I was embarrassed, to tell you the truth

Ms. Fellegy reflects on how the after-effects of the U.S.-Dakota War can be felt today.

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DL: Do you think that if you were a Dakota person it would be easy to live in New Ulm today?

MF: No.

DL: Why?

MF: I can tell you, no, I don't know if I would or not. But quite a while ago we had a Junior Pioneers celebration. I am a member of the Junior Pioneers of New Ulm and the vicinity, because of my grandparents, the Diepolders and the Kitzbergers. Anyway, we had a Dakota speaking, and the first thing he said was, "I was afraid to come to New Ulm." And I will never forget that statement. To be afraid in 2000, or in the 1900s, it's terrible. That’s what he opened his talk with, and I will never forget that.
What do you people think?

DL: About the Dakota in New Ulm?

MF: Yes.

DL: I don't know how to answer that.

MF: I was embarrassed, to tell you the truth, when I heard this man say that. It was at Turner Hall over here. And I thought, oh my gosh, to be scared to come to New Ulm, NOW?

DL: It sounds like there's still hard feelings.

MF: With some I think there is. But this man was in his fifties or so. But I will remember that as long as I live. I thought that was terrible. Of course a lot of times I don't tell anyone how I feel. I guess that's the way life is these days. I think kids need a little more knowledge about what was going on years ago.

Oral History- Interview | Narrator Mary Fellegy Interviewer Deborah Locke made in New Ulm, MN | Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Citation: Minnesota Historical Society. U.S. - Dakota War of 1862. I was embarrassed, to tell you the truth November 17, 2024. http://www.usdakotawar.org/node/1037

Viewpoints: All viewpoints expressed on this website are those of the contributors, and are not representative of the Minnesota Historical Society.