The Manual Labor School

In an ongoing attempt to assimilate the Dakota into white society, the U.S. Government built an Agency school with a curriculum that included reading and writing English, math, agriculture, sewing, and carpentry. Erected in 1859, the building was used as a school only until 1861. The effort failed due to a combination of friction over government policies and the prior existence of mission schools in the area. Before the school’s destruction during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, it briefly housed U.S. troops from Fort Ridgely. Constructed of brick and featuring three gabled ends, the school was the most expensive and elaborate building on the Agency. The first floor contained classrooms and a combined carpentry/blacksmith shop. The second floor served as living quarters for teachers.

Minnesota · United States