Wiseman Massacre Monument

While the story of the Wiseman Massacre isn’t talked about much today, even by descendants still living in the area, it serves as a testament to a very difficult time in United States history.

In 1863 all five of Henson and Phoebe Wiseman's children were murdered in their home. Both parents were away at the time. Although unproven, it was believed that the unprovoked attack was carried out by members of the Yankton and Santee tribes. After the killings, many locals vowed to avenge the deaths of the Wiseman children.

The tragedy happened at a time when tensions between the settlers and the native population were high. Historians have theorized that the attack may have been a retaliatory response to the mass execution of 38 Dakota Indians in Minnesota.