The Case:
A woman in Portland, Oregon has a curious spoon that once belonged to her grandmother. It's known in her family as "the spoon of atrocities.”
An eerie scene is etched into its sterling silver bowl: wagons, buildings and a crowd of spectators gathered before a gallows with figures hanging from them. A disturbing message is inscribed: "Hanging 38 Sioux In 1862 Mankato, Minn.”
What is this tragic scene, and why has it been etched into what looks like a collectible, commemorative spoon?
History Detectives explores the clash between white settlers and the Dakota Sioux in the mid nineteenth-century - and a struggle that led to the largest mass execution in American history.
Related Content
Feature:
Technique:
Technique:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Superman Sketch
Is this a WWII sketch from the early days of this comic icon?
-
Related Investigation
Japanese Balloon Bomb
Is this scrap of fabric evidence of a secret wartime attack on the United States' mainland?
-
Related Investigation
Navajo Rug
Why would a weaver depart from tradition to make this rug?
-
Also in Season 6
Bill Picket Saddle
Did this saddle ride into cowboy history with one of rodeo's most daring innovators?
-
Also in Season 6
Black Tom Shell
Is this shell from a devastating act of foreign sabotage on American soil?
-
Also in Season 6
Atocha Spanish Silver
What are these markings on a silver bar discovered in the wreck of a Spanish ship?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.