On This Date in Minnesota History: September 23

September 23, 1939 – “A monument is dedicated commemorating the 100th anniversary of the battle between the Chippewa and the Sioux in ‘Battle Hollow,’ a ravine just north of Stillwater. The monument [was] erected by the National Youth Administration (NYA) in partnership with the State of Minnesota and the City of Stillwater. Father Philip Gordon, a full–blooded Chippewa, [delivered] the dedicatory address. He, along with other Chippewa, then [sat] down with members of the Sioux nation to smoke the pipe of peace, reconciling the two nations after 100 years.”
http://projects.wchsmn.org/reference/events/dedication-battle-monument/

Indian Battle Ground

In this ravine at daybreak July 3, 1839, a body of Chippewa returning from Fort Snelling where a Sioux had been killed by other Chippewa. A bloody battle took place in which the Chippewa losses were about 50 killed and wounded. The Sioux losses were small.

The plaque can be found in the courtyard of the Terra Springs Condominiums,
Stillwater, Minn.

Photos taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain September 23, 2012, as long as acknowledgement included.