Fort Dakota Soldiers

Meet Pvt. Fred W. Pues, who bravely battled dysentery but succumbed in 1866. Then there's Pvt. John T. Martin, who tragically drowned in 1867 during a daring crossing of a watery slough. Cpl. Jacob Luchsinger faced his own battle against tuberculosis and lost in 1867; his request for a medical discharge came too late. Finally, Pvt. Fred Kohlhauff, who was caught off guard by a surprise blizzard in 1869, froze during an ill-fated trapping expedition.

In 1881, these soldiers’ remains were moved, and four headstones now mark their burial site—a mystery of history nestled within Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD. A historical marker stands there, waiting to share their adventurous tales with curious visitors.

⁠Throwback Thursday: Fort Dakota Soldiers⁠