The 1855 History Podcast

In 1850, Alec Ramsey was in the middle of a rapidly rising political career. He'd been a U.S. Congressman, and now he was Governor of a U.S. Territory--and it seemed the possibility of being President grew more and more likely. But this meteoric rise was brief. One year later, a crime which one historian called "the monstrous conspiracy" rocked the country, and Alec Ramsey was at the center. At stake: not just Ramsey's career, but his entire project to build Minnesota. Alexander Ramsey was Minnesota Territory's first governor. He was a congressman, a senator and a secretary of war. He oversaw forced removals and executions. He helped orchestrate three wars. And along the way, he lived a high-octane political thriller of a life filled with backstabbing, unlikely alliances, and tragedy. In episode three of our analysis of Alexander Ramsey's life, we break down the explosive allegations of corruption, bribery, and fraud that nearly ended Ramsey's political career. To understand the charges, we have to understand the notorious treaties of 1851: Traverse des Sioux and Mendota. How many of the charges were true? And how did Ramsey get away with it? Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In 1849, a scattered group of settlers and fur traders were granted permission by the U.S. Congress to organize themselves as a political territory. They chose a name for this new territory from a phrase used by its Dakota inhabitants--a name translated variously as "land where the water reflects the clouds," or "land of cloudy lakes," or "sky blue waters"--Mni Sota. In this frontier on the borderlands, where nearly every U.S. citizen was wrapped up in a world of liquor smuggling, embezzlement, illegal enslavement, and even murder, a strapping young politician from the hills of Pennsylvania was ordered to whip the vagabonds of Minnesota Territory into a permanent political base for his party, which had never once held power out in those borderlands. His name was Alexander Ramsey. An orphaned carpenter and schoolteacher who taught himself law and then worked tirelessly to serve the Whig party, Ramsey became one of the youngest and most reliable Congressmen. Upon being named Governor of Minnesota Territory, he was quickly forced to learn the skills necessary to wrangle the complicated world of Minnesota politics--and the compromises he would need to make along the way. Alexander Ramsey was Minnesota Territory's first governor. He was a congressman, a senator and a secretary of war. He oversaw forced removals and executions. He helped orchestrate three wars. And along the way, he lived a high-octane political thriller of a life filled with backstabbing, unlikely alliances, and tragedy. In this episode, we lay out the world of Minnesota politics as Alexander Ramsey learned how to survive as the young territory's first governor. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

When Alec was a small boy, he traveled deep into the woods outside his home in Pennsylvania. With other children, he hoped to catch a glimpse of a man known as the Pennsylvania Hermit, a cave-dwelling old man who had gone insane and hidden himself away from society after his sister was executed for murdering her own children. But when Alec was 6, the Hermit finally died, passing away into legend. By the time the boy was a man, his father had died by suicide, the same year that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died--the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was up to this boy, Alexander Ramsey, to find a way out of the misery of the tangled mountain ridges, the land of the Pennsylvania Hermit and his father's death. It was up to Ramsey to find a way through a tortured American society spiraling out of control. Before long, he would find his way. Before long, he would have blood of his own on his hands. Alexander Ramsey was Minnesota Territory's first governor. He was a congressman, a senator and a secretary of war. He oversaw forced removals and executions. He helped orchestrate three wars. And along the way, he lived a high-octane political thriller of a life filled with backstabbing, unlikely alliances, and tragedy. In this episode, we lay out the forgotten fringes of the social and political world that shaped Alexander Ramsey as he took power for the first time, and as he learned how to wield his political strengths. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

