone - Paddlers Guide 0.0 Mile Franklin Boat Landing & Campsite (L) The Franklin boat landing is just after the Renville Co. /Redwood Co. 11 Bridge and has a concrete-plank boat ramp. At the landing is a campground with fire rings. 1.0 Mile Wabasha (R) The confluence of Wabasha is on the right..8 Mile Petersen Bridge The Renville Co. Rd. 3/Brown Co. Rd. 8 bridge was built in 1918 and spans 0 feet. This pony style truss bridge is one of the few remaining truss bridges left on the lower section of the Minnesota River. 7. Mile Threemile (L) The confluence of Threemile is on the left. 9.4 Mile Mack Lake Park Boat Landing & Campground (L) The landing has a concrete-plank boat ramp. The campground has portable toilets and picnic area. 11. Mile Kettners s Landing (R) The landing has a concrete-plank boat ramp. There is a small area for camping across the river. Kettners s Landing Campground (L) There is a small area for camping across from the landing on the north side of the river. 14. Mile Battle of Fort Ridgely On 0 August and again on August, the Dakota attacked Fort Ridgely, a minimally fortified outpost built on a nearly indefensible site flanked on three sides by wooded ravines. The initial force of about 400 Dakota, however, failed in its efforts to overrun the 80 soldiers and civilian defenders at the fort on the first assault. On the second assault at dawn two days later, 800 Dakota attacked the fort, but were once again repelled. 1. Mile State Highway 4 Bridge The MN-4 Bridge was built in 1994 and spans 49 feet. 1. Mile State Highway 4 water access (L) The landing has a concrete-plank boat ramp. The landing is 1. miles from the entrance to Fort Ridgely State Park. The park has 31 drive-in sites and 3 walk-in sites. Fort Ridgely State Park offers an Interpretive Exhibit and is historic site. Driving Directions (Google Maps) Franklin Boat Landing GPS Coordinates Mack Lake County Park Landing Franklin Landing Wabasha Petersen Bridge Threemile Mack Lake Park Boat Landing Kettner s Landing Fort Ridgely State Highway 4 Water Acces 44 31'03.7"N, 94 3'04.30"W 44 30'4.9"N, 94 '49.43"W 44 8'8.8"N, 94 49'37.1"W 44 8'43.0"N, 94 48'3.18"W 44 7'30.0"N, 94 47'3."W 44 '4."N, 94 4'3.4"W 44 '.4"N, 94 43'48.4"W 44 '01.8"N, 94 43'00."W Kettner s Landing Hwy. 4 Bridge Landing

15 New Ulm 8 Beussmann Bridge Water Access 0.3 Two Battles of New Ulm Fort Ridgely Monument Battle of Fort Ridgely Fort Ridgely Fort Ridgely State Park Minnriver WMA State Hwy. 4 Water Access Renville Co. 7 Nicollet Co. Sibley Co. Taoyateduta Minnesota River HISTORIC water trail Makato SEGMENT Fort Ridgely State Park to Beussmann Bridge (New Ulm) 0.3 miles Little Rock Harkin Store Carry-in Access Mile Horseshoe Lake 11 Eight Legend 9 Boesch W.M.A. River Access River Mileage Campground N 8 U.S. - Dakota War Battlefield State Monument Many smaller roads are not shown! Essig Brown Co.

