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1825271
PHYNOLD?; HISTORICAL
GENEALOGY COLLECTrON
11 1 III rill*r III ll^l lir [i','J?,f-'C LIBRARY
3 1833 01053 1
363
MINNESOTA:-
TS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS.
1869.
BEING A BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF
ITS HISTORY AND PROGRESS, CLIMATE, SOIL, AGRICULTURAL
AND MANUFACTURING FACILITIES, COMMERCIAL
CAPACITIES, AND SOCIAL STATUS ;
ITS LAKES, RIVERS AND RAILROADS;
HOMESTEx\D AND EXEMPTION LAWS ;
EMBRACING A CONCISE TREATISE ON ITS
CLIMATOLOGY, IN A HYGIENIC AND SANITARY POINT
OF VIEW ;
ITS UNPARALLELED SALUBRITY, GROWTH AND
PRODUCTIVENESS,
[as compared with the older states ;
AND THiS
ELEMENTS OF ITS FUTURE GREATNESS AND PROSPERITY.
,^OX?L OliATXJITOXJS CIRC'XJLAXIOIN,
ORDER COPIES TO ANY ADDRESS, FROM
GIRART HEWITT, ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA.
1869.
STATEMENT.
The pamphlet issued by me January, 1867, was? received in such a way as tO'
call for a similar work for 1868. The flattering endorsements which the nine
editions of those years received from the Press, the Legislature, the State
Board of Immigration, and the public, seem to warrant an issue for 1869. If
the pamphet of 1868 was an improvement upon that of 1867, I trust this will
be found a still greater improvement upon its predecessors. The plan for its
circulation has proved a success — a copy is sent to each name furnished me
whether the person thinks of seeking a new home or not. If the ..pamphlet falls
into the wrong hand at first, it finds its way to the right one at last. A resi-
dence here of twelve years and an immense correspondence, embracing every
State and Territory in our own and many foreign countries, satisfies me that the
facts regarding Minnesota are not known in the world.
While many of the general items of the last editions are preserved in this, it
will be found enlarged and improved in [many respects, and brings us down to
January, 1869.
I have tried to avoid exaggeration, aiming to faithfully and impartially repre-
sent the whole State. Tt is not designed to persuade persons to come here who
are doing well enough where they are, but to give those seeking new homes re-
liable information as to this young, attractive and progressive State.
Upon the important question of health, I have given the able treatise of Dr.
T. Williams, and added the opinion of Dr. D. W. Hand, of St. Paul.
Cominff here over twelve years ago, an invalid, myself a beneficiary of this
climate, I have studied this question with interest, and can say that each year has
seived to confirm me in the opinion that Minnesota is unsurpassed for health,
GIR.ART HEWITT.
St. Paul, January, 1869.
1825J271
MIJ^NESOTA.:
ITS ADYANTAGES TO SETTLEES.
GEOGRAPHICyVL.
The State of Miiaaesota is one of the youngest in the united sisterhood of
States. It was admitted into the Union in May, 1858, being the thirty-second
State admitted into the Union. It derives its name from two Indian words,
"Minne" and " So<a/i," " sky-tinted water," in reference to its numerous and
beautiful streams and lakes which from their crystal purity reflect the clear, steel-
blue skies. The State lies between 43° 30' and 49° north latitude, and 91°
and 97° 5' west longitude. It is bounded on the north by the British Posses-
sions ; on the south by the State of Iowa ; east by Wisconsin and Lake Supe-
rior ; and west by Dakota Territory. Its estimated area is 84,000 square miles,
or about 54,000,000 acres, thus making it one of the largest States in the Union,
being nearly equal to the combined areas of the large and populous States of
Ohio and Pennsylvania, and embracing a larger extent of territory than the
whole of New England, capable of eventually sustaining a population equal to
that of England.
Advantageous Geographical Position. — The geographical position of Min-
nesota is the most favored on the continent. Its location is central between
the Atlantic and Pacitic Oceans, Hudson's Bay on the north, and the Gulf of
Mexico on the south. It is also midway between the arable limits of the con-
tinent, where the products of agriculture attain their most perfect development
Generally speaking, the valleys of the Mississippi, St. Lawrence and Red River
may be said to rise in the form of a huge convex mass, which culminates in the
sand dunes or drift hills in the northern part of Minnesota, where those three
great rivers take their rise and flow north, south and northeast. Minnesota is thus
the actual summit cf the continent, and the pinnacle of the watershed of North
America. In reference to this fact, the Hon. Wm. H. Seward, in a speech
delivered at St. Paul in 1860, says, " Here spring up almost side by side, so
that they may kiss each other, the two great rivers of the continent," the
Mississippi and the St. Lawrence, rising almost within a stone's throw of each
other, and running in opposite directions, — the one half way to Europe, the
other bearing our commerce to the Gulf of Mexico, gathering the products of
the cotton plantations of the South and bringing them to the vast water powers
of the Upper Mississippi.
