The Dakota War of 1862: Minnesota's Other Civil War

Kenneth Carley’s The Dakota War of 1862, originally copyrighted in 1961, is a bare bones history of this conflict. It’s 92 pages are loaded with graphics and a few maps, and followed by four pages of references and a four page index. Thus, we have short book, with a readily accessible source and index list for the purpose of cross referencing. This format reminds me of college history courses ancillary reading books. I would also imagine that this book was required reading for History of Minnesota classes.Carley’s book is short, sweet, and to the point. I purchased this book to give me the general background of what transpired during this conflict, so that I might read more comprehensive works in the future, and Carley serves my purposes well. The only real concern I have is/are the maps supplied, an Achilles heal of many history books. The main map is about dead center in the book, and many of the sites important to the book’s storyline are buried in the crease where the page come together. A bit more thoughtful layout of the map would have lead to better support for the book’s manuscript. The book, in its brevity, is also a bit on the pricey side.Bottom line, if one is looking for a short, concise history of the 1862 Sioux uprising in Minnesota, they need look no further than Carley’s work.

While the Civil War raged on in the eastern and southern United States, a storm was building in Minnesota that would culminate in one of the largest massacres between Native Americans and settlers.August 27, 1862 was the beginning of a five-week war between the Dakota and the citizens of Minnesota. The reasons are many and complex, but near starvation and angered by broken treaties the Dakota attacked settlers in southwestern Minnesota killing around 500 people. The loss of Dakota life is unknown but estimated at twenty-one Dakota lives.The Dakota War of 1862 is a high-level overview of the war: the cause, the war, and the aftermath. If you have never read about the Dakota War this is a good book to start with.

A coffee table book that covers the main points of the Dakota uprising of 1862, but also has a very questionable view of Colonel Sibley, who led the marshaled American forces against the Sioux. This book is overpriced for what it offers and there are a number of publications on that sad time that are much more thorough. It is however, filled with photos and illustrations, unlike most other publications on this subject. That, together with putting forth a relatively accurate, concise recounting of the Sioux uprising that could well stir a reader to dig deeper, earns it four stars.

Perfect no problem

A readable and yet scholarly recounting of those terrible times in a relatively compact format. Sometimes used for college classes. Every resident of Minnesota ought to know at least this much about these events.

Our family is featured, so I may be a little biased in loving it, but it contains good accounts.

The book is in good shape, I just wish I was able to easily return it. It was not needed for my class! :(

Very informativeInteresting