Battle of Birch Coulee

Around 4 am on this day in 1862, Dakota (Mdewakanton and Wahpekute) forces of ~200 attacked ~170 US Army troops at their camp near Birch Coulee (Minnesota). The Dakota victory incurred the heaviest casualties suffered by U.S. forces during the Dakota War of 1862. American losses were 13 killed, 47 wounded and 90+ horses killed. Dakota losses were two. Leaders on the Dakota side included Zitkahtahhota (Gray Bird), Mankato, and Wamditanka (Big Eagle).