The arable area of the vast territory northwest of us — bounded on the north
by the line of arctic temperature, and south by the arid sandy plains — is pro-
jected through the valley of the Saskatchewan to the Pacific border ; " grimly
guarded by the Itasca summit of the Mississippi, 1680 feet high on the east,
and the Missouri coteau, 2000 feet high on the west," it forms " the only avenue of
commercial communication between the east and west coasts, the only possible
route of a Pacific railway, and the only theater now remaining for the formation
of new settlements." Lying exactly across the commercial isthmus thus hemmed
in, and which is the only outlet of this vast region to the Eastern and Southern
States, Minnesota is the gateway Ijetween the eastern and western sides of the
continent. " Through this one pass," says Mr. Wheelock, " between the con^
4 MINNESOTA :
tinental deserts of sand and ice, must flow the great exodus now dashing itself in
vain against their shores, as the tribes of Asia flowed into Europe through the
passes of the Caucasus. Every advancing wave of population lifts higher and
higher this gathering flood of American life, which, the moment that it begins
to press upon the means of subsistence, must pour all its vast tide through
this narrow channel into the inland basins of the Northwest — till the Atlantic
and Pacific are united in a living chain of populous States."
This commanding physical position of Minnesota gives it the key and control
of the outlet of the great mass of the commerce of the immense and produc-
tive regions of the western and northwestern portions of the continent— regions as
yet almost a wilderness, but whose incalculably large exports and imports, fol-
lowing the inexorable laws of commerce, must find their highway through our
State, when at no distant day those large and fertile districts north and west
of us swarm with the industry of empires, and pour their wealth into our
coSers, giving us a significance second to none in the world. Not only that,
but, instead of passing by us and going two thousand miles east to trade, the
workshops and factories which even now are opening up so rapidly on our wa-
ter-powers will supply them and enrich us ; thus making this vast region tributary
to us as surely as the West ever has heretofore been tributary to the East. Notic-
ing this fact, in the speech already alluded to, Mr. Seward says, " Here is the place,
the central place, where the agriculture of the richest region of North America
must pour out its tributes to the whole world. On the east, all along the shore
of Lake Superior, and west, stretching in one broad plain, in a belt quite across
the continent, is a country where State after ^tate is yet to arise, and where the
productions for the support of human society in the old, crowded States must
be brought forth." Then follows the remarkable and far-seeing views of this
great statesman and politician, that Minnesota is yet to exercise a powerful
influence in the political destinies of this continent. " Power is not to reside
permanently on the eastern slope of the Alleghany mountains, nor in the seaports.
Seaports have always been overrun and conti-oUed by the people of the interior,
and the power that shall communicate and express the will of men on this conti-
nent is to be located in the Mississippi Valley, and at the sources of the Missis-
sippi and St. Lawrence." Mr. Seward only expresses the fact, taught by the
whole past history of the whole world, that empire travels westward, when he'
asserts, " I now believe that the ultimate, last seat of government on this great
continent will be found somewhere within a circle or radius not very far from the
spot on which I stand, at the head of navigation on the Mississippi River."
The future destiny of Minnesota therefore is to be a glorious one, and fortu-
nate the descendants of those who may now obtain an interest and foothold
within her borders. We will proceed to speak more specially of the true ele-
ments of this future greatness and prosperity, as already indicated by the
unerring logic of facts and unparalleled growth.
HISTORICAL OUTLINE.
Minnesota is what was once the " land of the Dakotas," who inhabited it long
before their existence was known to white men. Their chief council chamber
was in Carver's Cave, near where the present capital of the State now stands.
The honor of discovering Minnesota is divided between Louis Hennepin, a
Franciscan priest, and DuLuth, a French explorer. Hennepin was sent out in
the spring of 1680 to explore the Upper Mississippi in company with two
traders ; he was captured by the Indians and carried to the present site of St.
Paul. On his return in June, he met DuLuth and a party of explorers. He
claims to have discovered the Falls of the Mississippi, and bestowed upon them
the name of St. Anthony, in honor of his patron saint.
In I6t>9, Perrot, accompanied by LeSueur and others, took formal possession
of the country embracing Minnesota, in the name of France, and established a
fort on the west shore of Lake Pepin. Although discovered upwards of two
hundred years ago, the settlement of Minnesota did not commence until about
twenty years ago, with the exception of a few scattering pioneer hunters, traders
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 0
and missionaries, who took up their abode in it at a much earlier date. During
the lapse of two centuries the vast northAvest, embracing the best lands and
climate on the continent, remained a wilderness, while the Atlantic and Western
States were being settled. Very vague and erroneous notions prevailed in
regard to this region, which was popularly sapf)Osed to be too cold and inhos-
pitable for agricultural pursuits. But this region reproduces the west and north
of Europe, containing the most powerful and enlightened nations on the globe,
with the exceptions caused by vertical conflguration only, and gives an immense
and yet unmeasured capacity for occupation and expansion, containing an area
above the 43d parallel, perfectly adapted to the fullest occupation by cultivated
nations, not inferior to the whole of the United States east of the Mississippi.
