Land Between Two Rivers

The island at the meeting of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers was originally called Wita Tanka, or Big Island, by the Dakota. At this ancient island, they hunted, made maple syrup, and fished near the banks, and they also gathered to meet with people from surrounding villages and later with traders and soldiers. The Dakota called this rivers' convergence Bdo Te, meaning meeting of waters. For centuries, Dakota people lived in villages along both rivers, and villages near Wita Tanka and the river confluence were associated with well known Eastern Dakota leaders including Taoyateduta (Little Crow), Wambdi Tanka (Big Eagle), Huyapa (Eagle Head), Sakpe (Shakopee), and Mazomani (Iron Walker).

St. Paul, Minnesota · United States