Minnesota Sioux Uprising

During the Civil War, Minnesota seemed like the most remote place in the US.  Along the Minnesota River there lived about 6000 Santee, or eastern Sioux on a reservation 150 miles long and 10 miles wide.  Since the 1850s the Sioux, who had traded their ancestral lands and freedom of movement for a government annuity, didn't seem a threat to the white settlers.

Missionaries were congratulating themselves that the Indians were learning farming and Christianity - becoming civilized. Little Crow was even seen in church as the leader of his tribe.  But despite the outward sense of complacency, the Minnesota Sioux had nursed long grudges against the whites.  With  most of the white men away fighting the Civil War, the time had come to settle the score.

It was late summer - a time when most Sioux would be away on buffalo hunting grounds, but this year the government's money hadn't arrived yet and local merchants refused the Sioux credit to outfit them for the hunt.  Following a near starvation  year when the reservation's corn crop failed, refusal of credit without the promised money from the government, meant no buffalo hunt, no food.

A small group of Sioux began arguing among themselves, boasting that they were not afraid of whites, and to prove it they would kill them.  Four Sioux rode up to a farm and challenged the owner to a shooting match.  After the bullets were spent the Sioux attacked and killed three men and two women.  They returned to the reservation and told Little Crow what they had done.  An all-night council followed with most of those present believing there was no better time for war, but Little Crow wasn't so sure.  Finally at dawn on August 18, 1862, the chief agreed.  The young braves were more than ready.

Next time..."Let them eat grass"
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Today in Pioneer History:  "On November 30, 1886,  the Folies Bergère in Paris introduces an elaborate revue featuring women in sensational costumes. Once a hall for operettas, pantomime, political meetings, and vaudeville, the highly popular “Place aux Jeunes” established the Folies as the premier nightspot in Paris.