Camp Release State Monument

Camp Release State Monument is a granite marker near Montevideo in Minnesota, standing on a six-acre site beside Highway 212. All four sides of the stone carry inscriptions that document the events of 1862 and their resolution, providing context about the clashes along the Minnesota River.

In September 1862, armed hostilities ended here after the Battle of Wood Lake when Dakota fighters laid down their weapons and released 269 captives. This moment marked the conclusion of warfare along the Minnesota River and led to the eventual construction of the memorial to remember these turning-point events.

Visitors today use this place as a space for reflection on reconciliation and the complex relationships between military forces and peace advocates during the 1862 conflict. Local communities recognize it as a site that honors both the suffering of captives and the courage of those who worked to end violence along the Minnesota River.

The marker sits directly beside Highway 212 at the edge of Montevideo and is easy to reach by car. Information panels on site explain the events and their regional importance, allowing visitors to understand the historical context without a guided tour.

This site became the first property in the Minnesota State Park System in 1911 and received National Register of Historic Places recognition in 1973. Its dual role as a state memorial and a nationally protected site underscores its importance in preserving regional memory.

Location: Montevideo

GPS coordinates: 44.93319,-95.74793

Latest update: December 2, 2025 20:25