BECHS History Book Club
To Banish Forever by Cathy Coats
April – June 2025
In 1863, after the end of the US–Dakota War, a group of men in Mankato, Minnesota, formed a secret society. At the beginning of every meeting, members of the Knights of the Forest recited its ritual pledge, including these words: “I sincerely hope this meeting may be profitable to each one of us, and that we may go forth from this Lodge stronger and braver in the determination to banish forever from our beautiful State every Indian who now desecrates our soil.”
The Ho-Chunk people, who had not participated in the war, occupied a reservation about two miles south of Mankato on some of the state’s richest agricultural lands. The Knights—determined to claim these lands for their own profit—advocated for the removal of the Ho-Chunk, who had already been forced to move three times before settling in Blue Earth County of south-central Minnesota. Exploiting the fears of white people living in the area at the end of the brutal war, the Knights sent armed men to surround the Ho-Chunk reservation, threatening to shoot anyone who crossed the line. Within just a few years, the Ho-Chunk had been kicked off their land and removed to reservations outside of the state.
This is the story of the Knights, the Ho-Chunk, and the ethnic cleansing of southern Minnesota.
BECHS History Book Club Sessions: To Banish Forever
April 12, 1 p.m. – At this first session, books will be available to pick up. In addition, the group will be introduced to the History Book Club format, and historical context about the book’s setting, and address any questions participants may have. Pre-register now to ensure there’s a book waiting for you;
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May 17, 1 p.m. – Special guest presenter
June 21, 1 p.m. – Author Cathy Coats presentation and To Banish Forever group book discussion with prepared Q & A.
The Blue Earth County Historical Society is excited to offer the new BECHS History Book Club. The new quarterly book club goes beyond a classic group book read and discussion. Over three months, while participants read the book, additional monthly sessions will include a discussion of the book’s setting and social history, a special presentation on a related historical topic, and conclude with a group book discussion.
The BECHS History Book Club is $50 which includes a paperback copy of the book, admission to the speaker, and group book discussion, refreshments and a small gift for completing the activities. ($60 value!) All programs will be held at the History Center or virtually if winter weather is a concern.
Already have a copy of the book but what to come to the speaker or just the book discussion? Individual programs are $10 each.
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