In 1862, a mere four years after becoming a state, the Dakota Uprising was a watershed event that would affect Minnesota at all levels. The tenacity and stoicism of the settlers and pioneers would be tested; but, so too, the very survival of the Eastern Dakota and their society, all were in the balance. The Dakota Uprising was one of the many chapters in the 'story' of the American Indian wars that occurred across the western United States up into the 1890's. However, the Dakota Uprising was largely overshadowed by a greater conflict that was occurring in the East - the Civil War. This book, this story, is an attempt to relay the events surrounding the Uprising - before, during, and immediately after. But, the author has tried to shift the focus of the story off of the battles slightly and to highlight the 'heroes' that emerged during the Uprising. The 'heroes' are well represented on both sides - settler and native. These 'heroes' in this story, both native and settler, are highlighted because we need to remember their deeds and the effort they put forth in trying to save themselves, their families, and their people.
In our modern society, where we spend so much time keeping track of what is going on in exotic places around the globe, we sometimes forget the very important history that occurred right in our own backyards.