Taoyateduta

Minnesota River HISTORIC water trail

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Twin Valley Council U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 AUGUST 17, 1862 The TA-OYA-TE DUTA Fish and Wildlife Minnesota River Historic Water Four Dakota men kill five settlers The Minnesota River Basin is a Trail, is an 88 mile water route at Acton in Meeker County birding paradise. The Minnesota stretching from just south of AUGUST 18 River is a haven for bird life and Granite Falls to New Ulm, Minne- several species of waterfowl and War begins with attack on the sota. The river route is named af- riparian birds use the river corri- Lower Sioux Agency and other set- ter Taoyateduta (Little Crow), the dor for nesting, breeding, and rest- tlements; ambush and battle at most prominent Dakota figure in ing during migration. More than the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Redwood Ferry. Traders stores 320 species have been recorded in near Upper Sioux Agency attacked the Minnesota River Valley. - The Minnesota River - AUGUST 19 Beneath the often grayish and First attack on New Ulm leading to The name Minnesota is a Da- cloudy waters of the Minnesota its evacuation; Sibley appointed kota word translated variously as River, swim a diverse fish popula- "sky-tinted water” or “cloudy-sky tion. The number of fish species commander of U.S. troops water". The river is gentle and and abundance has seen a signifi- AUGUST 20 placid for most of its course and cant rebound over the last several First Fort Ridgely attack. one will encounter only a few mi- years. Although carp and other nor rapids along the Historic Wa- riverine fish predominate, within AUGUST 22 Principle attack on Fort Ridgely. ter Trail. the snags and root complexes, an- glers can occasionally find massive AUGUST 23 Landscape flathead catfish. Walleye, sauger, Second attack on New Ulm and white bass can also be found The Minnesota River from in fair numbers. SEPTEMBER 2-3 Granite Falls to Redwood Falls Battle of Birch Coulee flows down a narrow channel in - U.S - Dakota War of 1862 - SEPTEMBER 23 an expansive valley. The basin in

Battle of Wood Lake this location contains some of the In addition to its beauty and SEPTEMBER 26 oldest known geologic features on geologic interest, this region is rife Freeing of captives with some Da- earth manifesting as prominent with historical significance. Myr- outcrops of gneiss, a metamorphic iad locations along this section of kota combatants surrendering at rock dating back 3.6 billion years. the Minnesota River played a role Camp Release. The banks along this stretch of in the often fractious relationship SEPTEMBER 28 river are heavily forested with ma- between the Dakota and early set- Military trials initiated for Dakota ple, elm, cottonwood, and willow. tlers that culminated in the U.S. - combatants Away from the river, the high Dakota War of 1862. The war granite domes are covered with was a cataclysmic event in Minne- NOVEMBER 4 oak and cedar. sota’s history that resulted in the 303 Dakota are sentenced to death Once past Redwood Falls the death of 600-800 settlers, count- NOVEMBER 7-13 river becomes more sinuous and less Dakota casualties, and the ul- 1,658 noncombatant Dakota are for a portion of its course flows in timate tragic forced relocation of taken to Fort Snelling a more vast, marshy floodplain. most of the Dakota out of Minne- Although the river itself has sota. DECEMBER 6 grown, it is still diminutive in rela- Lincoln commutes the sentence of tion to the broad valley in which it Prelude to War all but 40 Dakota condemned to courses. At certain points, bluffs The war was a culmination of death. gradually rise several hundred feet long simmering Dakota resent- above the river. Along this section, DECEMBER 26 ment related to forfeiture of their a bottomland forest of silver ma- 38 Dakota are hung in Mankato - land, attempts at acculturation, ple, cottonwoods, American elm, the largest mass execution in U.S. hunger, and frustration with the and green ash provide an inter- U.S. government’s failure to make history rupted blind to the farmland be- timely annuity payments that had SPRING 1863 yond the corridor. been promised by multiple treaties. Forced relocation of most Dakota from Minnesota ensues

