At this old ferry landing below this point on August 18, 1862. Captain John Marsh an interpreter, and 46 men of the Fifth Minnesota, marching to the relief of the Agency, were ambushed by Sioux Indians. The interpreter and 24 men were killed and Captain Marsh was drowned while trying to escape. The site is marked. Redwood Ferry Crossing
At this old ferry landing below this point on August 18, 1862. Captain John Marsh an interpreter, and 46 men of the Fifth Minnesota, marching to the relief of the Agency, were ambushed by Sioux Indians. The interpreter and 24 men were killed and Captain Marsh was drowned while trying to escape. The site is marked. The Redwood Ferry is marked with the sign shown, located between Morgan and Franklin on highway 19. The site overlooks the Minnesota River which is 500 feet below the inscription on the plaque gives a brief history of the episode when Capt. Marsh and his men were ambushed as they went to the relief of the Lower Agency which had just been attacked. The site is accessible from a walking trail at the Lower Sioux Agency. The ferry was started in July 25, 1878 when Adolf Knipple was given an operating license for 5 years at $12.50 per year, in advance. He was permitted to charge 35 cents for a double team, 15 cents for a single team, and 10 cents for a foot passenger and for each head of "loose" cattle and horses, and five cents per head for sheep and hogs. Resources
- Tracy Headlight Herald (Thursday, August 16, 1962 Page 6)
- Through the Eyes of the Dakota (Page 52)
September 1999 This site was created by Tony Prechel and Chad Brown.
