Fort Snelling in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Sacrifice

Photographed by McGhiever, June 30, 2023

1. Sacrifice Marker

Inscription. We are willing to pay the price as far as the good need arises.
—Cpl. Maurice Masterson, 151st Field Artillery, 42nd "Rainbow" Division, writing to his father, September 19, 1918

Maurice Masterson at Fort Riley, August 10, 1917
Masterson Family Papers, courtesy Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County

Maurice Masterson, a young man from the Red River Valley, volunteered to serve. He wrote his mother from France in 1917.

Before I left the US I felt glad of the chance to come. I thought the cause great and wanted to strike a blow in defense of humanity. Since I arrived my heart is filled with regret that I did not come before.

Ten days before the war ended in November 1918, an artillery shell explosion killed Maurice Masterson.

Maurice Masterson (right) and friend, 1918
Masterson Family Papers, courtesy Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County

Artillerymen from the 151st, "somewhere in France," 1918

The 151st Field Artillery is one of the oldest units in the Minnesota National Guard. Its members have served in all major US conflicts since the Civil War.

The entire Minnesota National Guard was called up in 1917. Only the 151st saw combat.

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The surviving members of the unit came home in May 1919. Barnesville citizens welcomed them, and later named American Legion Post 153 after Maurice Masterson.

Homecoming parade for members of the 151st, Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, May 8, 1919

Erected by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.

Location. 44° 53.578′ N, 93° 10.983′ W. Marker is in Fort Snelling, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It is on Tower Avenue when traveling east. Marker is at Historic Fort Snelling, on a path between the visitor center and the old fort. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Tower Avenue, Saint Paul MN 55111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Perseverance (a few steps from this marker); Pride (within shouting distance of this marker); US–Dakota War of 1862 (within shouting distance of this marker); Imprisonment of Dakota Families (within shouting distance of this marker); Executions at Fort Snelling (within shouting distance of this marker); DAR Commemorative Plaques (within shouting distance of this marker); The Round Tower

Sacrifice Marker just west of Historic Fort Snelling image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, June 30, 2023

2. Sacrifice Marker just west of Historic Fort Snelling

(within shouting distance of this marker); St. Peters Agency (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Snelling.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Prairie (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); U.S. Army, Buildings 17 and 18 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 13, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.