This is the oral history of the author who set out at age 11 with her family from Switzerland to the state of Minnesota with lies of the "promised lands". Upon arrival their situation was desparate as most of the colonists had no background of farming, and with death crops failure they nearly starved to death several times during the fierce winters of Minnesota. When able, they journeyed down to Ft. Snelling and the author because a friend and employee of Snelling and his wife, caring for their children. Description of the Indians and troubles with them, as well as the military fort life are quite interesting. Several trips taken show just how hard a life it really was in those days. the author married a young officer and went on to be stationed at several other forts during their marriage, but eventually they left the Army and went into farming with a happy life. Of interest is the fact that Steam Boats went up the Mississippi once or twice a summer to Ft. Snelling in the 1820's.