This region, extending to the Pacific, and of which Minnesota is the "garden
spot," is yet destined to supersede in wealth and agricultural and manufacturing
importance the older part of the United States, lying on the Atlantic coast and
east of the Mississippi, and to become the seat of empire on the A merican
continent.
" The parallel in regard to the advancement of American States here may be
drawn with the period of the earliest trans- Alpine Roman expansion, when Gaul,
Scandinavia, and Britain were regarded as inhospitable regions, fit only for
barbarian occupation. The enlightened nations then occupied the latitudes near
the Mediterranean, and the richer northern and westei'n countries were unopened
and unknown."*
In the year 1695, the second post in Minnesota was established by LeSueur ;
and in October, 1700, he explored the Minnesota and Blue Earth rivers and
established another post on the latter. From this period up to 1746, the history
of Minnesota is nothing more than the history of the adventures of LeSueur
and the traders among the Indians, and the wars of the latter among themselves,
and is full of wild and romantic incidents. At this time France and England
were involved in a war which extended to their colonies in the New World, and
the French enlisted many savages of the Upper Mississippi on their side.
On the 8th of September, 1760, the French delivered up their posts in Canada
to the English. By a treaty made at Versailles in 1763, France ceded the
territory comprised within the limits of Minnesota and Wisconsin to England.
Biit for a long time the English got no foothold in their newly acquired territory,
owing to the greater popularity of the Freach, many of whom had married
Indian wives. But little was known of the country previous to 1766, when
Jonathan Carver of Connecticut explored it, and afterwards went to England and
wrote a book of his adventures. Even at this early day, though over a thousand
miles intervened between the Falls of Si Anthony and any white settlement, the
explorer was impressed with the beauty and fertility of the couatry, and spoke
of the commercial facilities its future inhabitants would enjoy via the Mississippi
and the northern chain of lakes. Carver's Cave at St. Paul, in which several
bands of Indians held an annual grand council — making it the capital of the
State a hundred years ago — was named after him.
After the peace between the United States and England in 1783, England
ceded her claim to the territory south of the British Possessions to the
United Stat^^s. December 20, 1803, the province of Louisiana, embracing that
portion of Minnesota west of the Mississippi, was ceded to the United States by
France, who on the first of the same mouth had received it from Spain ; the
latter objected to the transfer, but withdrew her opposition in 1804. In 1805,
(ien. Zebulon M, Pike explored this region of country, and his reports, and
those of Long, Fremont, Pope, Marcy, Stansberry, and other military officers
exerted a large influence in first attracting attention to Minnesota as a field for
settlement. He obtained a gi'ant of land from the Sioux Indians on which Fort
Snellirig, five miles above St. Paul, was built in 1820.
The English traders still lingered in Minnesota after its cession to the United
States, and incited by them against the Americans, the Indians became trouble-
* " Blodget'B Climatology of the United States," page 52E .
JU.i_«J>IJ!JBUXA
some, and during the war of 1812 generally took sides with the English, After
the peace of 1815 they acknowledged the authority of the United States, but
the Ojibways and Dakotas (or Siouxs) being hereditai-y enemies continued to
war among themselves. In 1812 a small settlement was formed in the Red
River country, composed principally.of Scotchmen, under the auspices of Lord
Selkirk. They were greatly persecuted by the Hudson Bay Company, who
claimed the sole right of hunting and trading for furs in the northwest. In 1821,
" after years of bloodshed, heart-burnings, fruitless litigation, and vast expense,
the strife was coccluded by a compromise between the two companies." In
1822, the first mill in Minnesota was erected where Minneapolis now stands.
In 1823, the first steamboat that ever ascended the Mississippi above
Rock Island, arrived at Fort Snelling, to the great astonishment of the
Datives.
In 1820, Missouri was admitted into the Union as a State, leaving the territory
north of it, including Iowa and all of Minnesota west of the river, without any
organized government. In 1834, it was attached to Michigan for judicial pur-
poses. In 1836, Nicollet arrived in Minnesota and spent some time in exploring
the sources of the Mississippi.
In 1837, the pine forests of the valley of the St. Croix audits tributaries were
ceded to the United States by the Ojibways ; and the same year the Dakotas
ceded all their lands east of the Mississippi. These treaties were ratified June
15, 1838.
One of the earliest settlers in St. Paul, the present capital of the State, was
named Phalou. Other families from the Red River settlement settling there.
Father Gaultier, a Catholic missionary, built a log chapel, "blessed the new
basilica," and dedicated it to St. Paul, which thus came to be the name of the
city, which previous to that time had been called " Pig's Eye." In 1848 St.
Paul was a small settlement, and contained only 840 inhabitants in 1849. Its
present population is 20,108.
In 1843, the settlement of Stillwater, on the St. Croix, 18 miles from St. Paul,
was commenced.
Territorial Organization.— On the 3d of March, 1849, the Territory of
Minnesota was organized, its boundaries including the present Territory of
Dakota, and St. Paul designated as the capital. April 28th the first newspaper
was issued in the new capital. Alexander Ramsey was appointed Governor,
and arrived with his family the latter part of May. On the first of June he
proclaimed the Territorial government organized. The Territory contained
4,680 inhabitants at this time.
