Fort Dakota Soldiers

Fort Dakota was founded in 1865 on the site of the abandoned Sioux Falls City. In 1866, troops from the 22nd U.S. Infantry Regiment were stationed there. Tragically, four soldiers from this regiment lost their lives before the fort was decommissioned in 1869, and they were laid to rest in the military cemetery, located in what is now the Cathedral District at the intersection of Seventh Street and Duluth Avenue.

• Pvt. Fred W. Pues: He fell ill with dysentery and passed away on August 26, 1868.

• Pvt. John T. Martin: A mail courier, he tragically drowned on June 28, 1867, while crossing a slough along the Military Road to Sioux City.

• Cpl. Jacob Luchsinger: He succumbed to tuberculosis on December 11, 1867. A month later, his request for a medical discharge was denied.

• Pvt. Fred Kohlhauff: His enlistment had expired when, on March 5, 1868 he was caught in a sudden blizzard while trapping and froze to death.

In 1881 the Sioux Falls Village Council, ordered the removal of the remains from the now-abandoned military cemetery. There are layers to the reasoning here, a big one being the fact the location of the cemetery ended up being where rich people wanted to build their homes.

The 4 soldiers bodies were moved to Mount Pleasant Cemetery where they are today under the shadow of this historical marker and marked by headstones that commemorate the soldiers who were laid to rest there stand as a testament to the lives and contributions of the men who once served here. Though it makes me wonder about their families. These men were young and lost their lives defending sort of nothing. Following orders to occupy a fort and died because of how wild the prairie can be.

The legacy of Fort Dakota extends beyond its military history, offering a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who served in remote outposts during the westward expansion of the United States. The stories of these soldiers reflect not only the hardships of military life but also the broader narrative of resilience and sacrifice that marked this era.

Fort Dakota though now long gone with the only historical markers and headstones left to tell the stories of these individuals who played a small yet significant role in the history of Sioux Falls and the development of the American frontier.

Preserving the memory of Fort Dakota and its soldiers offers a connection to the past, reminding us of the enduring spirit and courage that have helped shape the nation. As we remember these stories, we gain a deeper appreciation for the history that has brought us to the present and the lessons it continues to impart for the future.