Lutherans in a Volatile Valley
Wednesday, October 7
Group Road Trip Add-on Tour
Participants will carpool (or provide own transportation) for a coordinated driving tour of historic sites where the history of the US-Dakota War of 1862 (also called the “Sioux Uprising” and other names) overlaps with areas significant to the pioneer history of various 19th century Lutheran immigrant groups. These pairings will doubtlessly provide ample opportunities to reflect on the Lutheran experience within American history.
Itinerary
Wednesday, October 7
Travel by Carpool (general route linked here)
Supplemental readings and other materials will be provided to give primary account perspectives.
8:30 am
Leave Luther Seminary.
Optional: drive past Dr. Mayo House in Le Sueur (no stop)
10 am
Arrive at Traverse de Sioux in St. Peter; guided tour of museum and grounds.
Learn about the Dakota, land treaties, and European American migration to the Minnesota Valley
11 am (estimate)
Stop at Scandian Grove site on the way to New Ulm
Learn about pioneer Swedish Lutherans in Minnesota and the 1862 attack
12:15 pm (estimate)
Arrive in New Ulm
Sack Lunch at Hermann Heights Park
Historic Sites to drive past/observe time-permitting
Turner Hall (several colorful anecdotes about conflicts with Lutherans)
Leavenworth Expedition attack site
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
1:00 pm
Tour the Brown County Historical Museum
Award-winning displays on the US-Dakota War of 1862
Walking Tour
Defender’s Monument
Kiesling House (one of the few buildings remaining from 1862)
2:45 pm
Tour Martin Luther College
Learn about German Lutherans in Minnesota
4 pm (estimate)
Arrive in Mankato
Stop at Reconciliation Park (site of the execution of 38 Dakota)
4:30 pm
Visit Bethany Lutheran College and Seminary
Tour the Ottesen Museum
Learn about Norwegian Lutherans in Minnesota and the Norwegian Synod
5:30 pm (estimate)
Dinner/return to St. Paul. Carpool groups or individuals may choose to eat together in Mankato. Dining options will be made available.