If you sit down for a chat with Donald "Buck" Burkhartzmeyer, there's a good chance you'll be walking away holding a new pair of shoes or a collection of custom-made inserts. When we met him, at age 93, his eyes still lit up when he talked about how shoes are made, and as he excitedly examined our insoles to figure out what kind of orthotic adjustments would make walking more comfortable, he seemed almost like a kid in a candy store. We interviewed Buck together with his nephew, Bruce Burkhartzmeyer, in 2017, for an episode of our documentary series. Burkhartzmeyer Shoes has been a staple of downtown Faribault, Minnesota since it was founded, when three brothers, all veterans of the Second World War, took on the family business from their father, a Russian immigrant. Through three generations of family stewardship, that business has kept thousands of feet warm and comfortable--a rare example of family retail continuing to thrive even today. We're incredibly happy to publish this interview in full today, so you can get to know the Burkhartzmeyer family for yourself. We are Logan Ledman and Sam Temple. Over our six years of teaching classes, putting on plays, and creating documentaries, we have come to appreciate history for all of its incredible stories. On this podcast, we share our interview with Donald "Buck" Burkhartzmeyer and Bruce Burkhartzmeyer. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Watch our full episode on the Burkhartzmeyers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K2H8b1P7UY... Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

There's only one man from a Minnesota school who won the Heisman trophy, the highest award in college football. His name was Bruce Smith. Bruce Smith came from Faribault, Minnesota, and across a life that included being a three-sport-athlete, a Navy fighter pilot during WWII, spending years with the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams, playing himself in a movie about his life, and even being nominated for sainthood, Bruce made an incredible impact. Tragically, he died of cancer in 1967, when he was still young. But his legacy in Faribault, his hometown, is still enormous. Part of the reason why that legacy is still around is people like Bruce Krinke, who for more than 25 years worked in various capacities to memorialize and celebrate Bruce Smith's extraordinary life. In 2015, we sat down with Bruce Krinke for a discussion on the life of a hometown hero. Mr. Krinke was deeply passionate about community, about local history, and we owe an immense debt to him for all the support he showed us in our early years of making historical documentaries. Bruce Krinke passed away earlier this year, and in honor of his kindness and legacy, we're also releasing an interview with him which we conducted in September of 2016, in front of a live audience. We're grateful that we get to share some of our memories of him with you. We are Logan Ledman and Sam Temple. Over our six years of teaching classes, putting on plays, and creating documentaries, we have come to appreciate history for all of its incredible stories. On this podcast, we share our interviews with Bruce Krinke. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

If you live in Minnesota, there's a good chance you've heard of Liz Strohfus. Elizabeth "Betty" Wall Strohfus served in the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. She had an early fascination with aviation, encouraged by members of the Faribault Sky Club to pursue flying. As a woman in the 1930s, societal barriers made following that dream difficult. Liz, and others like her, were granted the unique opportunity to fly for the military when the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) was formed during World War II. That's where the crux of our story is today-- as told by Liz Strohfus herself. We were lucky enough to interview Liz for a documentary in 2014. She passed away in 2016, so it was incredibly moving to revisit this conversation and share it with you now. Like you, we are fans of history; we are Logan Ledman and Sam Temple. Over our six years of teaching classes, putting on plays, and creating documentaries, we have come to appreciate history for all of its incredible stories. On this podcast, we share our interview with Liz Strohfus. To watch our documentary all about Liz Strohfus, go here: https://youtu.be/21XMF9GcFd8 Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ Learn more about the WASP with Sam's student film, featuring Liz, here: https://vimeo.com/133404514 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Faribault Woolen Mill is a Minnesota icon. A major employer of Faribault residents for over 150 years, the business has faced highs and lows with support from the community. Its story is one of adaptation, opportunity, and passion. In 2017, we released a documentary on the history of the Faribault Woolen Mill. For that documentary, we had the pleasure of interviewing Lisa M. Bolt Simons, author of Faribault Woolen Mill: Loomed in the Land of Lakes. Today, we share a few snippets from that interview. To watch the full documentary featuring Lisa M. Bolt Simons, go here: https://youtu.be/DLbNwzNLtiU Like you, we are fans of history; we are Logan Ledman and Sam Temple. Over our six years of teaching classes, putting on plays, and creating documentaries, we have come to appreciate history for all of its incredible stories. On this podcast, we share our interview with Lisa M. Bolt Simons. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ten weeks later, we have finished our review of Ken Burns' 1990 Civil War documentary series. And what a journey it's been. As always, there is a lot to say--even thirty years after this series came out, much of what Burns tells us about the Civil War is relevant, contentious, and fascinating. We summarized the ninth and final episode of the series, which covers the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the fate of the documentary's main characters, and the legacy of the Civil War. Thanks for joining us, and for the exciting discussions we've had with you all the past ten weeks. On this podcast, we discuss the last episode of The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns. Catch up with us as we go through the series. All episodes are available for free here: www.archive.org/details/ken.-burns.-the.-civil.-war. Keep your eyes open for our next series! Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

