Anoka in Anoka County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Circle of Life
The Dakota and Ojibwa people believed that the confluence of two great rivers was a sacred place.
The Point was used as an encampment and gathering place for several tribes. It was also a meeting place to form hunting parties going north into the game-rich white pine forests on the upper Rum River.
These encampments were in the form of a circle. The Dakota believed that the circles symbolized the universe within which all elements are contained and have equal status.
The sacred campfire circle formed the structure for spirituality, tribal government, community life, family relationships and social interaction. These values were expressed in songs and dances around the sacred circle.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list.
Location. 45° 11.416′ N, 93° 23.459′ W. Marker is in Anoka, Minnesota, in Anoka County. Marker can be reached from South Ferry Road, 0.3 miles east of South Ferry Street (U.S. 169). Marker is in Peninsula Point Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1460 South Ferry Parkway, Anoka MN 55303, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Highway of Exploration (a few steps from this marker); River Highways (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Logbooms Meet Sawmills (about 400 feet away); Fireman's Grove (about 400 feet away); Where Cultures Meet (about 500 feet away); Where Land and Water Meet (about 600 feet away); Bridging the Mississippi (about 600 feet away); Who Lived Here / Neighborhood Names / Building a Community (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anoka.
More about this marker. painting captions:
• Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society.
• Painting of an Indian encampment by John Mix Stanley.
Also see . . .
1. Sioux. (Dakota.) Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on December 23, 2013.)
2. Ojibwe people. (Chippewa.) Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on December 23, 2013.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,015 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 23, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.