19th Century War Exhibit on View at American Indian Museum

"Hunting the Buffalo in Winter," by Seth Eastman (1808–1875). Image courtesy of the Nicollet County Historical Society.

The National Museum of the American Indian is hosting a 12-panel exhibit called “Commemorating Controversy: The Dakota-U.S. War of 1862." The exhibit, on view until Sunday, June 1, features a painting by Seth Eastman that explores the causes and long-lasting consequences of the war. 

American historians rarely mention the brief war in the summer of 1862 in southern Minnesota between Dakota "akicitas," the Native American term for warriors, and the U.S. military and immigrant settlers. The war ended in the execution of 38 Dakota men—the largest mass execution in U.S. history—on orders from President Abraham Lincoln. Hundreds of Indians died during the conflict and thousands lost their homes forever. 

The museum, at 1 Bowling Green, is open Fri.–Wed., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thu., 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, go to nmai.si.edu.