Treaties of 1851

Jim_CroppedJim’s History Corner – Treaties of 1851

Two treaties had major impacts on the settling of Monticello/Bertram Lakes area.

The first was the Traverse des Sioux Treaty of 1851.  Due to the defeat in the Black Hawk War and other treaties, The Wapitan and Sissitan bands of the Upper Sioux felt the need to cede over land for monetary payments along with the land along the Minnesota River from Fort Ridgely to the Dakota’s for reservations (Upper & Lower Sioux). Because of this, land became available to Eastern settlers through grants by the U.S. Government.Fallwetlands

The second treaty was the Mendota Treaty of 1851 which was between the U.S. Government and the Mdewakanton and the Wahpekute bands. It stipulated that for $1.4 million dollars the bands would move to the Lower Sioux reservation (near present day Morton, Minnesota).

As a result of these treaties the U.S. Government received 24 million acres of land – nearly 40% of present day Minnesota.  Problems with compliance with the treaties by the U.S. Government would eventually result in the Dakota War of 1862.

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