1865: William Sherman finishes up his conquest of the South, the Confederate government falls apart, and Lee and Grant finally shake hands at Appomattox Courthouse. It's a lot to talk about. How does Ken Burns do it? We break down the the eighth episode of Ken Burns' Civil War documentary series, which covers the Georgia and South Carolina campaign, the surrender of Lee's Army, and John Wilkes Booth's team of conspirators. We're Logan Ledman and Sam Temple, and we've made it to our penultimate review of Ken Burns' 1990 documentaries series. Today we're tackling episode 8 of The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns. Next week: the grand finale. Watch along with us as we go through the series. All episodes are available for free here: www.archive.org/details/ken.-burns.-the.-civil.-war. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ken Burns is a talented documentarian--maybe the best in the biz. So how did he screw up this episode so bad? We've been going through Ken Burns' Civil War series recently, and we sat down to watch its seventh episode, which covers... well, it's hard to say exactly what it covers. We're Logan Ledman and Sam Temple, and after learning to love the Ken Burns style, we are confused about why, sometimes, it just doesn't work. Let us know what you think. This episode attempts a discussion on the Battle of Atlanta, POW camps, the Fort Pillow Massacre, and Nathan Bedford Forrest. Watch along with us as we go through the series. All episodes are available for free here: www.archive.org/details/ken.-burns.-the.-civil.-war. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

At the beginning of the Civil War, Ulysses Grant and Robert E. Lee could not have been more different; one was an aristocrat and the nation's top soldier, one was a middling tanner working for his father. But when they met on the battlefield in 1864, they had developed similar strengths--strengths that matched the brutality of modern war. As part of our continuing review of Ken Burns' Civil War documentary series, we decided to analyze his dissection of Generals Grant and Lee, the sixth episode in the series, which also covers the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Chattanooga. We are fans of history! Over our six years of teaching classes, putting on plays, and creating our own documentaries, we have come to appreciate history for all of the fascinating debates and digressions it inspires. On this podcast, we discuss the sixth episode of The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns. Watch along with us as we go through the series. All episodes are available for free here: www.archive.org/details/ken.-burns.-the.-civil.-war. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Think back: what buildings have you seen designed by Olof Hanson? Would you know? And would you know the story of the man behind the sketch? Olof Hanson was an icon in the history of deaf America. He is believed to be the first deaf architect in the United States, with prestigious buildings of his still celebrated today. Throughout his life, he taught, worked as an advocate and a priest, and served as President of the National Association of the Deaf. His story is an inspiration to the deaf community, and one that highlights the history of deaf education in America. In 2017, we released a documentary telling the story of Olof Hanson's life. For that documentary, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jody Olson, who at that time worked as Educational Coordinator for the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf. She informed us of the fascinating history behind deaf education, deaf activism, and the legacy of Olof Hanson. Today, we share a few snippets from that interview. To watch the full documentary featuring Jody Olson (captions available for our deaf and hard of hearing audience) go here: https://youtu.be/VFCKWr73ouE Like you, we are fans of history; we are Logan Ledman and Sam Temple. Over our six years of teaching classes, putting on plays, and creating documentaries, we have come to appreciate history for all of its incredible stories. On this podcast, we share our interview with Jody Olson. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In part 5 of our review of Ken Burns' Civil War series, the 1855 History Team tries to figure out: does the Battle of Gettysburg deserve all the attention it gets? This episode of Ken Burns' The Civil War is one of the most influential works of history still being watched. It's helped shape our national memory of the largest battle in North American history ever since it was released. So is Gettysburg truly more important than any other Civil War battle? Could any other lay claim to the title “most important battle of the Civil War?” We analyze the arguments Ken Burns lays out and whether it's effective as historical storytelling, as we try to answer those questions and more. Like you, we are fans of history; we are Logan Ledman and Sam Temple. Over our six years of teaching classes, putting on plays, and creating our own documentaries, we have come to appreciate history for all of the fascinating debates and digressions it inspires. On this podcast, we discuss the fifth episode of The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns. Watch along with us as we go through the series. All episodes are available for free here: www.archive.org/details/ken.-burns.-the.-civil.-war. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Become a Patron and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/1855History Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Many say the Civil War defined American history. That's why it's so widely discussed today. The era was difficult to survive. Low food supply hurt troops and civilians. Medicine could not address the damage caused by modern military machinery. The lack of understanding around disease caused viruses and bacteria to spread wildly. Both the North and the South were more likely to loose troops to illness than battle. Morale was low. 1863 saw the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and widespread desertion on both sides. Telling this story is difficult. Like you, we are fans of history; we are Logan Ledman and Sam Temple. Over the past six years, we have come to appreciate history for all of the fascinating conversations it inspires. On this podcast, we discuss the fourth episode of The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns. This episode discusses the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, life for the common soldier, and (of course) Ambrose Burnside. Watch along with us as we go through the series. All episodes are available for free here: www.archive.org/details/ken.-burns.-the.-civil.-war. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The line between narrative storytelling and history is blurred, if not entirely nonexistent. At what point does a historian decide to follow the most interesting narrative in order to attract an audience? At what point does a storyteller have to grapple with the social implications of the history they're dramatizing? How does one piece of media balance both of these priorities, while also making an engaging documentary? Like you, we are fans of history; we are Logan Ledman and Sam Temple. Over the past six years, we have come to appreciate history for all of the fascinating conversations it inspires. On this podcast, we discuss the third episode of The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns. This episode discusses military leadership, the implications of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the sprawling interconnectedness of the war-torn United States. Watch along with us as we go through the series. All episodes are available for free here: www.archive.org/details/ken.-burns.-the.-civil.-war. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

