Acton in Meeker County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Battle of Acton
Company B, with 75 men, was sent to Meeker County to protect civilians and camped the night before at the Robinson Jones' house (2 1/2 miles NW) where one of the Acton murders occurred in August. After a perilous night-time journey, messengers from Forest City warned the unaware unit that over 100 Dakota soldiers camped only a short distance away.
At dawn, the company retreated southeast along the Pembina-Henderson trail. Where the track turned south parallel to Long Lake, the Dakota attacked the column in the front and rear and encircled the command. After several volleys of gunfire, the soldiers broke through the Dakota line to the south, but were pursued and under attack for eight miles, eventually making it safely to Hutchinson.
During the battle, the army detail had 3 killed and 18 wounded. Dakota soldier casualties are unknown. On Sept. 4, Taoyateduta and his men attacked Hutchinson and Forest City. Failing to breach the protective stockades and drive out the settlers, they withdrew from the area, thus changing their plan to attack from behind a military column moving up the Minnesota River valley.
Erected 2012 by the Meeker County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Wars, US Indian. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1608.
Location. 45° 4.853′ N, 94° 39.925′ W. Marker is in Acton, Minnesota, in Meeker County. Marker is at the intersection of County Highway 23 and 550th Avenue, on the left when traveling east on County Highway 23. Acton is approximately 5 miles south of Grove City. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Litchfield MN 55355, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Andreas Olson (approx. 1.4 miles away); Arndahl Lutheran Church (approx. 1.7 miles away); Acton State Monument (approx. 2˝ miles away); The Acton Incident (approx. 2˝ miles away); Ness Lutheran Church (approx. 3.1 miles away); Ness Cemetery State Monument (approx. 3.2 miles away); Backlund / Lorentson Monument (approx. 6˝ miles away); Legion Memorial Park (approx. 7 miles away).
Also see . . . 150 years later, built at last. Independent Review. Dedication of the Battle of Acton marker. (Submitted on December 6, 2013.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,557 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 6, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.