On August 17, 1862, four malcontents from a Sioux encampment on the Minnesota River to the south killed five settlers in Acton Township, western Meeker County. The main body of the Lower Sioux Tribe, fearing reprisals from this incident, attacked the Lower Sioux Agency early on August 18, 1862, thereby launching what has been called a “preventive war,” the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862.

Lac qui Parle Mission. From Watson: one mile north on Hwy. 59 and 7, turn left on Co. Rd. 13. Go 2.2 miles, turn right, it is on the right side of the road. This site is home to the First Protestant Mission in the state. The Bible was translated into the Dakota Language and a Dakota/English hymnal was developed at this site.

Lac qui Parle Mission. From Watson: one mile north on Hwy. 59 and 7, turn left on Co. Rd. 13. Go 2.2 miles, turn right, it is on the right side of the road. This site is home to the First Protestant Mission in the state. The Bible was translated into the Dakota Language and a Dakota/English hymnal was developed at this site.

Fort Renville. From Watson: one mile north on Hwy. 7, turn left on Co. Rd. 13,

go 2.2 miles, turn right and go 1 mile. Located on the left side of the road. Location of Joseph Renville's fur trading post.

Upper Sioux Agency. State Park, on State Hwy. 67, 8.5 miles south of Granite Falls. The Upper Sioux Agency was established by the federal government in 1854 as a center for instructing the Dakota Indians in the farming methods of white settlers.

Ambush Park. West Hwy. 9, Benson. Site of Ojibwe and Chippewa ambush and conflict in April 1838 at the Chippewa River junction.

Pejuhutazizi Church. Southeast of Granite Falls on Hwy. 67. This Presbyterian Church has a continuous link with the Williamson Mission established here in 1852. This church is located on the Upper Sioux Reservation.

Wood Lake Monument. On Co. Rd. 18, west of Hwy. 67, between Granite Falls and Echo. This site commemorates the battle of Wood Lake fought here September 23, 1862, between the forces of General Sibley and Little Crow.

Camp Release. Located 15 miles east of Dawson on Hwy. 212. The Camp Release Monument was erected in 1894 by the State of Minnesota to commemorate the release of the 269 captives during the U. S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862.

For history buffs/enthusiasts: The following are two missions that were destroyed during the U.S. Dakota Conflict of 1862. The mission buildings are no longer standing.

Williamson Mission. Located along Hwy. 67 about 5 miles southeast of Granite Falls. Also called Pejuhutazizi Mission, it was established in 1852 by the Rev. T.S. Williamson, a missionary. This site was destroyed during the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862.

Hazelwood Mission. Located along Hwy. 274, 4 miles south of Granite Falls. Established in 1854 on Hazel Creek, near the Doncaster Cemetery on the top of Doncaster Hill. Hazelwood Mission was destroyed during the conflict of 1862.