In the summer of 1851, just south of present-day Minot, a little-known but significant battle took place between Métis buffalo hunters and Yanktonai Sioux warriors. Vastly outnumbered, the Métis held their ground for two days using defensive tactics and steady gunfire. The Battle of Grand Coteau isn’t widely remembered, but it marked a moment of rising tensions on the northern plains—when two groups, each with deep claims to the land, clashed during a time of rapid change across the American frontier.
K.L Collom writing for The Dakotan delivers the recent news on an old story. If local history tickles your curiosity, you’ll love this.
