Summary
Minnesota was granted statehood in 1858 resulting in a population explosion, railway development, and an 'Indian War.' Inter-ethnic tensions erupted into violence, particularly between the Lakota and Dakota nations, and the European settlers resulting in the deaths of 500 settlers.
Implications
The violence that occurred on the American Plains impacted the Canadian Plains as well. In 1862, 450 Lakota and Dakota refugees arrived at Red River and in 1863 the presence of 2,000 Dakota, who had a reputation for violence, was causing panic in the colony. Red River struggled to handle the influx of refugees and the unregulated flow of alcohol to the colony couldn't be contained by Red River officials. By 1862 the bison herds had disappeared from the region forcing hunters to go further into contested territory for food and resources.
Sub Event
Minnesota Granted Statehood
Date
1858-00-00
Theme(s)