When we asked our audience for their opinions on Ken Burns, we had no idea the passionate debate we would ignite. Some called Ken Burns a proponent of the Lost Cause. Others claimed Ken Burns has an agenda akin to the 1619 Project. Clearly, there was a lot of disagreement. The impact of his work was never in dispute, and many listeners were major fans even if they had detractions, but the conversation itself was entirely fascinating. We decided to break down the discussion of these passionate history buffs before delving into the second episode of the series, which covers military innovations, the Battle of Shiloh, and the inner politics of the Union. Like you, we are fans of history; we are Logan Ledman and Sam Temple. Over our six years of teaching classes, putting on plays, and creating our own documentaries, we have come to appreciate history for all of the fascinating debates and digressions it inspires. On this podcast, we discuss the second episode of The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns. Watch along with us as we go through the series. All episodes are available for free here: www.archive.org/details/ken.-burns.-the.-civil.-war. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Like, is he actually? We are no experts, and are certainly humbled by the contributions Burns has made to our culture, but we think examining his work from a contemporary perspective could do us all some good. Is his Civil War series still a good tool for learning about the subject? The Civil War will never stop being revisited and reframed-- it is a defining era in American history. Arguably, no one has directly shaped our modern understanding of the war more than Ken Burns did with his 1990 television series. Logan Ledman and Sam Temple have been sharing local history for the past six years through documentaries, live performances, and social media engagement. On this podcast, they discuss the first episode of The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns. Watch along with us as we go through the series. All episodes are available for free here: www.archive.org/details/ken.-burns.-the.-civil.-war. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What use is history? How does history help us function, help us navigate life? In what way does history shape who we are today? These are the principal ideas explored in this podcast from Logan Ledman and Sam Temple. In a wide ranging conversation, they discuss the historiography of Minnesota, contemporary issues informed by our shared past, and Disney's Pocahontas. Logan and Sam have been sharing local history for the past six years through documentaries, live performances, and social media engagement. On this podcast, they discuss and explain the epilogue of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Governor Alexander Ramsey said, "The Sioux Indians of Minnesota must be exterminated or driven forever beyond the borders of the state." In this episode: The surrenders at Camp Release, along with the retribution of the government and the settlers. Henry Sibley leads hundreds of sham trials. Abraham Lincoln struggles with the politics of executing fighters. The State of Minnesota puts a bounty of indigenous scalps. Little Crow returns to Minnesota. The U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 is a murky historical event. The truth that we can verify is deeply troubling. This podcast has discussions of genocide, mass executions, and violence against children. Listener discretion is advised. Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Eleven of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. Listen to Part One of the U.S.-Dakota War on your podcast app. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/

