Friday is the 150th anniversary of the first battle of the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War. The Star Tribune offers  “Mapping the Dakota War,” a timeline chronicling events leading up to the war, providing background information, and highlighting key locations and their relevance to modern-day Minnesota.

Readers can learn about the war by scrolling through the timeline chronologically. Along with this collection of pictures and maps, the Star Tribune lists other sources of information, including Through Dakota Eyes: Narrative Accounts of the Minnesota Indian War of 1862. For yet another perspective, pick up Lincoln and the Indians by David A. Nichols.

Online or in print, there are numerous ways to increase your understanding of these pivotal events in Minnesota’s history.