New London woman wants name change for Sibley State Park

A New London woman wants the name of Sibley State Park changed, pointing out that Minnesota’s first governor led the U-S military effort to crush the Dakota uprising of 1862, then oversaw rushed trials that resulted in the execution of 38 Dakota in Mankato — the largest mass hanging in U-S history.  Kelsey Olson says the park is over a hundred years old, and it’s time for the name to honor its serenity:

“We don’t believe that the history of Henry Hastings Sibley represents that.”

Olson hosted an informational meeting in New London and plans to address the city council on the issue.  It would take legislative action to change the name of Sibley State Park.