The Prairie Factor

The Prairie Factor (HM1CUP)

Location: Morton, MN 56270 Renville County
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Country: United States of America
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N 44° 34.597', W 94° 58.769'

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Inscription
"I led my men up from the west through the grass and took up a position 200 yards from the camp behind a small knoll."
??? ???? ??? ??? ??? ?? ??? ??? ??? Wamditanka

You are standing where Wamditanka and his band took cover during the battle. The knoll, or small hill, in front of you kept the Dakota force from view.

The landscape played a significant role in the battle. The tall grass obscured long views, and wetlands to the south and north of the campsite were effective hiding places for Dakota men.

Tall grass and a Dark Night

The stars and the full moon were the only light sources aiding U.S. pickets at Birch Coulee. They were expected to stay alert, listening closely and watching for the slightest movements.

The cover of darkness was a crucial element in the Dakota battle strategy. Dakota forces surrounded the campsite and made their attack before dawn.

Minnesota Historical Society
Birch Coulee Battlefield
Details
HM NumberHM1CUP
Tags
Placed ByThe Minnesota Historical Society
Marker ConditionNo reports yet
Date Added Sunday, October 5th, 2014 at 8:11pm PDT -07:00
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Locationbig map
UTM (WGS84 Datum)15T E 342841 N 4937825
Decimal Degrees44.57661667, -94.97948333
Degrees and Decimal MinutesN 44° 34.597', W 94° 58.769'
Degrees, Minutes and Seconds44° 34' 35.82" N, 94° 58' 46.14" W
Driving DirectionsGoogle Maps
Area Code(s)507
Closest Postal AddressAt or near 220 Co Hwy 18, Morton MN 56270, US
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