Milford
Lost in the Dakota War
Milford was a small German-American settlement in southwestern Minnesota. In August 1862, during the U.S.-Dakota War, the town was attacked and many residents were killed. The survivors fled to New Ulm, and Milford was never rebuilt. Today, a memorial marks the site of this tragic chapter in Minnesota history.
A Frontier Settlement
Milford was settled primarily by German immigrants in the late 1850s. The settlers built farms and a small community on the Minnesota prairies, unaware of the tensions building between Dakota people and the U.S. government over broken treaties and withheld annuities.
August 1862
On August 18, 1862, the U.S.-Dakota War erupted. Milford was among the first settlements attacked. Many residents were killed in the initial assault. Those who survived fled east to New Ulm, which itself came under siege. The conflict was one of the bloodiest in American frontier history.
Timeline
- 1857 - Founded German settlers established the town
- 1862 - Attack Town destroyed in U.S.-Dakota War
- 1862 - Abandoned Survivors fled to New Ulm
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring through fall
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Tips
- Visit the nearby monuments and historical markers
Quick Facts
- A memorial now marks the townsite
- The U.S.-Dakota War resulted in 38 executions - the largest mass execution in U.S. history
- The site is preserved as a historical landmark
Location
Address: Near New Ulm, Minnesota
Coordinates: 44.2667, -94.9167