Reconciliation and Remembrance

Reconciliation and Remembrance. Historic Markers, Monuments and Buildings. There are various historic markers, monuments and buildings in Mankato and North Mankato dedicated to reconciliation and remembrance of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and the 38 Dakota Warriors executed. Visit each site to learn more about the War and efforts since 1972 for reconciliation and remembrance through education and understanding., You are standing at Reconciliation Park, stops 1 and 2 on the map. It is a sacred parcel of land to the Dakota as it represents the site of the 1862 execution. For a historical perspective of the War and "casualties of war," check out stops 3 and 5. The "Winter Warrior" (stop 4) was the first monument dedicated in remembrance of the Dakota 38. Land of Memories Park (stop 6) commemorates the annual Mahkato Wacipi (pow wow) that has taken place on these grounds since 1972. North Mankato is home to two buildings honoring Dakota heritage (stops 7 and 8). Dakota Spiritual Leader Amos Owen was instrumental in reconciliation efforts as co-founder of the Mahkato Wacipi in 1972. Read his prayer at stop 1 and his vision for reconciliation at stop 6, and view the American Indian Garden named in his honor at stop 9. For additional information about the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, visit the Blue Earth County Historical Society (stop 10)., 1. Buffalo , This limestone statue of a white buffalo is a symbol of the spiritual survival of the Dakota people and honors the Dakota heritage of this area. A prayer written by Dakota Spiritual Leader Amos Owen calls for reconciliation by all people. Local sculptor Thomas Miller is the artist., 2. Dakota 38 Memorial , In commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, a memorial was installed at Reconciliation Park. The memorial lists the names of the 38 Dakota Warriors who were hanged on December 26, 1862, near this same location. Included in this memorial is a prayer written by Eli Taylor and a poem by Katherine Hughes. The theme of the memorial is "Forgive Everyone Everything.", 3. U.S.-Dakota War Historic Marker , This bronx historic marker recounting the events of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 is located on the grounds of the Blue Earth County Library, near the location of the 1862 Execution of 38 Dakota Warriors. The solitary red pipestone feather and the limestone pedestal represent the heritage of the Dakota., 4. Winter Warrior , Winter Warrior, a limestone statue depicting a Dakota Warrior, is located onthe grounds of the Blue Earth County Library. The statue was installed in 1987-the "Year of Reconciliation"-in remembrance of the 38 Dakota Warriors who were killed in the Execution of 1862 near this location. Local Sculptor Thomas Miller was the artist., 5. Ho-Chunk/Winnebago Historic Marker , A historic plaque in honor of the Ho-Chunk, or Winnebago, people who lived in Blue Earth County prior to 1863. Due to the unrest following the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, many Native American Tribes were removed from their land including the Winnebago. The tribe was forced to leave their farmland in 1863 and were relocated to Nebraska. This marker is located along the Minnesota River Trail at the site where they both arrived and departed Blue Earth County., 6. Land of Memories Park , The Dakota people historically gathered each fall to trade goods and share ideas at the confluence of the Blue Earth and Minnesota Rivers. However after 1862, the Dakota viewed Mankato as a place of tragedy and heartbreak. The Mahkato Wacipi (pow wow), which began in 1972, began to heal that sentiment. Land of Memories Park is the home to the Mahkato Wacipi every September., 7. Heritage Hall , South Central College dedicated Heritage Hall in 1991 with the unveiling of the painting "Summer of '62" by local artist Rod Furan. Hereditary Dakota Chief Ernest Wabasha said about the painting: "The summer of 1862 was the last year our people were here. This picture shows the life of the Dakota people until then. After that, we were all gone, and that life disappeared not many years after that." The original painting hangs at Heritage Hall and prints are available at the Blue Earth County Historical Society., 8. Dakota Meadows Middle School , Dakota Meadows Middle School in North Mankato was opened and dedicated by Dakota and community leaders in 1993. Dedication festivities included a Dakota ceremonial dance. The school's name was chosen by students to honor the Dakota and the open prairie lands that were part of the area's original landscape., 9. Amos Owen American Indian Garden , The Amos Owen Garden of American Indian Horticulture is located on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato. The garden honors the American Indians' relationship with plants. Amos Owen was a Dakota spiritual leader and worked tirelessly for healing and reconciliation., 10. Blue Earth County Historical Society , The Museum highlights items from the Society's collections and reflects the rich heritage of Blue Earth County. Exhibits feature the people, places, and events that shaped this county including Native American tools and artifacts, a diorama of downtown Mankato in the 1880s and interactive children's areas.