A SECOND WAVE OF ATTACKS

The Dakota plan of attack on August 22 was the same as on the 20th—a volley of three shots from the north, followed by a rush of warriors from the east, south, and west. The plan was disrupted again when a mail carrier was spotted on the New Ulm road. Warriors positioned by the road killed the carrier with three shots. Mistaking the shots for a signal, Dakota on the south and west launched a premature attack. Despite this mishap, the fighting was fierce.

Tasina Wakanhdi (Lightning Blanket) recalled that "During the day many small buildings were burned, and we tried to burn the big ones with fire arrows." The warriors moved into the fort's stables and sutler's store, but those buildings went up in flames after they were shelled. After several hours, the attack began to falter. The warriors were divided in their opinions. Some wanted to wage another battle, while others wanted to attack New Ulm again for the spoils.

The sutler's store that Tasina Wakanhdi refers to stood west of the post in the direction you are facing. The stable, which also burned on August 22, was south of the fort.

Minnesota Historical Society
Fort Ridgely

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Surgeon's Quarters—Headquarters
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A Minority in Their Homeland / U.S.-Dakota Conflict
Fort Ridgely State Monument

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