Camp at Traverse des Sioux

Camp at Traverse des Sioux

A drawing of the camp at the treaty negotiation site by Frank B. Mayer, 1851.

Color image of a painting of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux, c.1905. Oil painting by Francis Davis Millet.

Painting of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux

Painting of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux, c.1905. Oil painting by Francis Davis Millet.

Treaty of Traverse des Sioux

Treaty of Traverse des Sioux

Painting by Frank B. Mayer, a witness to the negotiations and signing of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux. Painted in 1885.

Treaty of Traverse des Sioux, 1851

The Treaty of Traverse des Sioux (1851) between the Sisseton and Wahpeton bands of Dakota and the US government transferred ownership of much of southeastern Minnesota Territory to the United States. Along with the Treaty of Mendota, signed that same year, it opened twenty-four million acres of land to settler-colonists. For the Dakota, these treaties marked another step in a process that increasingly marginalized them and dismissed them from the land that had been—and remains—their home.

Godfrey, Joseph (ca.1830–1909)

The US–Dakota War of 1862 was a turning point in Minnesota history. Joseph Godfrey, an enslaved man, joined the Dakota in their fight against white settler-colonists that summer and fall. He was one of only two African Americans to do so.

William Bonga

William Bonga

William Bonga, son of George Bonga, ca.1900.

Stephen Bonga

Stephen Bonga

Stephen Bonga, George's brother, c.1880.

Sepia-colored photograph of Charles Bonga

George Bonga

George Bonga, ca.1870.

Bonga, George (ca. 1802–1874)

Fur trader and translator George Bonga was one of the first Black people born in what later became the state of Minnesota. His mother was Ojibwe, as were both of his wives. Through these relationships, Bonga was part of the mixed racial and cultural groups that connected trading companies and Native Americans. He frequently guided white travelers and traders through the region. Comfortable in many worlds, Bonga often worked as an advocate for the Ojibwe in their dealings with trading companies and the United States government.

U.S. Model 1841 Percussion Rifle. This rifle was struck by a bullet and disabled during the Battle of Birch Coulee.

US Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifle

U.S. Model 1841 Percussion Rifle. This rifle was struck by a bullet and disabled during the Battle of Birch Coulee.

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