Cover photo: Smithsonian Institution The Dakota, traditionally 145 families worked more than however, was the spark that ignited hunters, had conveyed all their 1,000 acres at the agencies. Much a conflagration that would engulf territory in Minnesota under the of the success of the agencies the Minnesota River Valley into treaties of of Traverse des Sioux could be attributed to Joseph R. war and Mendota save for a 10 mile Brown, a very respected agent to strip on the southern side of the run the Upper Sioux Agency and Minnesota River extending from the Lower Sioux Agency, 30 miles Big Stone Lake to a few miles west downstream. Brown was an expe- of New Ulm. The reservation land rienced frontiersman and had lacked favorable hunting grounds been sympathetic to the Dakota’s and the Dakota people were left to plight. The inflexibility, however, subsist principally on goods and of Brown’s successor, Thomas J. annuity payments promised by the Galbraith, aggravated settler- U.S. government under the terms Dakota discord and likely also of the various treaties. contributed to the U.S.-Dakota The reservation was adminis- War of 1862. tered from two separate agencies, Crops had been poor in 1861 the Upper Sioux Agency near the and the Dakota had minimal food mouth of the Yellow Medicine stores for the winter of 1861-1862. River and the Lower Sioux Hunger was widespread. In early Agency near present-day Red- August, the Dakota gathered at wood Falls. Of the four principle the Upper and Lower Sioux Taoyateduta (Little Crow), about 1860 Dakota bands in Minnesota, the Agencies to await federal pay- Sisitoŋwaŋ and Waĥ petoŋwaŋ ments to buy food. Promised by treaty and due in June, the annui- bands were located near the Up- Battle of Lower Sioux Agency per Sioux agency and hence were ties still had not arrived by mid- referred to as the Upper Bands August. The Dakota had become Elements of the Dakota real- and the Bdewakaŋtoŋwaŋ and dependent upon traders for goods ized that retribution for the killings Waĥpekute, bands were in close and arms. The traders would sell at Acton would likely be harsh and proximity to the Lower Sioux on credit, then claim the cash swift and possibly extend beyond Agency and respectively referred when the government distributed the individuals culpable. With that to as the Lower Bands. the money annuities. Due to the in mind and recognizing that The Upper Sioux Agency State delay in the annuity delivery, the many Minnesota soldiers were en- Park, where the Taoyateduta traders ceased the distribution of gaged in the Civil War, many felt Minnesota River Historic Water goods. In addition, Galbraith, the the time was ripe to go to war Trail begins, is located at the con- agent in charge of Sioux Agencies, predicated on self-preservation. fluence of the Minnesota and Yel- initially refused to release ware- Taoyateduta became their leader. low Medicine Rivers. The Agency housed food until the annuity On 18 August, Dakota warri- was established at the park’s cur- payments arrived. Ultimately, ors attacked the Lower Sioux rent location in 1853 in hopes of Galbraith was forced to capitulate Agency, a town of about 100 set- making the Dakota people be- after 500 near starving Dakota tlers and mixed-race civilians. come self-supporting by teaching arrived at the Upper Sioux Within a few hours 20 settlers had them to farm and by acculturating Agency and broke into the ware- been killed and 10 taken captive. them to other ways of the new- houses to obtain sacks of flour. The Dakota broke into the ware- comers lifestyle. The majority of The Dakota’s patience was now at houses and took food and stores. the Dakota, however, clung to its end. Soon after fighting began, some their traditional way of life. On 17 August 1862, four Dakota looted and burned the Although many Dakota were younger Dakota men killed five Upper Sioux Agency near Granite resistant to the ambitions of the settlers near the town of Acton, Falls. mission, some did adopt European MN. The killings were capricious Not all Dakota, however, were styles of agriculture, carpentry, and in part simply a dare among in favor of going to war. Indeed it and other ways of life. By 1861, the four young Dakota. This act, was a minority of the Dakota that advocated for war. War was waged initial attack was not well orches- Battle of Fort Ridgely predominantly by Bde- trated and there were no senior On 20 August and again on 22 wakaŋtoŋwaŋ and Waĥ pekute chiefs present to give orders. The August, the Dakota attacked Fort men. It is estimated that 6,500 first battle ended with six settlers Ridgely, a minimally fortified out- Dakota people lived on reservation killed and five wounded. post built on a nearly indefensible land and that no more than 1,000 After the first attack, Charles site flanked on three sides by were actually combatants, some of Eugene Flandrau reached the city wooded ravines. The initial force which were coerced into battle. as part of a detachment from St. of about 400 Dakota, however, John Other Day, a Dakota Chief, Peter and Le Sueur. Flandrau's failed in its efforts to overrun the like many Dakota of the Upper forces were bolstered by about a 280 soldiers and civilian defenders Sioux Agency, refused to take part hundred men from Mankato, two at the fort on the first assault. On in the fighting and actually led companies from Le Sueur, and the second assault at dawn two many setters from the agency to militias from Brown County, Ni- days later, a stronger force of 800 safety. collet County, St. Peter, Lafayette, Dakota attacked the fort, but were and New Ulm. In all, Flandrau once again repelled. Battle of Redwood Ferry had about three hundred citizen- The U.S. forces had four casu- soldiers under his command, but alties. Dakota losses are unknown. News of the Lower Sioux most were poorly armed. More

