Unlike other settlements, Fort Abercrombie was spared from any major assault, but it was consistently harassed by around 400 Upper Santees, Yanktons, and Yanktonais, who successfully captured several outer buildings. The first of these attacks occurred on September 3, 1862. The siege lasted for six hours without inflicting any serious damage. When the attacks commenced three days later, the Sioux were able to kill and injure several soldiers. During the course of the Dakota War at the Fort Abercrombie, the attackers - who took cover from the woods - were largely repulsed by fired howitzer shells.