City Center in Mankato in Blue Earth County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Reconciliation Park
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, July 27, 2021
1. Reconciliation Park Marker
In honor of Amos Owen, Norman Crooks and Hereditary Chief Ernest Wabasha for their lasting efforts toward reconciliation among all people.
Grandfather, I come to you this day In my humble way to offer prayers for the thirty-eight Dakota who perished in Mankato in the year 1862.
To the West, I pray to the Horse Nation, and to the North. I pray to the Elk People.
To the East, I pray to the Buffalo Nation, and to the South, the Spirit People.
To the Heavens, I pray to the Great Spirit and to the Spotted Eagle.
And Below, I pray to Mother Earth to help us in this time of reconciliation.
Grandfather, I offer these prayers in my humble way.
To all my relations.
- Amos Owen
Reconciliation Park Founders
Hereditary Chief Ernest and Vernell Wabasha Louis G. "Bud" Lawrence, Co-chairman James H. Buckley, Sr., Co-chairman Mankato Mayor Stanley T. Christ Jim Petersen Bruce and Sheryl Dowlin Perry Wood Jeff Kagermeier, A.I.A. Thomas M. Miller, Sculptor
September 21, 1997
Erected 1997.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 44° 10.092′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Minnesota and specifically in the Minnesota River Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dakota (Sioux) Memorial 1862 (within shouting distance of this marker); Reconciliation and Remembrance (within shouting distance of this marker); Korean War (within shouting distance of this marker); Minnesota River Steamboating (within shouting distance of this marker); Navigating the River (approx. 0.2 miles away); Early Settlers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Early European Explorers (approx. 0.2 miles
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, July 27, 2021
2. Buffalo at Reconciliation Park
The marker is located next to a sculpture carved from limestone by artist Tom Miller to symbolize the survival of the Dakota people.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, July 27, 2021
3. Reconciliation Park Marker
A map inside the park offers additional history and points to other nearby historical markers.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, July 27, 2021
4. Dakota 38 Memorial
The Dakota 38 Memorial shares a poem and lists the names of the 38 Dakota warriors who were hanged at this site.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 475 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 12, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
