We have special interests in this story. Our great-great grandfather, Charles Clasen (Clausen), and his son, Frederick, were killed near Birch Coulee on August 18, 1862. His wife, Caroline, and son John escaped to Fort Ridgely. Frederick's wife, Martha McConnell Clasen, was taken hostage along with her two young daughters, Ellen and Mary, and were released at Camp Release six weeks later. Charles' half brother, Carl Heuer (Heuyers, Heyers, Haer), and his wife Johanna (Caroline's sister), and their three sons were also killed at Milford on that same day.

The official civilian death toll issued by President Lincoln in the conflict numbered 800.

What is your story? We invite you to comment and participate on this site by sharing your family's stories. Email me and your story will be added to the Descendant Stories page.

Janet Clasen Klein and Joyce Clasen Kloncz

By clicking on the heading at the top of the page, Family and Friends of Dakota Uprising Victims, you will be taken to the companion Facebook page.

Causes of the Dakota Uprising

There were a number of factors which contributed to the Dakota Uprising in 1862. Life was changing for the Dakota as both fur-bearing and game animals, upon which they depended, were getting scarce. It is likely that the Dakota had expected that they would be able to live off the proceeds from selling their land to the U.S. government, via the treaties of 1851 and 1858, but it was not working out that way.

The crops had been poor in 1861 and the winter of 1861-1862 had been difficult, so in 1862, some of the Dakota were hungry. Indian Agent Thomas Galbraith initially refused to distribute food to the Dakota, as he wanted to do that at the same time as he distributed the annual annuity, which had not yet arrived. The late annuity was also a point of contention.

Also, there was tension between the Dakota and the traders, so the situation was volatile. So when four Dakota killed five whites at Acton in Meeker County on August 17, 1862, the decision was made to go to war against the whites, which they did early in the morning of August 18.

And the most tragic and significant event in Minnesota’s history was on.

Curt Dahlin

What's New?

The Minnesota Historical Society has produced U.S. - Dakota War of 1862: An Exhibit, which opened June 30, 2012, at the Minnesota History Center. When you visit the "U.S.-Dakota War of 1862” exhibit at the History Center, you'll examine the evidence, hear heart-wrenching stories, and learn about the broken treaties and promises that led to this disastrous chapter in Minnesota history. Visitors will have the opportunity to view documents, images and artifacts relating to the war. The exhibit will incorporate multiple points of view on the war, its causes and its aftermath.

ADMISSION PRICES: $11 adults, $9 seniors (65+), $9 college students (valid ID), $6 children ages 6-17. Free to the public Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Always free for MHS members and children age 5 and under.

Family & Friends of Dakota Victims Booklet Soon Available for Purchase!

The Family and Friends of Dakota Victims Committee is offering a 75-page spiral-bound booklet entitled Family & Friends of Dakota Victims for sale to the public. This booklet contains significant information on the causes of the Dakota Uprising, a map and names of Beaver Creek and Birch Coulie settlers, and 32 heart-rending stories about Renville County uprising victims. Renville County Pioneers and Renville Rangers are also covered in the booklet, along with today’s descendants’ relationships in Birch Coulie and Beaver Falls Township, plus the names of donors supporting the Family and Friends Committee. The booklet price is $15, which includes mailing costs.

Click on the “email me” icon below to pre-order your booklet(s) or for more information.