St. Paul’s Fort Snelling history strikes personal chord
Visiting Minnesota’s Historic Fort Snelling was more than just a tourist stop for me. It was the military base used to imprison members of my tribe (Santee Sioux, Eastern Dakota, or iSanti) during the mid-1860s before forcing them to move to a reservation at present-day Santee, in northeast Nebraska. My great-great-grandparents (Francois and Mary) and my great-grandfather (Peter) were among the men, women and children there.
Fort Snelling offers visitors a look at Minnesota’s role in the nation’s history. It served several roles during its 120-year history. Opened in 1826 to provide security for the growing fur trade, soldiers at Fort Snelling deterred aggression by Native Americans, as well as potential invasions by the British from Canada.
In 1858, the fort was closed and sold to a Minnesota businessman. Other forts had been built farther west. The businessman planned to build a city. It apparently didn’t pan out.
After the Civil War broke out in 1861, Fort Snelling was reopened and used as a training facility for Minnesota’s recruits. Following the war, it was used a processing center soldiers exiting the military.
In 1862, during the Civil War, Fort Snelling became involved with the Indian Wars. Following internal issues between the Dakota people, tribal members split into factions. The issues focused on handling the US government’s failure to honor its treaties with the Dakota. The government fell behind in its “annuities” that were agreed upon when the Dakota agreed to cede land to the United States. The government instead focused on funding the Civil War.
Some Dakota followed the leadership of Taoyatedut and waged a six-week war on Minnesotans. By the time it ended, about 600 civilians and U.S. troops were dead. Between 75 and 100 Dakota were killed. The war didn’t have widespread support among the Dakota. Many left the area, with some heading into Canada.
About 1,600 surrendered to federal authorities. The Dakota were imprisoned in a camp at the bottom of a hill beneath Fort Snelling. Up to 300 tribal members died during winter due to illness. Others suffered from hunger due to low food supplies.
In 1863, the Dakota were relocated to the Crow Creek agency in South Dakota, until their final relocation to the Nebraska reservation.
After the Civil War, Fort Snelling expanded and saw its role grow during the Indian Wars. It served as the headquarters of the Department of the Dakota.
The fort served roles during the next American few American wars – the Spanish-American, World War I and World War II. Fort Snelling was officially decommissioned in 1946.
Besides its military history, a famous slave couple lived at the fort. Dred and Harriet Scott were slaves for Dr. John Emerson. Following their return to St. Louis, the couple sued Emerson’s widow for their freedom, citing that they lived in Minnesota, a free state, for a period of time and should thus be free. They won their case, but an appeal overturned the verdict.
Today, Fort Snelling serves as a living history park. During certain times of the year, reenactors take part in activities to help educate people about the fort. During our visit, we were fortunate to encounter a few of them.
A member of the Eastern Dakota shares the Native American story inside the building that served as the Indian agency at the fort.
The fort provides an accurate look at life during the 1800s. The buildings encircle the grounds, allowing an open area in the center, for parades and training. Each building served a purpose – barracks, offices, shops, etc.
The commander’s house is the largest single building at Fort Snelling. The living quarters are decorated, resembling life during the period that General Josiah Snelling served there. The house was designed by the general. It served as the home of the commanding officer through World War II.
We watched a canon firing exercise. The soldiers marched from one of the barracks. The team worked in tandem, loading the cannon with powder and running the plunger through the barrel. The team fired a round, which was gun powder.
One of the most popular spots inside the fort is the round tower. It’s the state’s oldest building. Built in 1820, it has seen action as a defense post, museum, beauty parlor and apartment. It may have been a last line of defense, with several gun and cannon ports.
While Fort Snelling includes a sad chapter in my tribal ancestry, I understand its role through history. I admire the fact that park officials and literature are open with the fort’s facts, warts and all. Fort Snelling has long been a place I’ve wanted to visit, and we recommend visiting the site when in the Twin Cities.
For more information, please visit Fort Snelling’s website, www.historicfortsnelling.org.
