Noted Minnesota author John Koblas will speak at the Northfield Historical Society Museum, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 17 on his new book Smoke, the first book of his Let Them Eat Grass trilogy recently published by North Star Press. Koblas, well known for his books on the Northfield Raid and Jesse James, will be signing copies of his book following the presentation.

On the morning of August 18, 1862, the roads leading down to the Lower Agency were full of armed Sioux warriors, hideous with paint and feathers, and eager to begin the carnage. Within minutes, the startled inhabitants of the Lower Sioux Agency were aroused by a sudden barrage of gunfire. Although shocked, each and every person knew the meaning. The pauperizing effects of annuities, the political appointments of Indian agents, the establishment of reservations, and the slaughter of game on the Sioux hunting grounds, all contributed to the uprising that would terrorize Minnesota. Koblas will discuss the Dakota Conflict in Minnesota, through the early attacks on small settlements to the attacks on Fort Ridgely, New Ulm, and the battles of Birch Coulee and Wood Lake, culminating in the surrender of the Sioux at Camp Release.

If you would like to purchase a copy of any Koblas's book please visit our Museum Store.