Willmar in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Kandiyohi County Indian History
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 16, 2014
1. Kandiyohi County Indian History Marker
The first native Americans came to what is now Kandiyohi County about 10,000 years ago, to hunt mammoths and other huge prehistoric animals.
As the environment changed over the years, so did the Indians. They became less dependent on big-game hunting and more dependent on smaller animals and wild plant foods. The first settlers came in 1856 and found the Dakota (Sioux) in summer residence, fishing and gathering berries.
Peace ended between the settlers and Indians in August, 1862, when the Dakota Uprising spilled over into this county. Thirteen settlers and an undetermined number of Indians were killed.
Indian heritage remains here today in place names. One is Kandiyohi, the Dakota word for "where the buffalo fish come."
Erected 1985 by the Kandiyohi County Historical Society; the Rotary Club of Willmar.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 45° 7.198′ N, 95° 2.962′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Kandiyohi" (here, next to this marker); Geology of the Willmar Region (approx. half a mile away); Veterans War Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); Sperry House (approx. ¾ mile away); Berger Thorson Killed (approx. ¾ mile away); The History of Kaffe Fest (approx. 0.8 miles away); Judge Qvale Cabin (approx. 0.8 miles away); District #18 Schoolhouse (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willmar.
More about this marker. The marker has the Historic Site seal of the Kandiyohi County Historical Society · 1895.
Additional keywords. U.S.-Dakota War of 1862
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 16, 2014
2. Kandiyohi County Indian History Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 16, 2014
3. Kandiyohi County Indian History Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 16, 2014
4. Kandiyohi County Indian History Marker
Kandiyohi County Courthouse Grounds
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,081 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 14, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