After the organization of the Territory, immigration flowed in rapidly, and
both St. Paul and country were settled very fast. On the 1st of August, 1849,
the first delegate (H. H. Sibley) was elected to Congress, and on the 3d of
September the first Legislative Assembly met and created nine counties. In
1850 small steamboats commenced to run on the Minnesota river.
In 1851 an important treaty was effected with the Dakotas, by which their
title to the west side of the Mississippi and the valley of the Minnesota river
was extinguished, and this vast tract open to settlement. At a very early day
Minnesota took the subject of common schools in hand, and the first report of
a Superintendent of Public Instruction was presented to the third Legislative
Assembly, which met in January, 18.52.
From this time forward immigration flowed into Minnesota at high tide, and
the State filled up with unprecedented rapidity. Villages and towns sprang up
as if by magic. Land speculation ran high, and during the period of the gi-eatest
inflation of prices, the financial crash of 18-57 fell like a thunderbolt. Great
distress and stagnation of business was the direct result, and for a year or two
the rapid growth of the State was arrested. But the remoter consequences of
the crash were permanently beneficial to the State. Towns had sprung up like
mushrooms without sufiicient tributary agricultural districts to support them.
Rent and living were ruinously high. After the crash, the speculator's occupa-
tion was gone ; the energies of the inhabitants were directed to manufactures
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 7
.and agriculture — the basis of all true State or National prosperity. Previous
t(5 that era, breadstuffs had been hiiTported; in 1854 the number of plowed acres
in the State was only 15,000 ; in 1860, there were 433,276 ; and in 1866,
1,000,000 ; and in 1867, over 1,200,000 ; 1868, 1,400,000. Minnesota was
suddenly developed as one of the finest grain growing States in the Union,
and in 1865 exported upwards of 8,000,060 bushels of wheat ; in 1866 over
10,000,000 bushels ; and in 1867 the aggregate yield was as much ; and in 1868
over 17,000,000.
Admitted into the Union. — The State Constitution was framed by a convention
elected for that purpose, which assembled at St. Paul in July, 1857, and it was
voted upon and adopted the ensuing October. The State was admitted into
the Union in May, 1858, the State government organized, and Hon. H. M.
Rice and Gen. Jas. shields elected to the U. S. Senate. In 1861, when the re-
bellion broke out, our State promptly responded to all the calls made on her for
men and money, though at a greater detriment to her growth and prosperity,
perhaps, than that of any other State. Being a new State, she had no surplus
population, and her quotas were taken from her gi-ain fields, workshops and pine-
ries, With a population of about 175,000 at the beginning of the war, she fur-
nished about 24,000 men to the Union armies. Few States have such a record.
The Indian Massacre. — In August, 1862, one of the most fiendish and wide-
spread massacres recorded in American history took place upon the we.-tern
frontier of Minnesota by the Dakota or Sioux Indians. A large military force,
commanded by Gen. Sibley, was at once sent out, which soon laid waste the
whole Indian country belonging to these tribes, killed " Little Crow," their leader,
and .utterly routed and subdued their braves. A large number were captured ;
some of them tried and sentenced to death — of these 38 were hung, and the
others, with their entire tribes, were, under the order of the General Government,
sent clean out of the country to a reservation beyond the Missouri river.
Remarkable Progress of the State. — It will thus be seen that Minnesota has
had extraordinary obstacles to overcome. The financial panic of 1857, the
rebellion of 1861, and Indian war of 1862, have undoubtedly greatly retarded
her growth ; yet, notwithstanding those drawbacks, she has grown more rapidly
than any State in the Union. Her percentage of increase from 1860 to 1865
was 45j per cent, while that of Wisconsin was only 12, Illinois 27, Iowa 11,
Michigan 7 J. All danger from Indians has long since vanished ; perfect securi-
ty reigns, and homes in the most remote parts of the State are as secure as those
of New-England. In 1865 the population of the State was 250,000, and at the
close of 1868, 460,000. Gov. M arshall in his annual message gives it at 445,090.
Government. — The State government is very similar to that of the other Western
States. The constitution se«;ures civil and religious rights to all ; a citizen of
the United States 21 years of age who has been in the State four months can
vote — if of foreign birth he must have resided in the United States one year,
and in Minnesota four months, and have declared his intention to become a citi-
zen of the United States. Impartial suffrage is now the law of this State.
EXEMPTION LAWS OP MINNESOTA.
Humane and Just Provisions. — Too much credit cannot be accorded the men
of our Legislature for the wise and liberal provisions of our State Homestead
and Exemption Law. When we recall for a moment the statutes of the older
States in that barbarous age when an Exemption Law " of one hundred dollars "
and "imprisonment for debt" disgraced their law-books, and contemplate the
succession of revulsions that we have seen sweeping over the land, prostrating
the business and business men, the energetic, progressive, live men of our country
almost in a night, themselves, and those dependent on them, involved in one com-
mon ruin, say whether 1 too much honor those men whose legislation comes
up to the spirit of the age in which we live, who have placed upon the statutes
of Minnesota a Homestead and Exemption Law more liberal than that of any
^ther State.
