History of Minnesota United States of America

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Local History Notes:

MINNESOTA, a territory of the United States, is bounded on the N. by British America, E. by Lake Superior and the State of Wisconsin, S. by Iowa and Missouri Territory, and W. by Missouri Territory. The Lake of the Woods, with a chain of small lakes and their outlets, form a part of the northern boundary; the St. Croix and Mississippi a part of the eastern, and the Missouri and White Earth rivers the western boundary. It lies between 42° 30' and 49° N. lat., and between about 89° 30' and 103° 30' W. lon., being about 650 miles in extreme length from E. to W., and 430 from N. to S., including an area of nearly 166,000 square miles, or 106,240,000 acres.

Population: The commencement of the settlement of this territory is quite recent, and at the United States census of 1850 there were only 6077 inhabitants, of whom 3695 were white males, 2343 white females; 21 free colored males, and 18 free colored females. Governor Ramsay estimated the Indian population in 1852 at 25,000. The number of families in 1850 was 1016, occupying 1002 dwellings. Of the population, except Indians, 1337 were born in the Territory, 2673 in the different states of the Union, 84 in England, 271 in Ireland, 41 in Scotland and Wales, 1417 in British America, 141 in Germany, 29 in France, 65 in other countries, and 22 whose places of birth were unknown, giving about 33 per cent. of foreign birth. In the year ending June 1st, 1853, there occurred 30 deaths, or about 5 in every one thousand persons. In the census returns, no deaf, dumb, or blind, and but one idiot was reported.

Counties: Minnesota is divided into 19 counties, viz. Benton, Blue Earth, Cass, Chisago, Dakotah, Fillmore, Goodhue, Hennepin, Itasca, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Pierce, Pembina, Ramsay, Rice, Scott, Sibley, Wabashaw, and Washington. Mankatah and Wahnahta have been obliterated since 1850. Capital, St. Paul. The principal towns are St. Paul, population in 1852, 3000, (estimated;)and St. Anthony's, population, 1000. Stillwater, St. Croix, and Wabasha are the other important places.

Face of the Country: Though there are no mountains in Minnesota, it is the most elevated tract of land between the Gulf of Mexico and Hudson's bay, and from its central heights sends its waters to every point of the compass, but mostly to the N. and S. The position from which the Red River of the North and the St. Peter's take their opposite courses is almost exactly in the centre of the territory, and elevated about 2000 feet above the Gulf of Mexico. A plateau, called the "Coteau des Prairies," or "Prairie Heights," about 200 miles in length, and from 15 to 40 in breadth, runs through the middle of the southern part of Minnesota. Its greatest elevation is about 1916 feet above the level of the sea, and its average height about 1450 feet. The northern portion, which is the highest, is about 890 feet above Bigstone Lake, which lies in its vicinity. Passing the St. Peter's or Minnesota river, we come upon another range of heights, known as the Coteau du Grand Bois, or the Wooded Heights, which extend for more than 100 miles nearly parallel with the Coteau des Prairies. This ridge is mostly covered with an extensive forest of hard wood. Through the middle of the triangle which occupies the N.E. portion of the territory, runs a third range of heights, called the "Hauteurs de Terre," or "Highlands," which extend W. by S. about 300 miles, and form the dividing ridge, whence flow the waters that seek Lake Superior and the Mississippi in one direction, and Hudson's bay in the other. A range of less altitude than the "Coteau des Prairies," but continuing in the same direction, forms the watershed of the streams flowing into the Missouri on the W., and those flowing into the Red river on the E. The rest of the country generally alternates between sandhills and swamps, and river bottoms and prairies. In the N., on the Red river, are extensive savannas, level as a floor, while the central region and the portion between that and Lake Superior is much of it occupied with marshes, separated by hills of drift. West of the Coteau des Prairies and Red river, the county has been but little explored; but that portion of it between the Rivière a Jacques and the Missouri is represented as composed of high rolling prairies.