Agency attack reached Captain than a thousand settlers were bar- Battle of Birch Coulee John S. Marsh at Fort Ridgely. ricaded on New Ulm's main street. Without clear appreciation of the In the morning of 23 August, Though now a placid prairie, circumstances, Marsh chose 46 the Dakota began their second the Birch Coulee Battlefield was men, along with interpreter Peter siege on the city. The Dakota were the scene of one of the most Quinn, to set out for the Agency. superior in numbers and were able daunting engagements of the en- At the Redwood Ferry the com- to encircle the entire town. The tire war. On 2 September 1862, pany was ambushed. In the fight, defenders of New Ulm set many Dakota warriors laid siege to a half of Marsh’s men had been buildings on fire in an attempt to burial party that was at camp on killed. Marsh himself drowned create an open space to disallow the Birch Coulee site. The burial while trying to swim the river. cover for the Dakota. party consisted of 170 men sent by The war quickly spread After nightfall, Flandrau or- Col. Henry Sibley. throughout much of the Minne- dered that the rest of the buildings The Birch Coulee campsite was sota River Valley. In the following outside of the barricades to be highly exposed and the detach- weeks, the militants among the burned. In total, 190 structures ment was vastly outnumbered. In Dakota killed scores of settlers in within the city were destroyed. the early morning ambush, the the countryside. The next morning, 24 August, the Dakota wounded many and killed Dakota reappeared, fired some most of the cavalry’s horses within Battles of New Ulm innocuous long-range shots, and the first hour. The siege, however, The Dakota pursued two at- subsequently withdrew. persisted. Col. Sibley could hear tacks on the settlement of New Flandrau convened with his the battle from Fort Ridgely six- Ulm, the largest town nearest the officers later that day and decided teen miles away. An initial relief Dakota Reservation. At the time, to evacuate the city due to a short- party of 240 was sent from the there were approximately 900 age of ammunition and food as fort, but thinking they too were townspeople and was viewed as a well as concerns about possible surrounded by Dakota halted and enticing target for a Dakota attack. disease. called for additional reinforce- The first attack came on 19 The following morning, 2000 ments. Sibley returned with addi- August with about 100 Dakota people, including 153 wagons and tional reinforcements, including an warriors firing on the city from the a large number of refugees, left artillery brigade. The shelling ul- bluff behind the town. A small the city and headed to Mankato, timately dispersed the Dakota. number of civilians returned fire. about 30 miles to the southeast. After the 36 hour siege, Sibley saw A thunderstorm later in the day, The procession was escorted by the horrible aftermath with thir- however, discouraged the Dakota about 150 troops and made it to teen men and ninety horses dead. from continuing their attack. The Mankato safely. Forty-seven men were severely wounded and others to a lesser The battle was a decisive vic- that same year, Steamboats were degree. The survivors were weary, tory for the U.S. forces and loaded with 1,300 Dakota who hungry, and dehydrated. marked the end of organized war- were ultimately sent to the deso- The battle of Birch Coulee was fare by the Dakota. late Crow Creek reservation in a victory for the Dakota. South Dakota. 200 Dakota died in Camp Release the first sixth months. Battle of Wood Lake After the Battle of Wood Lake Present Day On 18 September, Sibley lead on 23 September, Taoyateduta 1,619 men from Fort Ridgely up started to loose support while the Today, the remains of the old the Minnesota River valley. After a influence of the pacifist chiefs in- Agency site can be found in the four days march toward the Upper cluding Waba ś a (Red Staff), Upper Sioux Agency State Park. Agency, Sibley’s forces encamped Mazaśa (Red Iron), and others The park offers a visitor center on the east shore of Lone Tree grew. The Dakota Peace Party with exhibits. Lake (mistakingly felt to be Wood three days later presented scores of At Fort Ridgely State Park, the Lake). hostages to Sibley at a location Minnesota Historical Society op- opposite the mouth of the the erates an interpretive center on Chippewa River that became the grounds of the old fort. Few known as Camp Release. The site buildings remain, though the fort’s is located near present-day Mon- restored commissary serves as a tevideo. Within a few days, 285 museum telling the story of the settlers and mixed-race captives fort and the U.S.-Dakota War. were released. At the same time, At the Lower Sioux Agency many Dakota combatants surren- History Center, an interpretive dered at Camp Release. center tells the story of the history of the agency site as well as the Denouement nearby Redwood Ferry ambush site. The Minnesota Historical So- After the war, more than 300 ciety exhibit tells of the major de- Dakota were sentenced to death. velopments in the Dakota people’s President Lincoln commuted the history from 1750 to after 1900. sentences of the 265 convicts who were determined to have been Henry Hastings Sibley, about 1863 - The Historic Water Trail - simple combatants. Of the re- maining, 38 were convicted of The TA-OYA-TE DUTA During the night of 22 Sep- murder or rape and were hanged Minnesota River Historic Water tember, 700-1,000 Dakota warri- en masse on a single gallows in Trail is divided into 5 segments ors approached unnoticed to what would be the largest mass each named after a prominent within a few miles of then en- execution in U.S. history. 300 Dakota figure in the U.S.-Dakota campment. The Dakota’s intent more were imprisoned. war of 1862. Each segment could was to ambush the soldiers in the After the fighting ended, some easily be completed in a day of morning as they drew up the road. Dakota fled west. Some went to paddling. The included maps are A small U.S. detachment, however, Canada. Subsequent U.S. expedi- intended as a paddle guide pri- had left to obtain potatoes at the tions in 1863 and 1864 led to marily, but also indicate locations Upper Agency and happened various battles in which hundreds of the principle battles along the upon the Dakota who where hid- of Dakota were killed and many river route. The vast majority of ing in the tall grass upsetting the were forced further westward. the major battles during the U.S. - element of surprise. The Dakota In 1863, by acts of Congress, Dakota War of 1862 took place fired upon the soldiers who then all treaties with the Santee Dakota right along the river. As you pad- reciprocated and were quickly were revoked. What followed was dle, think of the events that un- supported by the other U.S. forces. the forced expulsion of all but a folded in this landscape and how After two hours of fighting, the few select groups of Dakota from Minnesota was forever dramati- Dakota withdrew. the state of Minnesota. In May cally changed.

