Parks, Trails & Recreation Master Plan

1700-1850 From 1700 to 1850, Shakopee’s physical and cultural landscape saw dramatic shifts. During this time, the Mdewakanton Dakota established their village, Tinta Otonwe, along the banks of the Minnesota River, which grew to be one of the largest Dakota villages along the lower river valley. Population estimates for Tinta Otonwe vary but may have reached 600 people at its peak. The village was led by a lineage of leaders known as Chief Sakpe (meaning “Six”). These Chiefs would eventually become the namesake for the City of Shakopee.

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At various points throughout its existence, the primary village of Tinta Otonwe was located on both the north and south side of the river. The economy of the Dakota village was seasonal and rotated between agriculture, hunting, and gathering. The area was primarily farmed for corn and some of the surrounding lakes were used for harvesting wild rice. Additionally, European fur traders and explorers were also present in the area as far back as the late 1600s. In 1839, Oliver Faribault, a trader and farmer, was assigned by the United States government to teach the Dakota people modern agricultural techniques. He established a cabin and trading post in Tinta Otonwe, thought to be one of the first permanent Euro- American residences in Shakopee. In 1847, a missionary named Samuel W. Pond came to the region after being invited by Chief Sakpe II. Pond’s goal was to establish a school at the Tinta Otonwe village. Pond learned the Dakota language and fostered a positive relationship with the Dakota people. As a result, Pond was instrumental in helping write down and preserve the Dakota language.

Introduction + Planning Process

ARTIST SETH EASTMAN’S PAINTINGS OF DAKOTAVILLAGES FROMTHEMID-1800’S, IMAGES COURTESY OF THE OF MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTION

POND’S HISTORIC MILL, STILL STANDING IN ITS ORIGINAL LOCATION TODAY

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SHAKOPEE PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | INTRODUCTION + PLANNING PROCESSES