8 MINNESOTA :
I quote from the statutes of 1866, page 498 :
" That a homestead consisting of any quantity of land not exceeding eighty *
acres and the dwelling house thereon and its appurtenances, to be selected by
the owner thereof, and not included in any incorporated town, city or village, dr
iustead thereof, at the option of the owner, a quantity of land not exceeding in
amount one lot, being within an incorporated town, city or village, and the
dwelling house thereon and its appurtenances, owned and occupied by any resident
of this State, shall not be subject to attachment, levy or sale, upon any execu-
tion or any other process issuing out of any court within this State."
Thus it will be seen that we have no limitation as to the value of the farm or
residence thus secured to the familv. It may be worth one thousand or ten
thousand dollars. Whatever it is, it remains the shelter, the castle, the home of
the family, to cluster around its hearthstone in the hour of gloom and disaster, as
securely as they were wont to do in the sunshine of prosperity.
While there may be those who prefer an exemption l3y value rather than area,
and urge that one so liberal as ours can be taken advantage of by knaves, it
must be remembered that no general law can be framed for the protection of the
helpless and unfortunate, that will not be sometimes taken advantaae of by
others. We think it may be safely asserted that an exemption law such as ours,
is found a blessing to thousands of worthy men, women and children for every •
one unworthily shielded by its provisions
Personal Praperty Exempted. — In addition to the home, there is also ex-
empted a proportionately liberal amount of personal property, consisting of
household furniture, library, horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, wagons, farming utensils,
provisions, fuel, grain, &c., &c., and all the tools and instruments of any mechan-
ic, and four hundred dollars' worth of stock in trade ; also the library and im-
plements of any professional man. See State laws, page 489.
UNITED STATES HOMESTEAD LAW.
Large numbers are availing themselves of the liberal Homestead Law passed
by Congress, and now in force. Minnesota possesses the only domain attractive
to this class of settlers — having nearly forty million acres of public land yet
open to entry and settlement. This law provides that each settler, in five years''
occupation, becomes the owner of "160 acres by paying the sum of ten dollars
and the fees of the land officer, provided he be a citizen of the United States or
has declared his intention to become such ;" and it further provides that " no
land acquired under the provisions of this act shall in any event become liable
to the satisfaction of any debts contracted prior to the issuance of the patent;
therefor." In view of the immense quantity of "broad acres " thus offered with-
out cost, situated as they are all over this new State, in districts well watered
and timbered, where the mails and ex])ress are now extended, and railroads and
telegraphs rapidly pushing their way, it is not surprising that thousands are
coming into Minnesota annually to secure good farms for themselves and their
families — farms that will, in a few .short years, be in the midst of cultivated
neighborhoods, with churches and school-houses arising at every hand, amid all
the surroundings of civilization and progress.
LAXD OEFICES.
The land offices for the several land districts of Minnesota are located at the-
following places : — St Peter, Nicollet County ; (xreenleaf. Meeker County ;
Winnebago City, Faribault County ; St. Cloud, Stearns County ; Taylor's Falls^
Chisago County ; Duluth, St. Louis County ; Alexandi-ia, Douglass County.
Persons desiring information as to Government Lands can address the '' Regis-
ter and Receiver " at the above Laud Offices.
DEMAND FOR LABOR IN THE WEST.
It ia said a young man recently wrote Mr. Greeley of the "Tribune," to obtain a situa-
tion, and tie replied that" New York ia just entering upon the interesting process of starving
out 200,000 peopl'i whom war and its consequences ha^ driven hi'.her. It is impossible tCe
employ more until these are gona."
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 9
The joarnals of Eastern cities are annually filled with complaints that there m-
a surplus of laborers and operatives in the East seeking work ; that the com-
petition for employment is often such that workmen are willing to accept wages
farbelQiW what is just to them and their families ; that the offices of European
Consuls are beset with foreigners who have exhausted their means seeking em-
ployment in the crowded Eastern cities. This does not and will not in a hundred
years apply to the great West. Labor of all kinds, especially farm labor, must
of necessity continue in demand here. Indeed one can scarcely imagine a con-
dition of things in the West that will make it otherwise. Laborers and working
men in almost every branch of industry are generally in scant supply and great
demand throughout the West. Those lingering around the crowded seaports of
the East with no hope beyond a mere subsistence, their families growing up in
poverty and vice, having no chance with others in the world, should turn their-
attention to the great West, where a free homestead, rich lands, education for
their children, and a healthy climate invites them. Our pineries alone, give em-
ployment to over 3,000 men, to say nothing of other branches of the lumber
interest, and our numerous railroads now under construction.
WESTERN PEOPLE.
The citizens of a young State, with " room and verge enough," are naturally
anxious to grow in numbers. All are interested in this ; hence a welcome hand
is extended to all who come, and laws are passed, as I have elsewhere said, se-
curing them liberal terms of citizenship. Indeed, the word liberal applies to
Minnesota and her people with more propriety than any I have ever known.
