Benjamin Upton (American, 1818-1910). Cabinet card photograph depicting captured Dakota people at Fort Snelling during the US-Dakota War of 1862. This image depicts one of the great tragedies in Minnesota’s history, in which upward of 1,600 Dakota people were held against their will at a concentration camp at Fort Snelling as part of a policy attempting to wipe out the Dakota people and their culture. It is estimated that between 130-300 of the Dakota people imprisoned at Fort Snelling died during their time there. The printed label below the photograph reads “Captured Sioux Indians at Fort Snelling,” ink inscriptions note the date, 1862, and label the Minnesota River. Ink stamps along the verso read “Published by E.A. Bromley, Minneapolis, from the original Upton negatives,” and “Hill Reference Library, St. Paul.”

Provenance: Collection of the James J. Hill Reference Library. Certain individuals are prohibited by law to purchase items in this auction. Descendants of James J. Hill within three generations (Great Grandchildren and closer) are not allowed to purchase items. Additionally, board members of the foundation and their families (spouses, children, spouses of children, grandchildren) are also prohibited from purchasing items.

Unframed: Height: 6 in x width: 8 1/4 in.
Matted: Height: 10 in x width: 12 in.