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Clash of Cultures

Seldom is it that two cultures as disparate as the German settlers and the Sioux Indians clash as happened in the Battle of New Ulm in 1862.

The German settlers had only a short time before, immigrated to the frontier from Germany. They brought with them their heritage, culture and values. They were outspoken in their opposition to slavery and volunteered to fight in the Civil War in large numbers, for the Union cause.

They built churches, schools, post offices, homes and businesses. They were industrious, and worked hard and, in a short while, transformed the prairie into productive farms. They were socially outgoing and it took little to spark a celebration.

They dressed in clothing they sewed themselves or purchased. They even established a brewery. (Shells brewery is still in operation today).

What they did not bring was guns. There was no need for them in Germany, and they believe they were moving to unoccupied land.  What they knew of warfare was from the discipline and moral code which had evolved over the centuries where certain human dignities were granted to foe and prisoner. New Ulm was not built or planned with defense in mind, and therefore could be easily attacked from higher ground around the city.

The Sioux at that time were divided into two lifestyles. The cut hairs, understood that they must adapt to new ways in order to survive and took up farming and became Christian. Many of these Sioux opposed the war and in fact saved many of the German settler’s lives.

The blanket Indians, on the other hand, clung to the traditional nomadic lifestyle of hunting and fishing. Their clothing was often made from animal skins. They highly valued guns and possessed the best they could get their hands on.

Their religion was rooted in spirits and pagan customs which compelled them to scalp, dismember and mutilate their enemies, often while still alive. Rape and plunder were the just rewards of having proven your strength by overcoming your enemy.  Having multiple wives was not uncommon.  Little Crow had six wives and twenty-two children.

When the Sioux attacked New Ulm there is no doubt that, had the Sioux prevailed, all the defenders would have been killed, save for any young girl a brave may decide to bring into his wigwam (provided she did not resist).

The Sioux women followed the warriors with wagons which they planned to fill with the plunder from New Ulm. This was no small affair. The defenders were greatly outnumbered and did not have enough guns to hold off the Indians, but when the fighting became hand to hand, their farm tools proved to be very effective weapons.

The defenders knew they were fighting for their lives and the lives of their families and that there would be no mercy shown by the Sioux. The defenders suffered 34 killed and sixty wounded. The total Sioux losses are not known, since the Indian custom was to remove the bodies of their comrades.

However, ten dead Sioux were found in areas where their comrades did not find them. There was also reported to be large amounts of blood on the prairie where the Sioux had attacked from.  Over two hundred buildings were burned to the ground.