1 say this because it is true, and not in disparagement of others. It is owing,
in some measure, to the fact that the men who take up their march with the star of
empire on its westward way, are either the bold, live men of the older States, or
their hearts and minds expand as they traverse the broad prairies of the fresh
and glorious West. To another cause, can we, to some extent, ascribe much
that is liberal and agreeable in the West, and different from the older States.
Here we have every nation and people represented ; they come from the North
and the South, the East and the VVest. People of the old world meet here,
mingle and marry with the people of the new. The result is an improvement ;
a stock is raised mentally and physically more vigorous than in older localities,
where they have married and intermarried until " every one is cousin ; " deteri-
oration the consequence, narrow and intolerant sentiments the rule. The differ-
ence in these respects is observed by all who have lived long in the West, and
then returned to the old localities whence they came. Hence it is that few whot-
have ever lived in the West, are content to again reside in the East
PHYSICAL OHAEACTEKISTICS OE THE STATE.
Physical Districts. — The physical characteristics of a countiy exert an im-
portant influence on its inhabitants. "Grand scenery, leaping waters, and a
bracing atmosphere," — says Neill in his History of Minnesota, — " produce men
of different cast from those who dwell where the land is on a dead level, and
where the streams are all sluggards. We associate heroes like Tell and Bruce
with the mountains of Switzerland and the highlands of Scotland." Although
Minnesota is not a mountainous country by any means, its general elevation givea
it aU the advantages of one, without its objectionable features. Being equi-
distant from the Atlautic and Pacific oceans, situated on an elevated plateau^
and with a system of lakes and rivers ample for an empire, it has a pj3culiap
climate of its own, possessed by no other State.
The general surface of the greater part of the State is even and undulating,
and pleasantly diversified with rolling prairies, vast belts of timber, oak openings,
numerous lakes and streams, with their accompanying meadows, waterfalls, wood-
ed ravines and lofty bluffs, which impart variety, grandeur and picturesque beauty
to its scenery.
The State may be divided into three principal districts. In the northern and
western part of the State an exception to its general evenness of surface occurs
10 MINNESOTA :
in an elevated district which may be tenxied the highlands of Minnesota. This
district, resting on primary rocke, is of comparatively small extent — 16,000
square miles — and covered with a dense growth of pine, fir, spruce, &c.; it has
an elevation of about 450 feet above the general level of the country, and is
covered with hills of diluvial sand and drift, from 85 to 100 feet in height, amolig
which the three great rivers of the American Continent — the Mississippi,
St. Lawrence, and Red River — take their rise. The temperature of this district
is from 5 to 8 degrees lower than that of the rest of the State ; although pos-
sessing some good land, its principle value consists in its immense forests and its
rich mueral deposits of copper, iron and the precious metals.
The valley of the Red River forms another district larger than the highlands,
containing 18,000 square miles, with a deep, black soil composed of alluvial
mould, and rich in organic deposits. This district produces the heaviest croj^s
•of grain, especially wheat, of any section in the United States. It has a sub-
soil of clay, is but sparsely timbered, with but few rivers or lakes, and is not
therefore so well drained as other parts of the State.
The Mississippi valley comprises the third district; it contains about 50,000
square miles, or about three-fifths of the whole Stale. It is the " garden spot "
of the Northwest, and comprises one of the finest agricultural districts in the
world. Its general characteristics are those of a rolling prairie i-egion, resting
on secondary rocks ; it is unusually well drained, both by the nature of the soil,
which is a warm, dark calcareous aud sandy loam, and the innumerable lakes and
streams which cover its surface with a perfect network. It,is dotted by numer-
ous and extensive groves and belts of timber. These main districts are also
subdivided into smaller ones by the valleys of the numerous streams which in-
'.'fcersect them; but space does not admit of a detailed description.
Rivers and Streams. — The Mississippi river, 2,400 miles long, which drains a
larger region of country than any stream on the globe, with the exception of the
Amazon, rises in Lake Itasca, in the northern part of Minnesota, and flows
southeasterly through the State 797 miles, 134 of which forms its eastern boun-
dary. It is navigable for large boats to St. Paul, aud above the Falls of St.
Anthony for smaller boats for about 150 miles further. The season of navigation
is generally about eight months -sometimes a month longer outside of Lake
Pepin. InlSGS steamboats run here ten of the twelve months; and the fourth
.annual steamboat excursion from St. Paul on the Mississippi, took place on the
first of December, and the river closed on the 10th.
The principal towns and cities^ou the Mississippi m Minnesota, are, Winona,
Wabashaw, Lake City, Red Wing, Hastings, St. Paul, Minneapolis, St. Anthony,
Anoka, Dayton, Monticello, St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Little Falls, Watab.
The Minnesota River, the source of which is among the Coteau des Prairies,
in Dacotah Territory, flows from Big Stone Lake, uu the western boundary of the
State, a distance of nearly 500 miles, through the heart of the southwestern part
of the State, and empties into the Mississippi at Fort SneUing, 6 miles above St.
