(2010) Enlarge Fort Ridgely located in south central Minnesota was not a walled fort. The fort consisted of a series of buildings made of stone and lumber. During the Dakota Indian war of 1862 (also known as the Sioux Uprising) the fort was a refuge for white settlers. The fort was attacked by Indians led by Chief Little Crow August 20, 1862 and again August 22. The first attack included about 400 Indians and the second attack included about 800 Indians. US troops prevailed in both battles with about 16 casualties. Part of the attack came from the tree line in the background of the photo where Indians could approach up a ravine undetected.

Photo by Lanny Witter
 
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(2010) Enlarge Fort Ridgely Memorial. This photo shows the only surviving building of the Fort. The right end of the partially reconstructed building was the commissary. Fort Ridgely was constructed in 1853 and abandoned in 1867.

Photo by Lanny Witter

(2010) Enlarge Fort Ridgely Marker

Photo by Lanny Witter

(Sept. 2007) Enlarge Entrance to Fort Ridgely State Park and Historic Site

Photo by Lee Hohenstein

Photo by Lee Hohenstein