Geology: Minnesota, east of the Red River of the North, is mostly covered with drift, lying on crystalline and metamorphic rocks, which occasionally protrude to the surface in the valleys of the rivers and on the shores of lakes. In the S. E., the lower magnesian limestone crops out in the valleys of the Mississippi and St. Peter's rivers; and on the latter river the sandstone occasionally obtrudes in a few places, with occasional intrusions of igneous rocks. On the shores of Lake Superior are "alternations of metamorphic schists, slates, and sandstones, with volcanic grits and other bedded traps and porphyries, intersected by numerous basaltic and greenstone dikes, with occasional deposits of red clay, marls and drift." In the N. E. angle of Minnesota is a tract of horn-blendic and argillaceous slates, with bedded porphyries and intrusions of greenstone and granite. On the Lake of the Woods, Rainy lake, and their outlets, are metamorphic schists, with gneiss and gneissold rocks.

Minerals: The indications from geological surveys of Minnesota, do not favor the hopes of great metallic wealth within its borders. Copper has been found, but in most instances it is not "in place," but appears to have been carried thither by the drift and boulders. The probability is that, of richer metallic ores than iron, this territory will not afford (except near Lake Superior) sufficient quantity to, repay the labors of the miner; for if they exist at all, they probably lie at great depths. The indications are equally unfavorable to there being any large deposits of coal. A lead vein 4 inches in thickness, was discovered on the Waraja river, by the geological corps of' Professor Owen. The most remarkable mineral in this territory is the red pipestone, of which the Indians make their pipes, and which is believed to be peculiar to the region of the Coteau des Prairies. A slab of this stone has been, or is to be, sent to Washington; to be inserted in the great national monument, erecting to the memory of the father of his country. Salt is reported to exist in vast quantities between 47° and 49° N. lat., and 97° and 99° W. lon.

Lakes and Rivers: Minnesota is perhaps even more deserving than Michigan of the appellation of the "Lake State," as it abounds in lacustrine waters of every size, from lakes of 40 miles in extent, to small ponds of less than a mile in circuit. These beautiful sheets of water give origin to rivers flowing N., S., and E.; some finding their way to the Atlantic through the mighty Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico; others through the great lakes, Niagara, and the St. Lawrence; and others, again, pass off to the N., and seek the ocean through Hudson's bay and straits. The largest of these lakes, with the exception of Lake Superior, are the Lake of the Woods, Rainy lake, Red, Minni-Wakan or Devil lake, Leech, and Mille Lacor Spirit lake. These generally have clear, pebbly bottoms, and are well stocked with fish, among which are the white fish, pike, pickerel, maskelonge, sucker, perch, and trout. Wild rice grows on the borders of many of them, especially at the North. Devil lake, which is on the 48th parallel of N. lat., in the N. W. of Minnesota, is about 40 miles in length, by 15 in breadth, and its waters, which are brackish, have no visible outlet. Red lake, on the same parallel, E. of Red river, with which it communicates, is divided into two portions, united by a strait of 2 miles in width, and covers about the same area as Devil lake. Lake of the Woods, and Rainy lake, (the former a large sheet of water, perhaps 100 miles in circuit,) are both on the N. E. boundary of the territory. Lake Pepin, a beautiful sheet of water, is a mere expansion of the Mississippi in the S. E. of this territory. The rivers and large streams of Minnesota are almost as numerous as its lakes. The far-famed Mississippi takes its humble origin from Itasca lake, from whose pellucid waters it issues a rivulet of but a few feet in width, and first meandering in a N. E. direction through a number of small lakes, to receive their tribute, it turns to the S., and pursues its lordly way to its far distant exit in the Gulf of Mexico, laving in its course the shores of nine states and one territory. About 800 miles of its length are included within Minnesota, of which 500 are navigable, 200 below the Falls of St. Anthony, and 300 above. The Rum and St. Croix, tributaries of the Mississippi, drain the S. E. portion of the territory, and the Red river the northern, passing off into Hudson's bay. It is the outlet of Traverse, Ottertail, Red, and several smaller lakes. It has a course of about 500 miles within Minnesota, though it does not flow directly north more than 200 miles in that distance. The Lake Superior slope is principally drained by the St. Louis and its branches, and by the outlets of that series of small lakes that from the N. E. boundary of Minnesota. The great valley formed by the slopes of the Coteau des Prairies and the Coteau du Bois is drained by the St. Peter's and its tributaries. This river runs first in a S. E., and then in a N. E. course, with a total length of from 400 to 500 miles, and is navigable for steamers during high water, 56 miles above its mouth in the Mississippi, and 60 farther for keel-boats. Its principal branch is the Blue Earth or Mankato river. The St. Peter's, with the Crow Wing and Crow rivers, are the principal tributaries of the Mississippi from the West. The Riviere a Jacques (ree've-air' ah zhak) and the Sioux are the principal affluents of the Missouri from this territory. They both have an almost directly S. course, the former being about 600, and the latter 350 miles long. Nearly the whole western boundary is washed by the Missouri, which opens the western part of the territory to the commerce of the great Mississippi valley. The rivers of Minnesota abound in small falls and rapids, which, while they interrupt navigation, furnish extensive water-power.