Truth did not matter to white Minnesotans in 1862. The white population was scared, angry, and fed lies by their leaders. They contributed to the brutality of the war and its aftermath. Dakota society was fractured, largely by the reservation system and the generations of corruption in U.S. Indian policy. When a small group of young men broke out in violence, it set off a rampage from their likeminded kin. Their disillusionment coupled with their disorganization began the bloodshed. Henry Sibley [pictured] warned that an Indian war was inevitable when corrupt treaties were made. That didn't stop him from making them himself. It also didn't stop him from leading the U.S. defense against the warring Dakota faction. He was both the leader spreading lies, in addition to being warped by the lies himself. He saw true horror in 1862. He inflicted horror himself. Truth mattered less to Sibley than vengeance. The U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 is a murky historical event. The truth that we can verify is deeply troubling. This podcast has discussions of genocide, rape, and warfare. Listener discretion is advised. Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Eleven of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/the1855historyteam Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/

What caused the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862? Like any war, there is no single answer to the question. Genocidal policies from the government, apathetic officials, fraudulent fur traders, and a series of unforgiving seasons have all been to blame. This episode seeks to understand the rising tensions in the young state of Minnesota and why these series of events led to mass bloodshed. Discussed in this podcast are the stories of German immigrants, the fact and fiction of Inkpaduta, and the desperate measures some indigenous leaders like Taoyateduta or Little Crow [pictured] took to keep their cultures alive. Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Ten of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3G-VvizZaU0FkbEuDww_g Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Race is an unavoidable and complicated element of Minnesota history. How neighbors viewed each other, how the population was counted, and who was considered fully human; perspectives on these issues shaped and, in turn, were shaped by public policy. Often, businesses could profit by painting one group as lesser and one group as greater. Politicians could exploit cultural divides whenever it might suit their political needs. Individuals could have a great many reasons for personal biases. But bigotry was not the default. For generations, Minnesota had a unique and nebulous understanding of race. Race informed the social and political challenges of early Minnesota, from enfranchisement of mixed blood voters to the enforcement of fugitive slave laws. This chapter explores the stories of individuals like Dred Scott and George Bonga, as well as broader events like the State Constitutional Convention and the economic panic of 1857. Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Nine of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3G-VvizZaU0FkbEuDww_g Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

If you attended sixth grade history class in the State of Minnesota, you've probably heard of the treaties of Traverse des Sioux and Mendota. You've also probably heard that those treaties were both corrupt and important to the foundation of the state. But perhaps you need a refresher on what exactly that means. You're in luck: on this podcast, we touch on many of the major treaties from the 1840s and 1850s. You'll hear about the shady exploits of Henry Rice and how he mysteriously convinced the Dakota to sign an unfavorable treaty. You'll gasp at the lengths to which Henry Sibley will go to make a profit for himself and his fellow fur traders. You can't help but marvel at the witty and courageous--yet heartbreaking--remarks from Dakota, Ojibwe, and Winnebago negotiators. Wabasha, Sleepy Eyes, Flat Mouth, Big Canoe, and Hole-in-the-Day are just some of the indigenous leaders vital to this story. There are many complexities which make this story difficult to tell, but this episode can be your primer on some of the things you may have forgotten from history class. Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Eight of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3G-VvizZaU0FkbEuDww_g Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

