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.
Tentative Itinerary
Wednesday, October 7
Travel by Carpool
Supplemental readings and other materials may be provided to give primary account perspectives.
8:30 am
Leave Luther Seminary. Drive past Mayo House in Le Sueur (no stop)
10 am
Arrive at Traverse de Sioux in St. Peter; briefly tour museum and grounds.
Learn about the Dakota, land treaties, and European American migration to the Minnesota Valley
10:45 am
Arrive at The Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus College; see the Swedish Garden and cabin.
Learn about pioneer Swedish Lutherans in Minnesota
12 pm
Arrive in New Ulm
Sack Lunch
Historic Sites to drive past/observe time-permitting
Turner Hall (several colorful anecdotes about conflicts with Lutherans)
Defender’s Monument
Leavenworth Expedition attack site
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Kiesling House (one of the few buildings remaining from 1862)
Hermann the German monument (currently closed for repairs)
Tour the Brown County Historical Museum
Award-winning displays on the US-Dakota War of 1862
Tour Martin Luther College (history of the Minnesota Synod)
Learn about German Lutherans in Minnesota
4 pm
Arrive in Mankato
Stop at Reconciliation Park (site of the execution of 38 Dakota)
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.