16 Taoyateduta HISTORICAL water trail Makato Segment Put-In Take-out Distance Approximate Time Most Difficult Rapids State Highway 4 Water Access Beussmann Bridge Water Access 0.3 Miles hours flat-water Elevation Drop 7 feet Average Gradient 0.3 feet per mile Minimum Suggested Flow - Water Level Info / Phone - Paddlers Guide 0.0 Mile State Highway 4 Bridge The MN-4 Bridge was built in 1994 and spans 49 feet. 0.0 Mile State Highway 4 water access (L) The landing has a concrete-plank boat ramp. The landing is 1. miles from the entrance to Fort Ridgely State Park. The park has 31 drive-in sites and 3 walk-in sites. Fort Ridgely State Park offers an Interpretive Exhibit and is historic site. 4. Mile Hinderman bridge remnants This river crossing was once a popular ferry crossing. The ferry boat was operated by Captain Hinderman, thus it became known as Hinderman's Ferry. That name later was applied to the bridge built at the site in 190 and was commonly known as Hinderman's Bridge. it was closed in the fall of Mile Little Rock (L) The confluence of Little Rock is on the left Mile Harkin Store carry-in access (L) Harkin's General Store is all that remains of West Newton, in Nicollet County. Most of the stock was left when the store was closed and abandoned, and remains today as a museum operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. Across from the store is a carry-in access. The descent to the river access is very steep and requires caution Mile Eight Mile (L) The confluence of Little Rock is on the left Mile Boesch W.M.A. (R) The Boesch Wildlife Management area is 1 acres. 0.3 Mile Beussmann Bridge (Co. Rd. 14) & Landing (L) The landing has a concrete-plank boat ramp and is just after the bridge on the left. The Beussman Bridge was built in 1987 and is 99 feet in length. The bridge and landing are at the city of New Ulm city limits. Two Battles of New Ulm The first attack came on 19 August with about 100 Dakota warriors firing on the city from the bluff behind the town. Later in the day, a thunderstorm discouraged the Indians from continuing their attack, and there were no chiefs present to give orders. The first battle ended with six settlers killed and five wounded. On 3 August, the Dakota began their second attack on the city. The defenders of New Ulm set many buildings on fire in an attempt to create an open space without cover. In all, 190 structures within the city were destroyed. On the th, the city was evacuated. 000 people, including 13 wagons and a large number of refugees, left the city and headed to Mankato, about 30 miles to the east. Driving Directions (Google Maps) GPS Coordinates Hwy. 4 Bridge Landing State Highway 4 Water Access Hinderman bridge remnants Little Rock Harkin Store carry-in access Eight Mile Boesch W.M.A. Beussmann Bridge Water Access 44 '01.8"N, 94 43'00."W 44 4'31.8"N, 94 40'4.9"W 44 3'04.3"N, 94 37'07.8"W 44 3'09.4"N, 94 3'7.3"W 44 '0.04"N, 94 3'3.9"W 44 '19.9"N, 94 33'43.9"W 44 1'4.9"N, 94 9'.41"W Harkin Store Carry-in Access Beussmann Bridge Water Access

17 The Taoyateduta Historic Water Trail Awards and Requirements These awards are intended primarily to encourage youth to learn about Minnesota history and the U.S. - Dakota War of 18. The hope is that youth will gain a greater understanding for the causes of the conflict and also appreciate how its affects can still be felt to this day. Patch A. Paddle any segment of the Taoyateduta Historic Water Trail. B. Study the history of the canoe route. Patch segments Patch segments can be added around the patch once that portion of the water trail is completed. Medal & Certificate A. Camp at least days and 1 night along the Taoyateduta Historic Water Trail. B. Complete all five segments of the 88 mile water trail. Tataŋka Naziŋ (Standing Buffalo) Waŋmdi Taŋka (Big Eagle) Mazaśa (Red Iron) Wabaśa (Red Staff) Makato (Blue Earth) 1 ½ Medal C. Study the history of the canoe route. D. Visit either the Fort Ridgely State Park Interpretive Center or the Lower Sioux Agency Interpretive Center.

18 Twin Valley Council, BSA Taoyateduta Historic Canoe Route Awards Order form Only one trail medal may be purchased per person per trip for completing the 88 mile water trail and satisfying the additional medal requirements (there is no limit to the number of patches that may be ordered). List the names of those receiving trail medals (not required for patches/segments). I certify that the above individuals have successfully completed the Taoyateduta Historical Water Trail medal requirements. Unit Leader Qty. Price Subtotal Historic Water Trail Patches $.0 Segments Tataŋka Naziŋ $0.7 Waŋmdi Taŋka $0.7 Mazaśa $0.7 Wabaśa $0.7 Makato $0.7 Historic Water Trail Medals $7.00 Certificates $1.0 Unit Number DRAFT Subtotal Sales Tax (7.37%) Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping ($.0 if being shipped) Grand Total VISA/MC Account No. Exp. Signature: Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Twin Valley Council, BSA 810 Madison Avenue Mankato, MN Phone Toll Free Fax

