By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

Earlier this month our family attended a military reenactment at Fort Snelling on the south side of the Twin Cities, prior to the Fourth of July. 

This historic fort dates back to 1825. The original mission was to protect American interests in the fur trade. Minnesota became a state in 1858, three years before the start of the Civil War.

The daily admission of only $12 for adults and $8 for children includes access to the visitor center, overlooks and the historic fort. You can view demonstrations, take short tours, participate in activities, engage with staff and explore the many years of history at this historic fort.

During the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, nearly 25,000 soldiers passed through Fort Snelling. Minnesota’s soldiers played pivotal roles in many battles.

The 1st Minnesota Infantry Regiment was the very first group of volunteers the Union received in response to the South’s assault of Fort Sumter, near South Carolina, at the beginning of the Civil War.

Make plans later this summer or early fall to visit Fort Snelling.