Winter Warrior Philip Mooney Ross Nelson

Dakota Massacre The whites took over the Indians land and tried to make them live like white people. The Indians resisted peacefully at first, but then with force. Over 1,000 white military and civilian casualties Hundreds of Indian Casualties After the War, hundreds of Indians had trials, and 303 were sentenced to death.

Dakota Massacre President Lincoln spared the lives of all but 38 Dakota warriors. On December 26, 1862, 38 Dakota warriors hung to their deaths in the largest mass execution in United States History

Original Monument Purchased in 1912 by Judge Lorin Cray and his brother Nelson Cray Placed in the exact spot of the hanging Was 5 feet tall, 2 feet wide, and 14 inches thick and weighed over 2,000 pounds It read “Here were hanged thirty-eight Sioux Indians, Dec. 26, 1862”

Controversy Didn’t show forgiveness or remorse. Indians didn’t think that it told what really happened that day. Things that were done to it; people tried to paint it and even burn it. Protests were held around it.

Removing the Monument Removed because of all the controversy Part of Urban Renewal Plan People said it was going to be placed in a different spot. Last seen under a pile of sand cities storage yard at Sibley Park Only a few people know where it is located now.

Winter Warrior

Is the buffalo monument that now stands on Riverfront drive. Made of a 55 ton piece of Kasota limestone Donated by Mankato-Kasota Stone Co. It was coordinated by Dakota Indian Statue Committee. Many area individuals donated, money, materials, and helped work on the project

About the Artist Tom Miller was the artist on the project. Graduate of Mankato East High School. Attended Laguna Beach School of Art in California then worked out of his own studio in Boulder Colorado. Inspired to do project when governor Rudy Perpich proclaimed 1987 as a year of reconciliation between the Dakota and white people.

Artists Advisor Amos Owen served as Miller’s advisor on the project. He was a Dakota spiritual leader and is from Prairie Island, Mn He wrote the poem that is on the plaque next to the statue.

Poem ‘ Water in the Rain ’ To the Heavens, I pray To the Great Spirit And to the Spotted Eagle And Below, I pray To mother Earth To help us In this time of reconciliation Grandfather, I offer these prayers In my humble way. To all my relations Grandfather, I come to you this day In my humble way To offer my prayers For the thirty-eight Dakota who perished In Mankato in the year of 1862 To the west, I pray To the Horse Nation And to the North I pray To the Elk nation To the East, I pray To the Buffalo Nation And to the South The Spirit People

Time Capsule There is a time capsule that goes along with this statue. It is going to be opened in the year 2038 It contains names of contributors to the project, pictures of the phases, and other relevant items. Also it contains a ceremonial pipe carved by Amos Owen

Conclusion Next time you drive by the buffalo on Riverfront Drive, keep in mind that it is more than just a statue, but a symbol of the lives lost and a continued attempt of reconciliation.