Fort Ridgely, Minnesota In August 1862, the Santee Sioux of
Minnesota under Chief Little Crow, angered by the failure of the
Federal government to provide annuities and by the poor quality
of rations, went on the offensive. They killed approximately 800
settlers and soldiers, took many prisoners, and caused extensive
property damage throughout the Minnesota River Valley. Fort
Ridgely, about twelve miles from the Lower Sioux Agency, became
the refuge for white civilians. The fortÃÂs commander, Captain
John S. Marsh, set out with most of his men for the Lower Sioux
Agency. Before reaching the agency, a large Native American
force surprised the soldiers, killed half of them, including
Marsh, and pursued the survivors back to the fort. On August 20,
about 400 Sioux attacked the fort but were repulsed. On the
22nd, 800 Sioux attacked the fort again, but the garrison and
civilians held the fort. - 1863 circa 5 years - Original Format:
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