The fort played an important role in the Dakota War of 1862. On August 18th Captain Marsh took most of the garrison to the Lower Sioux Agency upon receiving reports that the Agency had been attacked. Second Lt. Gere and a few men were on duty there. Marsh and his men came under attack when they stopped for water. That action became known as the Battle of Redwood Ferry. Prior, Capt. Marsh had sent 1st Lt. Sheehan and his Fort Ripley C Company detachment to the Upper Sioux agency. After some disagreement, Lt. Sheehan was able to get the Indian agent to distribute food. Thinking their task was completed, the troop departed to return to their own post.