-Happy and safe paddling! Wanta e Taoyateduta Sweet Corn Minnesota River HISTORICAL water trail Segments Travers r eTRAVERSE Lak BROWNS VALLEY STEVENS Tataŋka Naziŋ (Standing Buffalo) Standing Buffalo Big STEARNS

St BIG Waŋmdi Taŋka (Big Eagle) ChippewaPOPE Rive ne STONE Lake Mazaśa (Red Iron) Minnesota Rive SWIFT Wabaśa (Red Staff)

D Scarlet Plume AKOTA Makato (Blue Earth) LAC r KANDIYOHI R Lac Mississippi ESERVATION qui Parl ACTON QUI CHIPPEWA WRIGHT Cr. e TERRITORY DAKOTA MEEKER LAC QUI PARLE PARLE Rive ST. PAUL

Hawk HENNEPIN MONTEVIDEO HAZELWOOD MISSION FORT r KAPOSIA R. PAJUTAZEE MISSION SNELLING Extended eTail Feathers GRANITE Wakanmani FALLS RENVILLE CARVER Parl Sleepy Eyes MCLEOD Red Iron Mazamani SACRED HEART r qui UPPER SIOUX AGENCY YELLOW CAMP RELEASE Lac Cloud Man Rive MEDICINE Cr. DAKOTA MIDDLE CREEK TOWNSHIP r Coulee Cr. a e Rive Simon Anawangmani SCOTT Beaver Inyangmani Birch MORTON Red Otherday Minnesot elow Medicin Middle Y Shakopee SIBLEY Inihan Voice FORT RIDGELY Akipa Redwood River Big Eagle Little Crow TRAVELERS HOME Makato MILFORDNICOLLET TOWNSHIP RICE Wakute LINCOLN LYON Traveling HailWabasha ST. PETER NEW LOWER SIOUXAGENCY ULM LE SUEUR Red Legs Lean Bear REDWOOD BROWN r Mankato Rive Lake Shetk Cotonwood PIPESTONE STEELE COTTONWOOD BLUE MURRAY WATONWAN EARTH WASECA

ROCK NOBLES JACKSON MARTIN FARIBAULT FREEBORN Minnesota in 1862 Adapted from Through Dakota Eyes (Minnesota Historical Society Press) Renville Co. 10 Taoyateduta Minnesota River Skalbekken Trongard HISTORIC water trail County Park Creek W.M.A. 1 10 Tataŋka Naziŋ Skalbekken Co. Park SEGMENT Hawk Campground & Landing 6 Upper Sioux Agency State Park 3.2 Upper Sioux Agency State Park to Yellow 2 Vicksburg County Park Medicine 17 81 16.9 miles 3 55 River 4

9 Upper Sioux Agency SP 5 Campground & Landing Sacred Heart 0.0 W.M.A. Creek Battle of Wood Lake 12 7 Lake 6 8 Wood 18 Wood Lake 6 9 Creek Monument 81

Lone Tree Heart Lake Swedes Forest S.N.A Homme-Krollin 7 Unit 10 Vicksburg Co. Park 274 11 Campground & Landing

Sacred 16.9 (I)

12 2 27 4 Spring Creek 15 Boiling 13 Vicksburg Legend County Park 16 Rapids Beckendorf (I) Difficulty 14 15 17 Lake N 19 River Access Pattersonʼs 2 River Mileage Rapids (I-II) 15.6

Campground

Creek U.S. - Dakota Whispering Ridge AMA War Battlefield Echo 7 Campsite & Carry-In State Monument 19 Redwood Co. Yellow Medicine Co. 0 1 2 Echo Many smaller roads are not shown ! 6 1 9 Taoyateduta HISTORICAL water trail Tataŋka Naziŋ Segment

Put-In Upper Sioux Agency State Park Elevation Drop 27 feet Take-out Vicksburg County Park Average Gradient 1.6 feet per mile Distance 16.9 miles Minimum Suggested Flow - Approximate Time 4-5 hours Water Level Info / Phone - Most Difficult Rapids Class 1-2

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: 320.564.777 1.5 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 Creek (L) The confluence of Hawk Creek is on the left. 2.2 Mile County Road 10 Bridge The Renville Co. Rd. 10/Yellow Medicine Co. Rd. 21 bridge as built in 1968 and is 331 feet long. 3.2 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: 320.523.3768. 4.8 Mile Wood Lake Creek (R) The confluence of Wood Lake Creek 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 22 September 1862 1.6 miles upstream on Wood Lake Creek 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 thirty- four seriously wounded. The exact Dakota losses are unknown. The battle was the last major engagement in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. It was a decisive victory for the U.S. forces and marked the end of organized warfare by the Dakota.

