(Sept. 2012) Enlarge Battlefield Marker
 
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(Sept. 2012) Enlarge Dedication Marker
 
Wood Lake Battlefield was officially dedicated September 22, 2012. This was 150 years after General Henry Hastings Sibley defeated Little Crow in the Dakota War of 1862. An easement was obtained from the property owners and 54 acres of the battlefield are now under the management of the Minnesota Historical Society

(2010) Enlarge Entrance gate to the Wood Lake Battle Field Monument
 
The sign above the gate reads Sioux Indian War 1862. It was on this site and along the lake that 1,612 US troops led by Col. Henry Hastings Sibley camped for the night on September 22, 1862. On September 23rd Indians led by Chief Little Crow with a force of about 700 Indians had planned to attack the troops as they broke camp and were strung out along the road. His plans were foiled when a couple of wagons left the troops site to get potatoes a few miles away. The wagons passed near Indians hiding in the tall prairie grass forcing the Indians to start the battle prematurely. When the element of surprise was lost only the Indians closest to troops were able to engage in the battle. The 2 hour battle resulted in 41 troops killed or wounded. The number of Indians casualties was unknown. Little Crow broke off the engagement and retreated bringing an end to the war.

(2010) Enlarge Battle of Wood Lake Marker