Lower Sioux Agency Site closes

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

MORTON -- The Lower Sioux Agency Historical Site locked its doors at least for the immediate future Wednesday.

The site was one of seven in the state put on a closure list last year by the Minnesota Historical Society. The MHS lost $4.3 million of its annual state appropriation last year.

In May, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill, signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty that would have allowed the property to be transferred to the Lower Sioux Community.

Last month, Redwood and Yellow Medicine County commissioners and the Sherman Township Board voted against allowing the MHS to transfer ownership of the property to the Lower Sioux Agency.

Most local government officials agreed it was in the best interest of the public to avoid giving away the property.

The Lower Sioux Community donated about $85,000 to keep the site open over the past year.

"We care deeply for this important place and want to preserve it and keep it open for all Minnesotans," said Ann Larsen, Lower Sioux Tribal Chairperson.

Nina Archibal, MHS director, said everyone is grateful to the Lower Sioux Community for its support.

"We look forward to continuing conversations with them and other concerned citizens," Archibal said.

Trails, some of which are wheelchair accessible, and interpretive markers remain open for public use at the site, according to former site manager Mary Talbott. Brochures including maps will be available outside the main entrance to the interpretive center.

Meanwhile, Talbott will move to Olathe, Kansas to join her husband.

Signs and exhibits at the Lower Sioux site will remain in place, making it easy for a possible reopening at a later date, should support be provided.

Lower Sioux site technician Dan Fjeld of Franklin will move on to the Fort Ridgely State Park Interpretive Center.

Events at the Lower Sioux Agency had a dramatic impact on Dakota and non-Dakota people in the region. The U.S. government established the Lower Sioux Agency in 1853 as an administrative center to oversee the newly-created Dakota Reservation.

During its 10-year history, the agency became a symbol to the Dakota people of oppression and forced assimilation. It was the scene of the first organized attack in the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War.

The site includes three trails, two of them easy to travel. A third trail is very steep, directly up the bluff from the Minnesota River. Interpretive markers and an overlook are on site.

The Fort Ridgely State Park Interpretive Center was also on the MHS closure list last year. The Friends of Fort Ridgely and MHS are expected to sign an 18-month contract today to continue to operate that site.

Plans call for it to remain open Friday through Sunday until Labor Day.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch

Former Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site Manager Mary Talbott poses on her last day at the site Wednesday. The Minnesota Historical Society closed the site itself Wednesday. Site trails will continue to be maintained and can be used by the public.