8.2 Mile Gneiss Rock Outcroppings (R) Gneiss (pronounced like “nice”) rock is an ancient metamorphic rock dating back to 3.6 billion years and formed when granite and other rocks were subjected to intense heat and pressure within the earth. 9.5 Mile County Road 7 Bridge The Renville Co. Rd. 9/Redwood Co. Rd. 7 Bridge bridge as built in 1966 and is 347 feet long. 11.7 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. 13.0 Mile Boiling Spring Creek (R) The confluence of Boiling Spring Creek is on the right. 13.1 Mile County Road 19 Bridge The Renville Co. Rd. 12/Redwood Co. Rd. 19 Bridge was built in 1998 and is 355 feet long. 14.5 Mile Echo Creek (R) The confluence of Echo Creek is on the right. 15.6 Mile Patterson’s Rapids (class 1-2) During moderate waters levels the rapids are class I, but during high water, class 2 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 5 ft. in ⅓ mile. 16.3 Mile Sacred Heart Creek (L) The confluence of Sacred Heart Creek is on the left. 16.9 Mile Big Eddy A large gneiss rock outcrop on the right creates a 22-foot deep eddy, know as “Big Eddy”, a reported favorable fishing spot. 16.9 Mile Vicksburg County Park Landing (R) Vicksburg County Park is also known as Renville County Park No. 2. There is a concrete-plank boat ramp a mile upstream from the County Road 6 bridge. The 241 acre park offers a camping and picnic area. Contact: 320.523.3768.

Driving Directions (Google Maps) GPS Coordinates

Upper Sioux Agency SP Landing 44°44'25.78"N, 95°27'19.76"W Yellow Medicine River 44°44'20.72"N, 95°25'47.16"W Upper Sioux Agency State Park Landing Hawk Creek 44°44'09.97"N, 95°25'24.31"W County Road 10 Bridge 44°43'52.86"N, 95°25'15.80"W Skalbekken County Park Landing 44°43'49.00"N, 95°24'23.80"W Wood Lake Creek 44°42'59.43"N, 95°23'59.58"W Gneiss rock outcroppings 44°41'52.03"N, 95°21'37.52"W County Road 7 Bridge 44°41'42.40"N, 95°20'24.70"W Class I Rapids 44°40'52.63"N, 95°18'45.41"W Skalbekken County Park Landing Boiling Spring Creek 44°39'58.58"N, 95°17'58.05"W County Road 19 Bridge 44°39'56.75"N, 95°17'51.04"W Echo Creek 44°39'34.69"N, 95°16'28.98"W Patterson’s Rapids (class 1) 44°39'45.85"N, 95°15'19.18"W Sacred Heart Creek 44°40'02.15"N, 95°14'38.68"W Big Eddy 44°39'35.52"N, 95°14'18.34"W Vicksburg County Park Landing 44°39'38.57"N, 95°14'20.20"W Vicksburg County Park Landing Renville Co. Vicksburg Co. Park 6 Taoyateduta Campground & Landing Minnesota River 0.0 HISTORIC water trail 4 4 15 Waŋmdi Taŋka SEGMENT Vicksburg County Park Vicksburg County Park to Renville County Road 1 Bridge Beckendorf 21 12.4 miles Lake Timmʼs Pattersonʼs Rapids (I-II) 1 2 Creek

Creek Whispering Ridge AMA 3 Echo

Campsite & Carry-In Shwandt Memorial Creek 1.9 (I) 1 19 4 Middle 15 6

Rice Creek 6 5 19 Cedar Rock W M A . . . Creek 7 Smith

Delhi 9 8 1 9 17 15 10 Camp Pope

Legend Creek 2 11 Rapids N Difficulty 12 Beaver (I) Beaver Falls Co. Park River Access 25 Creek 2 River Mileage Renville Co. Rd. 1 6 Campground Bridge Landing 17 12.4 Delhi State Monument W.M.A.

River

Tiger Lake Redwood 0 1 2 Redwood W.M.A. Many smaller roads are not shown ! Falls 19 67 71 Redwood Co. Taoyateduta HISTORICAL water trail Waŋmdi Taŋka Segment

Put-In Vicksburg County Park Elevation Drop 11 feet Take-out Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Average Gradient 0.9 feet per mile Distance 12.4 miles Minimum Suggested Flow - Approximate Time 4 hours Water Level Info / Phone - Most Difficult Rapids Class 1

Paddlers Guide 0.0 Mile Vicksburg County Park Landing Vicksburg County Park is also known as Renville County Park No. 2. The 241 acre park offers a camping and picnic area. Contact: 320.523.3768. 0.0 Mile Big Eddy Across from the Vicksburg County Park Landing is a large gneiss rock outcrop creates a 22-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 Creek (L) The confluence of Timm’s Creek 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 0.6 miles up Timm’s Creek is the Schwandt Memorial. Near this spot is where the Johan Schwandt family was killed in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. It was erected in memory of the 6 Schwandt family members and 2 of their friends that were killed on 18 August 1862.

