Near Atwater in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Wheeler Lake Camp
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, August 27, 2014
1. Wheeler Lake Camp Marker
After fighting a running battle with the Dakota on August 20, 1862 at Diamond Lake, two groups of refugees from Spicer and Eagle Lake camped here at Wheeler's Lake. The Dakota camped across the lake from them. There were no disturbances during the night. When the refugees left the next morning, the Dakota followed and attacked the vulnerable train of oxcarts about three miles to the southeast of this site. Andreas Lorentson and Sven Backlund stayed behind the main body of the refugee party to protect their cattle, Dakota warriors killed Lorentson and Backlund in their attempt to seize the cattle. Silas Foot and William Kouts counterattacked the Dakota, wounding one of them, and compelling the Dakota to retreat.
the State of Minnesota through the Minnesota Historical Society from the Arts and
Cultural Heritage Fund and the Kandiyohi County Historical Society.
Erected by the Minnesota Historical Society and the Kandiyohi County Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Backlund / Lorentson Monument (approx. 2.4 miles away); Red River Trail (approx. 3.4 miles away); Train Wreck (approx. 3˝ miles away); Gates Homestead (approx. 3.6 miles away); 1872 Blizzard (approx. 3.6 miles away); Diamond Lake Camp (approx. 3.6 miles away); Diamond Lake Community Park (approx. 3.7 miles away); The Acton Incident (approx. 6˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atwater.
More about this marker. The marker has the Historic Site seal of the Kandiyohi County Historical Society · 1895.
Regarding Wheeler Lake Camp. In 1862, the Minnesota Dakota, also known by the French term, “Sioux," waged war against the United States following two years of unfulfilled treaty obligations. Settlers were fleeing to Forest City for protection in their stockade.
Additional keywords. U.S.–Dakota
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, August 27, 2014
2. Wheeler Lake Camp Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, August 27, 2014
3. Wheeler Lake Camp Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, August 27, 2014
4. Wheeler Lake
the Dakota's camp was to the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 787 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 18, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
