158 years ago today, the largest mass execution in U.S. history took place under the orders of Abraham Lincoln. On Dec 26, 1862, the day after Christmas, 38 Dakota warriors were hanged in Mankato, MN. #Dakota38

The execution happened at the culmination of the Dakota War, which started because the U.S. government unilaterally breached 2 treaties it made with the Dakota. The Dakota gave up land in exchange for $ and food. They weren't given neither & were starving.

U.S. Congress purposely breached treaty by omitting an article in it that set aside lands for Dakota, without telling them. Then the agent charged with providing Dakota with rations said, “Let them eat grass or their own dung,” while Dakota children were dying of starvation.

The Dakota were still abiding by Treaty Law & couldn’t go hunting as they would have before. The war began when some Dakota stole eggs to eat and fighting broke out. Andrew Myrick, the dung-loving agent, was among the first to die. He was found with grass in his mouth. #Dakota38

The warriors didn’t receive due process. ‘Trials’ were held in English, a foreign language— they had no legal representation and argument about broken Treaties wasn’t allowed. 38 men, many innocent, were hanged anyway, on a custom made scaffold, in front of a bloodthirsty mob.

Here are the names of the #Dakota38 who were wrongfully hanged in the largest mass execution in U.S. history, on December 26, 1862.

Dakota women and children were forced to watch the hanging. A Dakota infant was snatched from the arms of their mother by the settler mob and murdered on the spot during the execution. If Dakota women and children defended themselves they could’ve also be killed. #Dakota38

Around 1700 Dakota, mostly women and children, were imprisoned at Fort Snelling. Disease & death were rampant. They buried children every day. This is Chief Little Crow’s wife and children at Fort Snelling. He was later killed by settlers, his body grossly mutilated. #Dakota38

Before the hanging, the warriors prayed with the canupa (pipe) and sang songs. Among them were underaged minors and the mentally disabled. One of them was also a white man who had been adopted and raised by the Dakota. During the execution, some were holding hands. #Dakota38

After the hanging, Dakota were exiled from their Minnesota homelands. The state put out a bounty on the scalps of every Dakota man, woman and child.

This is my family’s history. My great, great grandfather, a scout for Little Crow, was arrested and tried, but acquitted (he spoke English). Another 2X great grandfather, Red Arrow, defended Dakota but escaped. My ancestor Chief Wabasha, a leader, was exiled to Crow Creek, SD.

Two other Dakota leaders, Shakopee (Little Six) and Medicine Bottle, were later captured, tortured and executed. They are the +2 linked to the #Dakota38.