War and Conflict | Page 89

National encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, Minneapolis

National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic held in Minneapolis, 1884.

Grand Army of the Republic in Minnesota

The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was a fraternal organization which existed from 1866 to 1956. It was composed of veterans of the Union Army, United States Navy, Marines, and Revenue Cutter Service who served in the American Civil War. The organization allowed veterans to communicate with one another and plan reunions. At its peak in 1890 it was a powerful organization, supporting the rights of veterans and primarily Republican politicians.

Wambditanka (Big Eagle)

Wambditanka (Jerome Big Eagle), c.1863.

Ta Oyate Duta (His Red Nation, also known as Little Crow)

Ta Oyate Duta (His Red Nation, also known as Little Crow), 1862.

Henry H. Sibley

Portrait of Henry H. Sibley, 1862.

Wood Lake Battle Monument on site of the battle, west of Highway 67 between Echo and Granite Falls.

Wood Lake Battle monument, c.1958.

Woodlake Battlefield Monument

Wood Lake Battlefield Monument, c. 1910.

Wood Lake. Battle Field. 43 Mls. from Fort Ridgley [i.e. Ridgely]

Drawing of view of Wood Lake Battlefield, forty-three miles from Fort Ridgely, c.1862. Drawing by Albert Colgrave.

Battle of Wood Lake

Drawing of the Battle of Wood Lake, c.1896. From A thrilling narrative of the Minnesota massacre and the Sioux War of 1862–63 (A.P. Connolly. Chicago, 1896.)

Battle of Wood Lake, September 23, 1862

On September 23, 1862, United States troops, led by Colonel Henry Sibley, defeated Dakota warriors led by Ta Oyate Duta (His Red Nation, also known as Little Crow) Dakota at the Battle of Wood Lake. The battle marked the end of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

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