St. Paul was not supposed to be the seat of government in Minnesota Territory. Land grabs, purchased elections, and alcohol determined the course of history in 1850s Minnesota. Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant and Alexander Ramsey introduce themselves to our story in this chapter, and the dreams of both men changed the lives of countless Minnesotans for generations. For one, their ambition was to lead a wealthy new territory to statehood; for the other, it was to sell alcoholic beverages in peace. How a booze port became the capital of a U.S. territory, and the breakdown of possibly the most absurd election in Minnesota history are explained in this chapter of North Country. Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Seven of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3G-VvizZaU0FkbEuDww_g Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Minnesota was a complicated place to be for a mixed race fur trader. Throughout his life, Alexander Faribault had to navigate a world with constantly changing cultural, political, and professional norms. As he tried to build a town, the state was torn apart by a war that would define his legacy. Historian Susan Garwood, Rice County Historical Society Executive Director, was interviewed in 2015 for our "Alexander Faribault" documentary. This interview has been adapted to the podcast platform to explore the life and environment of Alexander Faribault. View the full "Alexander Faribault" documentary here: https://youtu.be/mUgepiyLmQU Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3G-VvizZaU0FkbEuDww_g Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Dakota people who populated the land of Faribault were primarily Wahpekute. Their relationships with the land, the white settlers, and the U.S. government were complicated and sometimes dangerous. Local historian Larry Richie was interviewed in January of 2017 for our "Peoples of Faribault" documentary. This interview has been adapted to the podcast platform to explore Faribault's perspective on Minnesota history in the 1850s and '60s. View the full "Peoples of Faribault" documentary here: https://youtu.be/gGXi88-37i0 Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3G-VvizZaU0FkbEuDww_g Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Stolen land and fraud define Minnesota's history. Henry Sibley, Alexis Bailly, and Hercules Dousman were among those seeking profits in the 1830s and '40s. Lawrence Taliaferro made the case against the former fur traders. Both parties worked to sweet talk and bribe both indigenous leaders and Washington politicians alike. Hunger and desperation drove leaders like Wakinyatanka (Little Crow) to the bargaining table. In addition to treaties, this episode will discuss early white settlement, the dehumanization of Native women, and the unrealized vision of an American Indian State. Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Six of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3G-VvizZaU0FkbEuDww_g Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Steamboats were a game changer for the North Country. They brought profiteers, tourists, and a certain #Hamilton into the Minnesota story. Missionaries plied their faith and attempted to Christianize indigenous people; some successful, some not. American leaders delivered aristocracy and began the push toward white settlement. It is a time of transition in Minnesota. The characters of Joseph Nicollet, Henry Sibley, Augustin Ravoux, and that mysterious #Hamilton play important roles in this week's story. Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Five of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3G-VvizZaU0FkbEuDww_g Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Zebulon Pike. Lawrence Taliaferro. Henry Hastings Sibley. Big names come into play, this week on the podcast. Land cessions from indigenous people, fraud by ambitious profiteers, and drunken "dregs" at Fort Snelling dot the landscape of this era in Minnesota history. Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Four of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3G-VvizZaU0FkbEuDww_g Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The culture of the fur trade is changing. Britain is picking up the shambles of French Minnesota. The Dakota and the Ojibwe are trying to reckon with this changing climate while staving off illness and the new British social caste. Meanwhile, to the east, rebellious Yankees throw a wrench into the machinations of the fur trade by declaring independence from Britain. Monopolies, river rendezvous, and more excite this chapter of Minnesota history. Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Three of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3G-VvizZaU0FkbEuDww_g Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What was Minnesota like under so-called French rule? Why do some town names have a silent "t" today? How did international politics impact villages and families in the middle of North America? Dive into the history of French Minnesota to find the answers. Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Two of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd. Subscribe for more on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3G-VvizZaU0FkbEuDww_g Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/1855Faribault/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Explore Minnesota's history with Logan Ledman and Sam Temple, as they track the story of the land with Mary Lethert Wingerd's book "North Country." Read along as we discuss Chapter One. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app