During the Civil War the US government did not make payments or deliver food, leaving the Dakota to starve. 

On August 17, 1862, a Dakota hunting party stole eggs from settlers in Acton Township. The raid led to the deaths of five settlers. Little Crow, a chief Dakota Chief, decided to continue the raids.

Over the next few days, Dakota warriors led raids against New Ulm and Fort Ridgley. Because of the Civil War, the government was slow to send troops to stop the uprising. Military forces were mostly comprised of volunteer groups, led by former Governor Henry Sibley. The Dakota were eventually captured by the settler force.

In November 1862, the trials of the Dakota began. Of the 498 trials held, more than 300 men were sentenced to death. The defendants were not allowed legal representation and the trials themselves were brief, some lasting less than five minutes.

President Abraham Lincoln personally reviewed the convictions of the Dakota men.  Lincoln commuted all but 39 sentences, deciding only the Dakota that massacred civilians should be executed. On December 26, 1862, 38 Dakota men were hung in Mankato, an event which remains the largest single execution in American history. 

Another nearly 1600 Dakota women, children and elderly were held during the winter of 1862-63 on Pike Island, within sight of Fort Snelling. Disease spread, killing hundreds in the camp. Congress passed legislation making it illegal for the Dakota to live in Minnesota. It remains a law to this day.