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A pencil sketch depicts an old log house with a thatched roof and some missing planks. A wooden cart leans against the house. The image includes a signature reading "J.B. Mayer" and text that says "Trading house - interior lod burner.

Sketches of Frank Blackwell Mayer

In 1851, 23-year-old Baltimore native Frank Blackwell Mayer embarked on a 5,903-mile journey to document the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux, recording the lives of Indigenous Minnesotans through detailed sketches. Despite not securing a government role in the treaty negotiations, Mayer’s commitment to capturing these historical moments left a lasting…

Nicollet County Room

Explore the Nicollet County Room, featuring displays and history from each of the 13 townships.

A museum exhibit room featuring various informational displays, text panels, and artifacts. There are silhouette cutouts of people, a wooden canoe, and mounted items such as rifles. The room is lit with subdued lighting, creating an educational and immersive atmosphere.

1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux

The Treaty Site History Center’s permanent exhibit interprets the 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux as a watershed moment in Minnesota history. The consequences for both Dakota people and Euro-Americans are explored through large graphic panels, hands-on activities, artifacts, and a portion of Twin City Public Television’s Dakota Conflict.

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