Battle of Wood Lake

Battle of Wood Lake
Part of the Dakota War of 1862, American Civil War

Location of the positions of the Dakota along the bluffs north of the Minnesota Volunteers' camp
DateSeptember 23, 1862 (1862-09-23)
Location44°42′4″N 95°26′9″W / 44.70111°N 95.43583°W / 44.70111; -95.43583
Result United States victory
Belligerents
 United States Santee Sioux
Commanders and leaders
Col. Henry Hastings Sibley Chief Little Crow
Mankato 
Big Eagle Surrendered
Rattling Runner Executed
Strength
1450–1619 <738
Casualties and losses
7 killed
34–50 wounded
14–30 killed
Unknown number wounded

The Battle of Wood Lake occurred on September 23, 1862, and was the final battle in the Dakota War of 1862. The two-hour battle, which actually took place at nearby Lone Tree Lake, was a decisive victory for the U.S. forces led by Colonel Henry Hastings Sibley. With heavy casualties inflicted on the Dakota forces led by Chief Little Crow, the "hostile" Dakota warriors dispersed. Little Crow and 150 followers fled for the northern plains,[1] while other Mdewakantons quietly joined the "friendly" Dakota camp started by the Sisseton and Wahpeton bands, which would soon become known as Camp Release.[2]: 187 

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