In the section of Historic Ft. Snelling that interprets the U.S. Indian agency, six panels address the U.S. Dakota War and the detention of Dakota peoples. 

These panels, and the two signs outside the Fort, are the only written explorations of these themes at the Fort. However, the history of Dakota people at Ft. Snelling are also covered on the Fort's website and by interpreters at the site. 

Recognizing that visitors to the Fort might encounter versions of Dakota history beyond these written panels, we use this opportunity to offer an alternative version of the six text panels in order to offer insight into the ways in which the story presented in these panels might be enhanced to more fully capture the experiences of Dakota people and the history of U.S. imperialism at the Fort. 

We invite you to explore. Click on the highlighted words from the panel text to see additional information and questions that expand, and sometimes challenge, what is presented here. 

1. Panel 1: Dakota-U.S. Government Treaties
2. Panel 2: U.S. Government “Indian Policy”
3. Panel 3: Minnesota in 1862
4. Panel 4 - Six Weeks of Fighting
5. Panel 5: Fort Snelling’s Role
6. Panel 6: The Aftermath