19 Each segment of the Taoyateduta Historic Water Trail is named after a prominent Dakota figure in the U.S. - Dakota War of 18. Denver Public Library, Western History/Genealogy Department Taoyateduta (Little Crow) Taoyateduta, for which the Historic Water Trail is named, was the principle leader of the Dakota during the U.S. - Dakota War of 18. He was both a warrior and a politician. Little crow was initially reticent to pursue war with the U.S., but ultimately felt compelled to support the Dakota militants of the Soldier Lodge in part due to his pride, but also out of sense of responsibility. With his famous words, I, Ta-o-ya-te-du-ta, am not a coward. I will die with you, he plunged the Dakota into war predicated on self-preservation. The events that followed forever left a scar in Minnesota s history with consequences that are still felt to this day. Tataŋka Naziŋ (Standing Buffalo) Minnesota Historical Society Tataŋka Naziŋ, or Standing Buffalo, was chief of a band of Sisitoŋwaŋ Dakota. As with many of the Upper Dakota, he had opposed the war from the very beginning. Tataŋka Naziŋ and other Upper Dakota, backed Mazaśa who forbade Taoyateduta s followers from setting foot on his territory as the militants gradually retreated up the Minnesota River. After the battle of Wood Lake, Taoyateduta continued to appeal for assistance. Tataŋka Naziŋ summed up the sentiment of the Sisitoŋwaŋ: You have already made much trouble for my people. Go to Canada or where you please, but go away from me and the lands of my people. Wabaśa (Red Staff) Minnesota Historical Society Although Taoyateduta was the unquestionable leader of the U.S. - Dakota War, Wabaśa rivaled Taoyateduta as a principle leader before hostilities. He was in opposition to the war and would not lead the fighting. Nonetheless, accounts indicate that Wabaśa was present during major engagements, including the second battle of New Ulm. He later began to further realize the futility of the conflict. After the Dakota s failure at the battle of Wood Lake, Taoyateduta lost much influence and Wabaśa was already attempting to end the hostilities. Minnesota Historical Society Waŋmdi Taŋka (Big Eagle) Big Eagle had initially taken up farming, but joined the Dakota in battle at the outbreak of the war. He at first was not in favor of the war, but once the decision had been made felt compelled to fight with his people. He was present at the second battle of Fort Ridgely and of New Ulm. He was also at the battles of Birch Coulee and Wood Lake. After the battle of Wood Lake, he was taken into custody and was tried. He was to be hung, but his sentence was commuted and imprisoned for three years. Later in life he returned to Granite Falls, Minnesota. He died January 190 and is buried at the Doncaster Cemetery southeast of Granite Falls. Makato (Blue Earth) Minnesota Historical Society Makato was chief of a large band of Bdewakaŋtoŋwaŋ Dakota. On 18 August 18 Makato was present at Little Crow s home during the debate of whether to wage war. He played a very active role in the U.S.-Dakota War. He was at the battle at Fort Ridgely and was in charge of the principle attack from the southwest corner of the fort on August 18. He was also present at the battles of New Ulm and Birch Coulee. Makato was killed at the battle of Wood Lake by a cannon ball. It was reported that he saw the cannon ball coming, but was too proud to evade the projectile. He was one of the only senior Dakota leaders to lose his life in battle. Minnesota Historical Society Mazaśa (Red Iron) Red Iron was an Upper Dakota chief. He opposed the war and was one of the chiefs at the September 18 council that expressed their opposition. One of his most significant contributions was when he and his warriors blocked hostile Bdewakaŋtoŋwaŋs from crossing his land. The warriors had been steadily retreating up the Minnesota River in response to Sibley s advancing forces. He was known to ensure prisoner s safety and with others had set up a captive s camp opposite the mouth of the Chippewa River.

20 Twin Valley Council, BSA 810 Madison Avenue Mankato, MN