Paul. It is navigable as high up as the Yellow Medicine, 238 miles above its
mouth, during good stages of water. Its principal places are Shakopee, Ohaska,
Carver, Belle Plaine, Henderson, LeSueur, Traverse des Sioux, St. Peter, Man-
kato. New Ulm and Redwood.
The St. Croix River, rising in Wisconsin, near Lake Superior, forms about
130 miles of the eastern boundary of the State. It empties into the Mississippi
-nearly opposite Hastings, aud is navigable to Taylor's Falls, about 50 miles. It
penetrates the pineries and furnishes immense water power along its course. The
principal places on it are Stillwater and Taylor's Falls.
The Red River, rises in Lake Traverse, and flows northward, forming the
western boundary of the State from Big Stone Lake to the British Possessions,
a distance of 380 miles. It is navigable from Breckenridge, at the mouth of the
Bois de Sioux River to Hudson's Bay ; the Saskatchewan, a tributary of the
Red River, is also said to be a navigable stream, thus promising an active com-
mercial trade from this ^ ast region when it shall have become settled up, via the
St. Paul aud Pacific railroad, which connects the navigable waters of the Red
Kiv er with those of the Mississippi.
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 11
Cannon River, dividing Dakota and Goodhue counties, it is said can be made
a navigable stream by slack-water improvements, for which purpose a company
with a capital of $60,000 has been formed.
Among the more important of the numerous small streams are Rum River,
valuable for lumbering ; Vermilion River, furnishing extensive water power and
possessing some of the finest casades in the United States ; the Crow, Blue
Earth, Root, Sauk, Le Sueur, Zumbro, Cottonwood, Long Prairie, Red AVood,
Waraju, Pejuta Ziza, Mauja Wakau, Buffalo, Wild Rice, Plum, Sand Hill, Clear
Water, Red Lake, Thief, Black, Red Cedar, and Des Moines rivers ; the St.
Louis River, a large stream flowing into Lake Superior, navigable for twenty-
one miles from its lake outlet, and furnishing a water-power at its falls said to be
equal to that of the falls of the Mississippi at St. Anthony, and many others,
besides all the innumerable hosts of first and secondary tributaries to all the
larger streams. The sources of most of these streams being high, their descent
is considerable, furnishing the finest system of water-powers of every grade ia
the world. Many of the brooks, with deep cut channels, are full of trout, leap
and dance merrily over the prairies, often taking sudden leaps, forming beautiful
and romantic cascades.
One of these, on the outlet of Lake Minnetonka, has been immortalized by
Longfellow, in Hiawatha :
" Heretic Falls of 3Iinne-ha-ha
Flash and gleam among the oak trees,
Laugh and leap into the valley."
Lakes. — Lake Superior, the largest body of fresh water on the globe, forms a
portion of the eastern boundary of Minnesota, giving it 167 miles of lake
coast, with one of the best natural harbors and breakwaters, at JDuLuth, Minne-
sota, to be found on any coast. When the Superior and Mississippi railroad
is completed, connecting the commercial centres of the State with Lake Siiperior,
a large lake commerce will spring into existence.
Besides, the whole surface of the State is literally begemmed with innnumera-
ble lakes, estimated by Schoolcraft at 10,000 They are of all sizes, from 500
jards in diameter to 10 miles. Their picturesque beauty and loveliness, with
their pebbly bottoms, transparent waters, wooded shores and sylvan associations,
must be seen to be fully appreciated. They all abound in fish, black and rock
bass, pickerel, pike, perch, cat, sunfish, &c., of superior quality and flavor ; and
in the spring and fall they are the haunts of innumerable duck, geese, and other
wild fowl. In some places they are solitary, at others found in groups or chains.
Many are without outlets, others give rise to meandering and meadow-bordered
brooks. These lakes act as reservoirs for water, penetrating the soil and by
their exhalations giving rise to summer showers daring dry weather. Prof.
Maury says of Minnesota, that although far from the sea, "it may be considered
the best watered State in the Union, and it doubtless owes its abundance of
summer rains measurably to this lake system."
Forests. — Among those unacquainted with the State, Minnesota is apt to be
regarded as a prairie country, destitute of timber. On the contrary, there is no
Western State better supplied with forests.
In the uorthren part of the State is an immense forest region estimated to
cover upwards of 21,000 square miles, constituting one of the great sources of
health and industry of the State. The prevailing wood of this region is pine,
with a considerable proportion of ash, birch, maple, elm, poplar, &c. West of
the^Mississippi, lying between it and the Minnesota, and extending south of that
stream, is the Big Woods, about 100 miles in length and 40 miles wide. This
district is full of lakes, and broken by small openings. The prevailing woods
are oak, maple, elm, ash, basswood, butternut, black walnut and hickory. Be-
sides these two large forests, nearly all the streams are fringed with woodland,
and dense forests of considerable extent cover the valleys. The extensive bot-
toms of the Mississippi, Minnesota and Blue Earth are covered v,'ith a heavy
growth of white and black walnut, maple, boxwood, hickory, linden and cotton
12 MINNESOTA :
wood. The valleys of the Ziimbro aud Root rivers support large ti-acts of
forest growth. They are fouud more or less iu Wabshaw, Dodge, Steele,
Fillmore, Mower, Freeboru aud Olmsted and contiguous couuties.