4.2 Mile Rice Creek (R) The confluence of Rice Creek is on the right. 4.8 Mile Renville Co. Rd. 21/Redwood Co. Rd. 17 Bridge The Renville Co. Rd. 21/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’ 6”. There is a nice picnic area upstream of the bridge on the left. 5.4 Mile Cedar Rock Wilderness Management Area (R) The WMA is 640 acres in size. Look for migrating raptors in the Spring and Fall. 5.6 Mile Middle Creek (L) The confluence of Middle Creek is on the left. 9.0 Mile Smith Creek (L) The confluence of Smith Creek is on the left. 9.5 Mile Camp Pope Creek (R) The confluence of Camp Pope Creek is on the right. 11.6 Mile Flood Diversion Channel (L) 12.4 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 5 feet indicates medium water levels. The Renville Co. Rd. bridge was built in 1957 and is 313 feet long.

Driving Directions (Google Maps) GPS Coordinates

Vicksburg County Park Landing 44°39'38.57"N, 95°14'20.20"W Big Eddy 44°39'36.59"N, 95°14'22.77"W Whispering Ridge Campsite/Carry-In 44°38'44.88"N, 95°12'49.37"W Vicksburg County Park Landing Rapids - class 1 44°38'06.01"N, 95°11'50.98"W Timm’s Creek 44°37'55.70"N, 95°11'36.22"W Rice Creek 44°37'23.99"N, 95°11'08.08"W Renville Co. Rd. 21Bridge 44°37'10.25"N, 95°10'40.44"W Cedar Rock WMA 44°37'14.67"N, 95°10'04.44"W Middle Creek 44°37'13.78"N, 95°09'49.51"W Whispering Ridge Campsite/Carry-In Smith Creek 44°35'43.67"N, 95°07'05.91"W Camp Pope Creek 44°34'47.59"N, 95°06'05.39"W Flood Diversion Channel 44°34'39.18"N, 95°05'20.36"W Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing 44°34'15.84"N, 95°05'50.47"W

Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing Renville Co. 19 Taoyateduta Creek Smith Minnesota River HISTORIC water trail

71 1 Mazaśa SEGMENT

15 Renville County Road 1 Bridge to Franklin 18.4 miles 2 Birch Coulee Watercraft Monument Campsite Beaver 2 Beaver Falls 2.2 Beaver Falls Co. Park W.M.A.

2 Creek Battle of 1 18 Birch Coulee 3 Klabunde River W.M.A. 4 Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing Morton

Redwood 0.0 Creek 73 5 Tiger Lake 5 Redwood W.M.A. 8 Falls 6 7 9 10 Coulee 71 19 11 Creek Birch Crow 12 19 Lower Sioux Battle of Redwood Indian Ferry 24 14 Reservation Morton Access 15 Battle of Lower 13 Franklin Franklin Boat Boat Landing Sioux Agency 51 Landing & Camping 7.6 18.4 16 17 2 18

Legend 13 River Access 67 Creek 5 71 2 River Mileage N 11 Campground Wabasha 2 U.S. - Dakota 10 War Battlefield

State Monument

0 1 2 Brown Co. Many smaller roads are not shown ! Redwood Co. Taoyateduta HISTORICAL water trail Mazaśa Segment

Put-In Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Elevation Drop 14 feet Take-out Franklin Boat Landing Average Gradient 0.8 feet per mile Distance 18.4 miles Minimum Suggested Flow - Approximate Time 5 hours Water Level Info / Phone - Most Difficult Rapids flat-water

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 5 feet indicates medium water levels. The Renville Co. Rd. bridge was built in 1957 and is 313 feet long. 0.4 Mile Redwood River (R) The confluence of the Redwood river is on the right. 1.2 Mile Flood Diversion (L) The confluence of the flood diversion channel is on the left. 2.2 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 Creek (L) The confluence of Beaver Creek is on the left. 7.6 Mile Morton Access Boat Landing (R) 8.5 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 1884 . 11.6 Mile Birch Coulee Creek (L) The confluence of the Birch Coulee Creek is on the left.

Battle of Birch Coulee The Battle of Birch Coulee took place near Birch Coulee Creek 4.5 miles upstream of the confluence on 2 September 1862. The Battle of Birch Coulee was the most deadly for the U.S. forces in the Dakota War of 1862 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.

12.0 Mile Attack of Lower Sioux Agency The Battle of Lower Sioux Agency was the initial battle of the Dakota War of 1862. On 18 August 1862, 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, 20 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.

12.1 Mile 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 46 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.

