Bdóte, the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, has been a site of incalculable spiritual, cultural, and historical significance to the Dakota people for centuries. However, today this sacred landscape is contained within an area officially known as the Unorganized Territory of Fort Snelling. So how, exactly, did the area of Bdóte come to be claimed by the US government?

It’s a story that has been told many times quite simply, but the truth is far more messy and complicated.

Join us as we unpack the tangled and controversial history of this site. In this part one of two, we’ll explore the larger context needed to make sense of this event, and then learn how a rogue army general’s traitorous conspiracy to sell half of the United States to the Spanish government inadvertently set into motion the sequence of events that would eventually lead to the establishment of Fort Snelling. Then, in our next episode, we’ll take a close look at the signing of an 1805 treaty that remains the basis for the government’s land claims, and follow the consequences of this event all the way up to the present day.

It's a truly international and cross-cultural story, spanning centuries, with surprising twists and turns, and it is at the very foundation of all Minnesota history as it has unfolded for the past two hundred years.

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Maps!

This is an episode that involves a lot of geography, so if you're someone who benefits from maps, here are a few that may be of some use.

“Did you know the city of Saint Paul used to be called ‘Pig’s Eye’?”

It’s a favorite “fun fact” repeated by local know-it-alls, (note: as “know-it-alls” ourselves, we use that term with respect), confirmed by every book written to date on the history of Saint Paul. It’s a great story. There’s just one problem with it: most of it is not true.

Join us as we learn the TRUE story of “Pig’s Eye” Parrant and the naming of Saint Paul.

To see images related to this episode (including a really helpful map of sites discussed), find links to other resources, and see our sources cited, check out our show notes here.

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At the time of this episode's release, Minnesotans of all walks of life are suffering greatly as ICE continues to stop, harass, and detain people regardless of their citizenship status. Normal life in Minnesota has been interrupted, as schools have been forced to close or go virtual, as people live in fear of leaving their homes or going to work. The good news is Minnesotans are organized and activated, there are many, many ways that YOU can help. We urge everyone listening to head to StandWithMinnesota.com. You can donate to dozens of grassroots organizations doing work on the ground, help pay rent for families who are affected, seek out legal training or advice, find ways to volunteer or direct actions to participate in, and so much more.

No matter who you are, where you live, or what your resources are, there are ways that you can make a difference and help people right now.

StandWithMinnesota.com

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, there have been zero recorded fatal bear attacks in Minnesota. However, that’s not technically true.

Join us for the harrowing tale of the fatal bear attack THEY don’t want you to know about, which occurred in Mankato in 1934.

To see images related to this episode, find links to other resources, and see our sources cited, check out our show notes here.

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(Content Warning: animal death, fatal bear attack)

Additional music used in this episode:

“Monkeys Spinning Monkeys,” by Kevin MacLeod. (Free Music Archive) Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License.

“Scary Forest,” by Serge Quadrado. (Free Music Archive) Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.