Objects of interest to Tourists: If we except cataracts of the first magnitude and high mountains, Minnesota presents as great a variety of natural objects of interest as any portion of our widely extended domain. The traveller enters her territory ascending the Mississippi, amid beautiful islands, (one of which, Mountain island, is 428 feet high,) and between cliffs of sandstone and magnesian limestone rising to an elevation of from 300 to 500 feet. Soon he passes into that beautiful expansion of the river named Lake Pepin, on the E. bank of which he has Maiden's rock, 400 feet high; and near the northern extremity of the lake, La Grange mountain, a headland about 330 feet above the lake, 180 of which, at the base, is sandstone, capped with magnesian limestone. As he proceeds, continuing his ascending voyage, the traveller arrives at the famed St. Anthony's falls, less celebrated on account of their perpendicular pitch (only 16 1/2 feet) than for their accompaniments of wild scenery and their geological interest. The falls are divided by an island, as at Niagara, the greater portion of the water passing on the western side, which is 310 yards wide. The entire descent, including the rapids, is 58 feet in 260 rods. St. Anthony's falls will no doubt one day become a Western Lowell; indeed its capabilities as a manufacturing site far transcend those of the town named, when the wants of the country shall call them into requisition. Fountain cave, 2 or 3 miles above St. Paul, is an excavation in the white sandstone, which opens, by an arched entrance 25 feet wide and 20 high, into a chamber 150 feet long and 20 wide, along the centre of which glides a rivulet, which may be heard from its inner and hidden recesses dashing down in small cascades. The passage becomes very narrow as you proceed up the channel, occasionally opening into small chambers. Mr. Seymour advanced nearly 1000 feet within the cave without reaching its termination. Brown's falls are in a narrow stream, the outlet of several small lakes on the W. side of the Mississippi. They have a perpendicular descent of 50 feet; and including smaller falls and rapids, 100 feet. Pilot Knob, near the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Peter's, is an elevation of 262 feet, which commands a fine view of the surrounding country and the two rivers near whose junction it stands. The St. Croix falls or rapids, about 30 miles from its mouth, have a descent of nearly 50 feet in 300 yards; but the most interesting portion of the scene consists in the perpendicular walls of trap rock through which the river has forced its way, about half a mile below the rapids, and through which it rushes with great velocity, forming eddies and whirlpools. At this place, 40 or 50 feet above the river, portholes 20 to 25 feet in diameter, and 15 to 20 deep, have been worn by the action of the water. This pass is called the Dalies of the St. Croix. The Sioux river "breaks through a remarkable formation of massive quartz, which crosses it perpendicularly," at the Great Bend, in about 43° 30' N. lat., and forms a series of falls and rapids, one of which is 21 feet, another 18 and a third 10 feet in perpendicular pitch. The entire descent in 400 yards is 100 feet. Minnesota shares with Wisconsin in the fails and rapids of the St. Louis river, another picturesque and romantic display of nature's works for a description of which, see WISCONSIN. The rivers of Minnesota are filled with picturesque rapids and small falls, and often bordered with perpendicular bluffs of lime and sandstone, or gently sloping hills that gracefully recede from the water. This region is the paradise of the hunter: its prairies and forests are the home of many wild animals, and in its rivers and lakes swim great varieties of fish.

