On August 20, 1862, a battle occurred here between Dakota (Sioux) Indians and settlers fleeing to New Ulm from their cabins along Lake Shetek. This tragic encounter claimed the lives of at least two Dakota warriors and fourteen settlers, including men, women, and children, with most of the fourteen dying in this immediate area. Eleven settlers, all women and children, were also taken captive. One child died in captivity, and another child and one adult later escaped. Through the heroic efforts of ten young Teton Lakota boys, the remaining eight captives were later rescued just north of what is now Mobridge, South Dakota. The site is now part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and is managed to benefit wildlife with an emphasis on waterfowl production.