The U.S.-Dakota War, the bloodiest Indian war of the 19th century, erupted in southwestern Minnesota during the summer of 1862. In the war’s aftermath, a hastily convened commission of five army officers conducted trials of 391 Indians charged with murder and massacre. In 36 days, 303 Dakota men were sentenced to death. In the largest simultaneous execution in American history, 38 were hanged on a single gallows on December 26, 1862. Providing fresh insight into this controversial event, author John Haymond examines the Dakota War trials from the perspective of 19th-century military law, discussing the causes and far-reaching consequences of the war, the claims of widespread atrocities, the modern debate over the role of culture in lawful warfare, and how the war has been depicted by historians. Join the New Ulm Public Library and the Brown County Historical Society for this fascinating presentation on Wednesday, August 20, at 12 p.m. in the historical society’s annex building. This program is made possible by a grant provided by the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative and was funded in part with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The program is free and open to the public. Please call the library for more information at 507-359-8331.