Near Morton in South-Central Minnesota you can find what might look like an ordinary and beautiful stretch of prairie, but is actually a fascinating and haunting historical site – the site of the Battle of Birch Coulee. This U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 battle was a 36-hour siege in which 13 men were killed, 47 wounded and 90 horses killed of a detachment from Fort Ridgely.

On Sept. 2 and 3, 1862 the battle of Birch Coulee raged in this spot when men from Fort Ridgely were surrounded by Dakota and attacked. They were under siege for nearly 36 hours.
Minnesota Historical Society
Walking through the area now, you can follow the self-guided trail and read the perspectives of both sides.
Wikimedia/JonHarder

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The land is beautiful, sweeping prairie, and you can practically feel the past come alive.
Wikimedia/McGhiever
Standing in the center of the battlefield you can't help but think about the lives that were lost. You also, however, can't help but admire the 80 acres of land on which this historic battle took place.
Minnesota Historical Society
Learning about history has never been so peaceful, yet eerie.
Minnesota Historical Society

Did you know about the Battle of Birch Coulee? What are your favorite Minnesota historic sites?

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