Today marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the US-Dakota war of 1862, which ended with the hanging of 38 Dakota men in Mankato.  There will be a ceremony in downtown Mankato, at Reconciliation Park, on the spot where the hangings took place, with as many as 150 Native Americans arriving on horseback from a two week ride that began on December 10 in South Dakota.

Bud Lawrence has been involved in the reconciliation effort since 1958.  He says beginning the conversation about reconciliation was very difficult, and a big step came in 1972 with the now annual Pow Wow in Mankato.  Before that he says Native Americans would avoid Mankato. 

A new monument will be dedicated at Reconciliation Park in Mankato in the ceremony today, which is believed to be the location where the executions took place following the pardon of many others by President Lincoln, who spared more than 256 other Dakota lives.  Minnesota Governor Alexander Ramsey had called for the extermination of the Sious Indians of Minnesota.

 Ceremonies will begin at approximately 10 a.m. this morning at Reconciliation Park when as many as 150 riders on horseback arrive from a ride that began December 10 in South Dakota.  Community members and visitors are expected to attend as well.

The Blue Earth County Library will be open for the event. The Dakota 38 film will be shown at the library at 8:30 a.m. and noon.   

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