ABE LINCOLN ORDERED THE LARGEST MASS EXECUTION IN 1862

On this day, 159 years ago, December 26, 1862, President “Honest” Abe Lincoln ordered the largest mass execution, 38 Dakota men, where they were hung in Mankato, MN. A few days later, 2 more Dakota men. Over 4,000 settlers watched and celebrated this execution. Leading up to this, the US – Dakota War of 1862, that led to thousands being held captive and forced to move west from Minnesota. Conflict arose due to the limitations of the lands from treaties not being sustainable for the Dakota people. As settlers said, “let them eat grass.” Clearly, we were not a priority.

During this holiday season, Spirit Riders, ride, drive, and run, starting from Crow Creek, SD to Mankato, MN, honoring our relatives. Every year, I watch this through social media and the documentary (link in BIO). This is a journey of spiritual healing, to reconcile, unite, and have peace with everyone. This ride was Jim Miller’s dream, to ride East. This journey takes place every year, where the riders, runners, relatives, and allies arrive and pay their respects in Mankato.

On the 23rd of December 1862, the Dakota men danced and sang, before their final goodbyes. “Wakantanka, taku nitawa, tankaya qaota; mahpiya kin eyahnake ca, makakin he duowanca. Mniowanca sbeya wanke cin, hena ovakihi”- Dakota Hymn

We are reclaiming our identity, we are reclaiming our culture, we are proud to be here (to make ourselves heard) and we are honoring our ancestors who made sacrifices, to get us where we are now. We continue to fight for our next generations. We won’t forget this injustice. And we continue to still fight the oppressive systems against us and fight for our relatives of color, Two Spirit, LGBTQ+, Non Binary, people with disabilities for visibility, respect, and inclusion. Today, we honor our relatives, our kin.

Art by: Travis Blackbird