Climate: The climate of this territory is severe, especially in the northern part. At the Pembina settlement, under the 49th parallel of latitude, the cold is frequently so great as to freeze quicksilver. According to observations kept by the officers stationed there in January, 1847, the mean temperature of the month, from three observations a day, at 9 A. M., and 3 and 9 P. M., was 12 1/2° below zero; and the greatest cold 48° below the same point. The average of 66 days' observations was 22 1/2° below zero; and the highest point reached in the month of January, 30° above zero. The hottest day in the month of July was 96° showing a range of 144° between the greatest cold and greatest heat. From the 17th of June to the 17th of July, 1848, the mean temperature was 69°. Even as late as in the latter weeks of March, and as early as in November, the thermometer often falls below zero. Observations made at St. Paul's, in lat. 44° 56' N., in December, January, and February, of the winter of 1850-51, gave the following result: Clear days, 22; variable, 45; cloudy, 23; rain, 5; snow, 24; and hail, 1. Greatest height of the mercury, 47°; lowest point, 32° 5' below zero; average of the winter, 15° 23'. Thirty-one days the mercury was at or above freezing, and 37 days below zero. The coldest day, (January 30,) it was 20° below; and the mildest, (February 25,) 36° 6' above zero. Winds, N.N.W.,50 days; S.E. to E.N.E., 20 days; variable, 20 days. The amount of rainy days this winter is stated as unusually large, from which the dryness of the atmosphere may be inferred. The earliest closing of the navigation by ice, between 1844 and 1850, was November 8; the latest, December 8. The earliest opening, in the same period, was March 31; the latest, April 19. The climate of Minnesota, in some parts, is too severe for Indian corn, but the dryness and steadiness of the cold favor wheat and other winter grains.

Soil and Productions: The soil of Minnesota varies greatly. In the valleys of the rivers it is mostly excellent, especially in those of the St. Peter's, and of the Mississippi and its tributaries in the south-east of the territory. Above the Falls of St. Anthony, with the exception of the river alluvions and some prairie land, the country is generally covered with drift, interspersed with marshes, too wet for cultivation; but the elevated portion is often much of it of tolerable fertility, though inferior to the calcareous lands of the river bottoms, and not infrequently covered with dwarf timber. Professor Owen remarks that "the general agricultural character of the Red river country is excellent. The principal drawbacks are occasional protracted droughts during the midsummer months, and during the spring freshets, which from time to time overflow large tracts of low prairie, especially near the Great Bend." According to Governor Ramsay, wherever the test has been made, Minnesota produces corn, wheat, oats, and potatoes equal in quality to that produced in any state in the Union, and in quantity such as to astonish those who have been familiar even with the rich bottom lands of Indiana and Illinois. The nutritious wild rice, strawberries,' currants, plums, cranberries, grapes, and crab-apples are indigenous. According to the census of 1850, there were 5035 acres of land only under cultivation, but as the population is now (1853) probably more than treble what it was at that period, this will be a very unfair representation of the present agricultural condition of the territory. In the year of the national census, there were produced 1401 bushels of wheat; 125 of rye; 16,725 of Indian corn; 30,582 of oats; 10,002 of peas and beans; 21,145 of Irish potatoes; 200 of sweet potatoes; 1216 of barley; 515 of buckwheat; 2019 tons of hay; 85 pounds of wool; 2950 of maple sugar; 80 of beeswax and honey. Value of live stock, $92,859; of market produce, $150; and of slaughtered animals, $2840.

