Legends of the Old West: Dakota War Ep. 6 | “Killdeer Mountain” – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In Episode 6 of Legends of the Old West, titled “Killdeer Mountain,” host Chris Wimmer delves deep into the tumultuous events of the Dakota War of the early 1860s. This episode meticulously recounts the rise and fall of Dakota leader Little Crow, the harrowing experiences of the Dakota people, and the emergence of Sitting Bull as a pivotal figure in the ensuing conflicts between Native American tribes and the United States.

The Dakota War of 1862

The Dakota War, also known as the Sioux Uprising, spanned from August 18 to September 23, 1862. It was primarily led by Little Crow, a principal leader who initially resisted the call to war. As Chris Wimmer explains, “Six months after 38 Dakota men were hanged in Mankato, Minnesota, Dakota leader Little Crow returned to his homeland” (01:11). Little Crow had been skeptical about the Dakota's chances against the United States, a prescient doubt that proved accurate when Colonel Henry Sibley’s forces defeated his army, leading to the surrender of over 2,000 Dakota men, women, and children (01:47).

Leadership of Little Crow

Little Crow was a central figure whose leadership was marked by desperation and resilience. After the failed uprising, he sought sanctuary for his people but found none willing to protect them from U.S. retribution. This forced migration northward was fraught with peril, ultimately leading to his death. On July 3, 1863, near Hutchinson, Minnesota, Little Crow was killed in a confrontation with farmer Nathan Lamson and his son Chauncey. As Little Crow lay dying, he urged his son to flee, stating, “He urged his son to flee” (03:39).

The aftermath of Little Crow’s death was brutal. His body was desecrated and treated as an unidentified Dakota man wearing a settler’s coat. It wasn’t until his son was captured six weeks later that his identity was confirmed, leading to a $500 reward for Lamson’s act and marking a somber end to Little Crow’s leadership (04:46).

Military Campaigns and Battles

Following Little Crow’s death, the U.S. military intensified its efforts to quash any remaining resistance. Brigadier Generals Henry Sibley and Alfred Sully led formidable columns into Sioux territory, embarking on what would become a series of punitive campaigns. Wimmer recounts how, in the summer of 1863, these generals engaged in multiple conflicts:

1. Battle of Big Mound (July 24, 1863): Approximately 50 miles east of Bismarck, soldiers under Sibley encountered Dakota and Lakota warriors. The ensuing battle, marked by fierce guerrilla tactics, ultimately saw the Native forces retreat due to superior U.S. firepower (18:14).

2. Battle of Dead Buffalo Lake (July 26, 1863): Two days later, the U.S. troops faced another skirmish, pushing Native forces back toward the Missouri River without securing a decisive surrender (19:13).

3. Battle of Stoney Lake (July 28, 1863): An attempted ambush by warriors was thwarted by Sibley's scouts, resulting in another retreat of Native forces (19:25).

General Sully’s subsequent engagement at Whitestone Hill was notably more devastating. On September 3, 1863, Sully’s forces attacked a large Lakota and Dakota encampment, resulting in significant casualties and the destruction of vital resources. Sully described this as a “respectable engagement” (21:45), though it is often referred to by Native Americans as the “Massacre at Whitestone Hill” (22:16).

The Aftermath and Forced Removal

The defeat of Little Crow and the subsequent military campaigns culminated in the forced removal of the Dakota people from Minnesota. The Minnesota Indian Removal Act of 1863 authorized the relocation of the Dakota to the Crow Creek Reservation in present-day South Dakota. Wimmer describes this tragic journey as a “death march,” where approximately 2,000 Dakota were herded 250 miles west under brutal conditions. The harsh trek led to widespread suffering, with many succumbing to exhaustion, malnutrition, and disease (12:07).

Once at Crow Creek, the Dakota faced further adversity. The reservation’s infertile land and insufficient resources led to continued hunger and disease, exacerbating the Dakota’s plight. Despite these hardships, the Dakota maintained their cultural traditions and resilience, as Wimmer notes, “The Dakota refused to surrender their identity” (14:44).

Legacy and Reconciliation

The Dakota War left enduring scars on both the settlers and the Dakota people. The mass execution of 38 Dakota men in Mankato remains the largest in American history, and hundreds more died in prison camps and during the forced migration. In a significant act of reconciliation, on December 26, 2019, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a formal apology for the atrocities committed against the Dakota, acknowledging the deep trauma inflicted over more than a century (31:24).

Efforts to honor and remember the victims include the Dakota 38 Memorial Ride, a solemn horseback journey from South Dakota to Mankato commemorating the resilience of the Dakota people. Additionally, initiatives to return land to Dakota communities and establish memorials signify ongoing attempts to rectify historical injustices (32:36).

Emergence of Sitting Bull

Parallel to these events, the episode introduces Sitting Bull, a Hunkpapa Lakota leader who would become a key figure in resisting U.S. expansion. Initially emerging during the Dakota War’s aftermath, Sitting Bull’s experiences in battles against General Sully’s forces at Whitestone Hill and later engagements in the Badlands shaped his legacy as a formidable leader. Wimmer highlights Sitting Bull’s early life and his rise to prominence, emphasizing his role in future conflicts, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876 (23:04).

Conclusion

“Killdeer Mountain” offers a comprehensive and poignant exploration of the Dakota War, highlighting the leadership of Little Crow, the suffering of the Dakota people, and the rise of Sitting Bull as a symbol of Native American resistance. Through detailed storytelling and compelling quotes, Chris Wimmer brings to life the complex and tragic history that shaped the American West.

Notable Quotes

• Chris Wimmer at 01:11: “Six months after 38 Dakota men were hanged in Mankato, Minnesota, Dakota leader Little Crow returned to his homeland.”

• Chris Wimmer at 03:39: “He urged his son to flee.”

• Chris Wimmer at 15:00: “Letters written by Dakota men at Camp McClellan contained lines like we have been driven from our homes and now we are driven from our graves.”

• Governor Tim Walls at 31:45: “I express my deepest condolences for what happened here and our deepest apologies for what happened to the Dakota people.”

Final Thoughts

This episode not only sheds light on a critical and often overlooked chapter of American history but also underscores the resilience and enduring spirit of the Dakota and Sioux nations. Through meticulous research and evocative narration, Legends of the Old West provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the forces that shaped the American frontier.