12.1 Mile Renville Co. 5/Redwood Co. 11 Bridge The bridge was built in 1959 and is 371 feet long. 18.4 Mile Franklin Boat Landing & Campsite (L) The Franklin boat landing is just after the Renville Co. 5/Redwood Co. 11 Bridge and has a concrete-plank boat ramp. At the landing is a campground with fire rings.

Driving Directions (Google Maps) GPS Coordinates

Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing 44°34'15.84"N, 95°05'50.47"W Redwood River 44°34'15.79"N, 95°05'18.82"W Renville Co. Rd. 1 Bridge Landing Flood Diversion 44°34'19.24"N, 95°04'43.55"W Watercraft Campsite 44°34'02.23"N, 95°03'42.17"W Beaver Creek 44°33'38.48"N, 95°02'59.16"W Morton Access Boat Landing 44°32'33.77"N, 95°00'09.50"W Hwy US-71/MN-19 Bridge 44°32'43.25"N, 94°59'42.68"W MN Valley Railroad Bridge 44°32'47.01"N, 94°59'22.47"W Birch Coulee Creek 44°31'59.34"N, 94°57'53.03"W Morton Access Boat Landing Renville Co. 5/Redwood Co. 11 Bridge 44°31'01.63"N, 94°53'04.25"W Franklin Boat Landing & Campsite 44°31'03.57"N, 94°53'04.30"W

Franklin Boat Landing 5 73 3 Taoyateduta Minnesota River HISTORIC water trail Wabaśa SEGMENT 19 Franklin to Fort Ridgely State Park Franklin Franklin Boat 15.6 miles 51 Landing & Camping 0.0 3

1

Creek 5 Threemile Anderson 11 Lake Park

Wabasha 2 Creek

2 Fort Ridgely 3 16 4 6 5

Creek 5 4 7 8 Mack Lake Park Landing & Camping 9.4 Fort Ridgely State Park 77 8 Mack Lake Fort Ridgely Park Monument 9 10 10 Battle of Renville Co. 11 Fort Ridgely 11 21 Brown Co. State Hwy. 4 Legend Redwood Co. Water Access 12 15.6 River Access 13 14 2 River Mileage N 5 10 Nicollet Co. Campground 15 Minnriver Kettnerʼs WMA 21 2 U.S. - Dakota Landing & Camping War Battlefield 11.5

State Monument

8

Morgan 0 1 2 30 Many smaller roads are not shown ! Taoyateduta HISTORICAL water trail Wabaśa Segment

Put-In Franklin Boat Landing Elevation Drop 13 feet Take-out State Highway 4 Water Access Average Gradient 0.8 feet per mile Distance 15.6 Miles Minimum Suggested Flow - Approximate Time 4-5 hours Water Level Info / Phone - Most Difficult Rapids flat-water

Paddlers Guide 0.0 Mile Franklin Boat Landing & Campsite (L) The Franklin boat landing is just after the Renville Co. 5/Redwood Co. 11 Bridge and has a concrete-plank boat ramp. At the landing is a campground with fire rings. 1.0 Mile Wabasha Creek (R) The confluence of Wabasha Creek is on the right. 5.8 Mile Petersen Bridge The Renville Co. Rd. 3/Brown Co. Rd. 8 bridge was built in 1918 and spans 250 feet. This pony style truss bridge is one of the few remaining truss bridges left on the lower section of the Minnesota River. 7.5 Mile Threemile Creek (L) The confluence of Threemile Creek 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.

11.5 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.

14.5 Mile Battle of Fort Ridgely On 20 August and again on 22 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 280 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.

15.6 Mile State Highway 4 Bridge The MN-4 Bridge was built in 1994 and spans 496 feet. 15.6 Mile State Highway 4 water access (L) The landing has a concrete-plank boat ramp. The landing is 1.2 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

Franklin Landing 44°31'03.57"N, 94°53'04.30"W Wabasha Creek 44°30'24.95"N, 94°52'49.43"W Petersen Bridge 44°28'58.82"N, 94°49'37.21"W Mack Lake County Park Landing Threemile Creek 44°28'43.60"N, 94°48'36.18"W Mack Lake Park Boat Landing 44°27'30.20"N, 94°47'35.56"W Kettner’s Landing 44°26'45.56"N, 94°46'32.46"W Fort Ridgely Creek 44°26'26.46"N, 94°43'48.24"W State Highway 4 Water Acces 44°26'01.68"N, 94°43'00.26"W

Kettner’s Landing

Hwy. 4 Bridge Landing Fort Ridgely Fort Ridgely Monument Taoyateduta Fort Ridgely Minnesota River State Park Renville Co. Sibley Co. HISTORIC water trail

Creek Battle of Nicollet Co. Fort Ridgely State Hwy. 4 Makato Water Access SEGMENT 0.0 27 Fort Ridgely State Park to 5 Beussmann Bridge (New Ulm) 20.3 miles Minnriver WMA 1 1