Forest Trees: Parts of Minnesota are densely timbered with pine forests, and the ridges of the drift districts with small pine, birch, aspen, maple, ash, elm, hemlock, firs, poplar, and basswood. In the swamps between the ridges, the tamarack, cedar, and cypress are found; while the river bottoms furnish a good growth of oak, aspen, soft maple, basswood, ash, birch, white walnut, linden, and elm. Much of this timber on the poorer ridges, and in some of the marshes, is rather of a dwarf character. On the Rum, St. Croix, and Pine rivers there are extensive forests of pine, of good, but not of the largest growth. According to Professor Owen, "a belt of forest crosses Minnesota in lat. 44° 30', which is remarkable for its unusual body of timber, in a country otherwise but scantily timbered." Taken as a whole, therefore, Minnesota can scarcely be called a well-wooded country. But here, as in other parts of the West, when the prairies are protected from fire, a growth of young timber soon springs up.

Animals: Minnesota has always been a favorite hunting ground of the Indians, and vast herds of buffalo, elk, deer, antelope, and other game still roam over the plains west of the Coteau des Prairies and the Red river. Deer, black bear, antelope, wolverine, otter, muskrat, mink, martin, wolf, and raccoon abound, and the moose and grizzly bear are occasionally met with. The prairies are frequented by grouse, pheasants, and partridges, and the streams by wild ducks and geese. The other birds are hawks, buzzards, harriers, owls, quails, plovers, larks, and a great variety of small birds. Among the water fowl are the pelican, tern, hooded sheldrake, bustard, broadbill, ruffle-headed duck, wood duck, teal, wild goose, and loon. Both the golden and bald eagle are occasionally met with. The rivers and lakes abound in fine fish, among which are the bass, cap, sunfish, pickerel, pike, catfish, whitefish, sucker, maskelonge, and trout.

Manufactures: There are great capabilities in the innumerable rivers of Minnesota, with their falls and rapids, for manufacturing establishments. At present the conversion of her pine forests into boards, scantling, &c. constitutes the principal manufacture of this new and flourishing territory.

Internal Improvements: These, of course, are as yet confined to opening common and military roads. In the settlement of a new country, the emigrants naturally first locate on the great rivers, and a considerable time elapses before they need any other highway than these rivers themselves and short roads leading to them. The best lands of Minnesota are on her two great navigable rivers, the Mississippi and St. Peter's; and the first acts of internal improvement needed by this territory will be the removal of some obstructions in these streams. It is among the probabilities that the great Pacific railway may traverse this region, as engineers are now examining the feasibilities of a northern route. Commerce: Minnesota has the advantage of two outlets for her products; one by way of the Mississippi, to every portion of the Mississippi valley; and the other by way of Lake Superior, with the Lake States and with the East. The great export of this territory is her lumber, and in the winter of 1850-51, 21,000,000 feet were cut on the St. Croix and its tributaries; the same region would send, it was calculated, 60,000,000 feet to market in 1853. In 1841, according to Mr. Prescott's register at Fort Snelling, 40 steamboats arrived from below; 48 in 1845; 24 in 1846; 47 in 1847; 63 in 1848; 85 in 1849; and 102 in 1850. The Mississippi river was open for navigation, or the first boat arrived, in the years 1841, '5, '6, '8, '9, and '50, respectively, on the 20th of March, 6th of April, 31st of March, 7th of April, 9th of April, and 19th of April; and the river closed, in the same years, on the 23d and 26th of November; and on the 4th, 7th, and 1st of December. Foreign exports for 1851-2, amounted to $1207.

