Flandrau's Charge

During the second battle of New Ulm on August 23, 1862, about 650 Dakota Indians surrounded the town while over 2,000 people crowded behind a barricade. The attack began around nine in the morning, and the Dakota quickly encircled New Ulm, moving up Third South Street from the river along a terrace-hidden sunken road from German Street to Minnesota Street. As they began attacking the barricade and seemed likely to overcome it and destroy the town, Colonel Charles Flandrau, commander of the defense, decided to strike back. He led about 40 yelling and cheering men over the barricade and down Minnesota Street, forcing the Dakota out of the Kiesling Blacksmith Shop and burning it. The men continued their charge and fought near Minnesota Street and First South, where the Dakota retreated and the tide of the battle turned. By evening the battle had ended, but most of New Ulm's buildings had been destroyed and food and supplies were low. On Monday, August 25, New Ulm was evacuated, and more than 2000 people left for Mankato and St. Peter.

New Ulm, Minnesota · United States