Drive to Pipestone and New Ulm,MN

 11 July 2021

Our last day in Fairmont,MN so we decided to drive to Pipestone,MN around 90 miles via IH 90 west to Hwy 75 in order to visit the replica of Fort Pipestone.

Fort Pipestone was established in 1863-1864 as a Dakota War settler fort.It was attacked on 3 Sept 1863 by hostile Sioux warriors and garrisoned 10 days later my Minnesota Volunteers. There is limited signage and the reconstructed log building serves as a gift and curio shop.

After leaving the post we continued to the Pipestone National Monument stopping at The Three Maidens consisting of 6 large Boulders. It is believed by the Native Americans that the large boulders shelter the spirits of the maidens requiring offerings in order to quarry the pipestone.

Just down the road is the Pipestone National Monument. For generations the Native Americans have quarried the red pipestone. The grounds are considered sacred as the pipestone quarried here is carved into prayer pipes. They believe the smoke carries prayers to the Great Spirit. These traditions continue to this day. We took the 3/4 mile hike around the quarry.

We then decided to drive to New Ulm some 100 miles east.New Ulm came under attack from the Dakota Indians on 19 August  and again on 23 August  during the US-Dakota War of 1862. As the signage indicates , the city's defenders barricaded the inner city with over 1500 defenders taking shelter in a three block area. On the second attack without the aid of military defenders, the city burned to the ground. After the settlers evacuated on 25 August, they slowly returned rebuilding the city.

There are numerous monuments and displays in the town depicting the battle. The Historical Museum unfortunately was closed and definitely a place to visit for more history. We did not have the time to do the walking tour and only made a stop at the Kiesling House . The Breastworks ran ran behind his home and one of two buildings that remained intact after the war. Kiesling remained here until 1897 and later died in Winthrop in 1912.

As always you can search John's website fort wiki.com for more info on the forts about which I blog..

Tomorrow we depart for Waukee,IA staying at Timberline RV park..our 3rd visit.