Education: Minnesota has a public system of free schools, which are under the general direction of a superintendent of common schools, and the local supervision of trustees. Every township containing not less than five families is considered a school district. These school trustees are elected every year, and a majority of the voters may levy a tax not to exceed $600 a year. A county tax is also levied for school purposes, of one-fourth of one per cent. on the ad valorem amount of assessment roll made by the county assessors: also 15 per cent. of all moneys raised by licenses of spirituous liquors, and on all fines for criminal acts. "An act to incorporate the University of Minnesota," was passed February 25, 1851. This institution is to consist of five departments, namely, of science, literature, and art; of laws; of medicine; of agriculture; and of elementary instruction. Twelve regents appointed by the legislature manage its affairs. It is located at St. Anthony. The proceeds of all lands granted by the United States go to form a perpetual fund for the support of the university. Congress has granted two townships of land for this purpose already.

Public Institutions: A penitentiary, located at Stillwater, is the only other institution, beside the university, of a strictly territorial character.

Government: The governor is appointed by the president of the United States for four years; salary, $2500. The legislature consists of a council, composed of nine members, and a house of representatives, of 18 members, both elected by the people, the former for two years, and the latter annually. The number of councilmen may be increased to 15, and of the representatives to 39. The judiciary consists of a supreme, district, and probate courts. The territory sends a delegate to the national house of representatives who may speak, but not vote.

History: Minnesota is said to have been first visited by white men in the person of two free traders in the year 1654; who, on their return to Montreal two years afterwards, gave such glowing descriptions of the country as to induce, not only traders and trappers, but Jesuit missionaries to visit the country. To the latter are we indebted for the first printed records of Minnesota. The present territory of Minnesota formed part of the original Louisiana Territory, as purchased from France in 1803. The eastern portion formed a part of the French possessions which were surrendered to the English at the peace of 1763, and subsequently by the latter to the Government of the United States after the close of the Revolution. During the administration of Mr. Jefferson, (in 1805,) an exploring expedition, under General Pike, traversed the country. The first fortification of the United States within the present limits of Minnesota was located at Fort Snelling, which has been occupied by an American garrison ever since 1819. With the exception of the British settlement at Pembina, which was not then known to be within the limits of the United States, no settlements were made in this territory till about 1845. In 1849 it was organized into a territorial government. It has successively formed parts of the Missouri, North-west, Wisconsin, and Iowa Territories.

Biographies:

Lucius Frederick Hubbard, governor of Minnesota, was born in Troy, N.Y., Jan. 26, 1836; son of Charles F. and Margaret (Van Valkenberg) Hubbard; grandson of Lucius and Annie (Pomeroy) Hubbard, and a descendant of George and Mary (Bishop) Hubbard, who emigrated from England and settled Wethersfield, Conn., in 1636. His maternal ancestors were early Dutch settlers in the valley of the Hudson river. He was educated at Chester, Vt., and Granville academy, N.Y. He worked at the tinner's trade in Chicago, Ill., 1854-57; was the founder of the Republican, Red Wing, Minn., and its editor, 1837-61 and registrar of deeds, 1858-61. He enlisted as a private in the 5th Minnesota infantry in December, 1861, and was promoted captain in February, 1862, lieutenant-colonel in March, 1862, and colonel in August, 1862. He was wounded in the battle of Corinth, May 28, 1862, and led his regiment at the second battle of Corinth, Oct. 3-4, 1862, and the 2d brigade, 1st division, in the battle of Jackson, Tenn., Dec. 19, 1862. He was transferred with his regiment to the 15th army corps in the spring of 1863, and took part in the siege and assault of Vicksburg. Afterward he commanded the 2d brigade in the Red River campaign and participated in seven battles in quick succession. His brigade formed the first line of the assaulting column at Nashville, Dec. 16, 1864, and captured artillery colors and many prisoners. Colonel Hubbard was severely wounded, and was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general for "conspicuous gallantry" in that battle. He led the advance in the capture of SPanish Fort, Mobile, April 8, 1864, and was mustered out of the service in October, 1865, having participated in thirty-one battles of the war. On returning to Red Wing, Minn., he engaged in milling and as a railroad constructor. He was a state senator, 1873-75, and governor of Minnesota, 1882-87. In 1898 he was commissioned a brigadier-general in the volunteer army and engaged in the war with Spain, commanding the 3d division, 7th army corps, during his entire term of service.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

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