21 10 2 5 22

Little Rock 16 3 5

4 Harkin Store 7 Creek Carry-in Access 11.3 Creek

Mile 6 8 9 4 Eight 5 13 11 12 21 10 14 10 Horseshoe 14 Lake 15 16 Beussmann Bridge 18 Water Access 17 20.3

Boesch 29 W.M.A. Legend 20 21 River Access 19 2 River Mileage N

Campground

U.S. - Dakota 29 Two Battles of New Ulm 8 War Battlefield 13 State Monument 11 New 12 Ulm 68 14 0 1 2 Essig Many smaller roads are not shown ! Brown Co. Taoyateduta HISTORICAL water trail Makato Segment

Put-In State Highway 4 Water Access Elevation Drop 7 feet Take-out Beussmann Bridge Water Access Average Gradient 0.3 feet per mile Distance 20.3 Miles Minimum Suggested Flow - Approximate Time 6 hours Water Level Info / Phone - Most Difficult Rapids flat-water

Paddlers Guide 0.0 Mile State Highway 4 Bridge The MN-4 Bridge was built in 1994 and spans 496 feet. 0.0 Mile State Highway 4 water access (L) The landing has a concrete-plank boat ramp. The landing is 1.2 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. 4.6 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 1905 and was commonly known as Hinderman's Bridge. it was closed in the fall of 1987. 10.3 Mile Little Rock Creek (L) The confluence of Little Rock Creek is on the left. 11.3 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. 11.8 Mile Eight Mile Creek (L) The confluence of Little Rock Creek is on the left. 14.8 Mile Boesch W.M.A. (R) The Boesch Wildlife Management area is 156 acres. 20.3 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 599 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 23 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 25th, the city was evacuated. 2000 people, including 153 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

State Highway 4 Water Access 44°26'01.68"N, 94°43'00.26"W Hinderman bridge remnants 44°24'31.86"N, 94°40'45.69"W Little Rock Creek 44°23'04.36"N, 94°37'07.68"W Hwy. 4 Bridge Landing Harkin Store carry-in access 44°23'09.64"N, 94°35'57.36"W Eight Mile Creek 44°22'50.04"N, 94°35'35.95"W Boesch W.M.A. 44°22'19.92"N, 94°33'43.92"W Beussmann Bridge Water Access 44°21'42.96"N, 94°29'52.41"W

Harkin Store Carry-in Access

Beussmann Bridge Water Access 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 1862. The hope is that youth will gain a greater un- derstanding 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 His- toric 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 2 days and 1 night along the Taoyateduta Historic Water Trail.

B. Complete all five segments of the 88 mile wa- ter trail.

☐ Tataŋka Naziŋ (Standing Buffalo) ☐ Waŋmdi Taŋka (Big Eagle) ☐ Mazaśa (Red Iron) 1 ½” Medal ☐ Wabaśa (Red Staff) ☐ Makato (Blue Earth)

C. Study the history of the canoe route.

D. Visit either the Fort Ridgely State Park Inter- pretive Center or the Lower Sioux Agency Interpretive Center. 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 Unit Number Qty. Price Subtotal Historic Water Trail Patches $2.50 Tataŋka Naziŋ $0.75 Waŋmdi Taŋka $0.75 Mazaśa $0.75 Wabaśa $0.75

Segments Makato $0.75 Historic Water Trail Medals $7.00 Certificates $1.50 Subtotal Sales Tax (7.375%) PriorityDRAFT Mail Flat Rate Shipping ($5.60 if being shipped) Grand Total

VISA/MC Account No. Exp.

Signature: Twin Valley Council, BSA Name: 810 Madison Avenue Mankato, MN 56001 Address: 507-387-3123 - Phone 800-944-1886 - Toll Free City: State: Zip: 507-387-3053 - Fax Phone: Each segment of the Taoyateduta Historic Water Trail is named after a promi- nent Dakota figure in the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862.

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 1862. He was both a warrior and a politician. Little crow was ini- tially reticent to pursue war with the U.S., but ultimately felt compelled to support the Dakota mili- tants 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. Denver Public Library, Western History/Genealogy Department

Tataŋka Naziŋ (Standing Buffalo) 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 Up- per 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, Taoyat- eduta continued to appeal for assistance. Tataŋka Naziŋ summed up the sentiment of the Sisi-

Minnesota Historical Society toŋwaŋ: “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) 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 engage- ments, 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 5 January 1906 and is buried at the Doncaster Cemetery southeast of Granite Falls. Minnesota Historical Society

Makato (Blue Earth) Makato was chief of a large band of Bdewakaŋtoŋwaŋ Dakota. On 18 August 1862 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 22 August 1862. 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

Minnesota Historical Society of the only senior Dakota leaders to lose his life in battle.

Mazaśa (Red Iron) Red Iron was an Upper Dakota chief. He opposed the war and was one of the chiefs at the 6 Sep- tember 1862 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. Minnesota Historical Society Twin Valley Council, BSA 810 Madison Avenue Mankato, MN 56001 507-387-3123