Minnesota

One of Minnesota’s worst natural disasters was the Great Hinckley Fire of 1894. A large wildfire broke out in northeastern Minnesota on September 1, fueled by drought, hot temperatures, and strong winds. Hinckley and its environs were devastated by the fire that spread quickly through the area. Tragic losses of life and property resulted from the lack of warning given to locals.

A dark period in Minnesota’s history, the Dakota War of 1862 was also known as the Sioux Uprising. The war broke out in August 1862 due to unfulfilled promises, poor living circumstances, and underlying tensions between the Dakota Sioux and American settlers. The Dakota people were desperate as a result of the government withholding their annuity payments and a resulting food shortage.