But the oak openings, distributed iu groves and large parks through the up-
lands along the margius of the numerous streams, form a large resource of the
praii-ie population for domestic aud mechanical purposes. Towards the western
boundary of the State the timber becomes more scanty, and it assumes more the
character of a vast prairie region, dotted here and there with groves and belts
of timber, fringing the Red River and the minor streams. The choice timbered
lands and oak openings will be first selected by the settler, and the treeless prai-
ries of the western frontier will be covered with timber in a few years, as soon
as the annual scourge of the prairie fire is checked. Wherever these fires are
arrested the land is soon covered by a dense growth of timber.
THE PINERIES AND LtHVIBERnsTG INTEREST.
The vast pine forests cover the northern part of the State, extending from-
Lake Superior to the outlet of Red Lake, and extending as far south as latitude
46° in Anoka county. The principal pineries where lumber is obtained are sit-
uated upon the headwaters of the Upper Mississippi, and those of the St. Croix,
Kettle, Snake, Rum, Crow Wing and Otter Tail rivers. The logs are cut in the
dead of winter, aud when the ground is covered with snow are conveyed to the
streams, down which they are floated in the spring when the snow and ice melts.
These piue forests being almost inexhaustible, constitute a va?t source of wealth
for generations to come. They give employment to a large number of lumber-
men, who constitute a hardy class of industry as distinct as that of railroad or
steamboatmen.
The lumber trade of Miuuesota is constaully increasing, and the Lake Superior
and Mississippi River Railroad, running as it will through an immense lumber
district, will greatly add to it. The amo int of logs and lumber cut and
manufactured at the Falls of Saint Anthouv, and the St. Croix, in the j'ear 1868,
reaches nearly 40J,000,000 feet !
MINERAL RESOURCES.
Copper and Iron. — The mineral deposits of Minnesota are another important
source of wealth. In the northern part of the State copper and iron ore of
superior quality are found. The copper mines are situated on the northern shore
of Lake Superior, aud are rich aud extensive. Very pure siDecimeus of copper
ore have also beeu obtained from Stuart aud Knife rivers. Thick deposits of
iron ore are fouud on Portage and Pigeon rivers, said to be equal iu tenacity
and malleability to the best Swedish aud Russia iron.
Coal — Deposits of coal have been discovered on the Big Cottonwood river,
a tributary of the Minnesota, and indications of it have been observed iu other
localities. On the Cottonwood veins some geologists are confident that rich
beds will yet be developed.
27ie Precious Metals. — " A geological survey, made under the auspices of
the State in the summer of 1865, developed the existence of the precious metals
on the .shores of Vermilion Lake, 80 miles north of the head of Lake Superior.
Scientific analysis attested the presence of gold and silver, in the quartz surface
rock, in sufBcieut quantities to warrant the employment of labor aud capital in
their extraction, for which object a number of joint stock companies have been
formed aud a considerable number of euterprising persons provided with neces-
sary appliances for mining, have repaired to that place iu search of gold. There
is good leasou to believe the search will be successful," — H. C. Rogers, Sec-
retary of State
But the richest mines of wealth belonging to any State is a productive soil,
and in this Minnesota is unequalled. 'J'here is a mine of gold ou every farm of
160 acres, and it requires no capital to work it except industry.
. Granite. — A fine bed of granite, equal to the best Quincy granite for building
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 13
pvirposes, crops out at Sauk Rapids. A quarry is opened there now, and tlie
granite brought to St. Paul, where it is used in the construction of the U. S.
Custom House, and is also used in some fine edifices in Minneapolis, St. Cloud
and other cities of the State.
Limestone of fine quality for building purposes is found in many portions of
the State, (in fact nearly all over it,) and affords ample material for the manufac-
ture of lime.
Sandstone exists at Fort Snelling, Mendota, and other points in inexhaustible
quantities. A fine white sand for the manufacture of flint glass abounds near
St. Paul, St. Anthony and Minneapolis said to be equal to any in the world.
An extensive quarry of slate stone is found on the Saint Louis River, and
probably exists at other points, A kind of blue clay, underlying the soil in a
large part of the State makes brick of a good quality. White marl occurs in
large beds at Minneapolis, St. Anthony and other places ; it is used for pottery
manufacturing, and also makes a hard durable brick similar to the famous
" Milwaukee brick," and Chaska, on the Minnesota River, also produces a brick
said to surpass that of Milwaukee. In Wabashaw county a bed of the finest
porcelain clay has been found.
Salt Springs.— 'Nnmevons very pure salt springs, yielding upwards of a
bushel of salt to every tweuty-four gallons of water, abound in the Red River
valley The northwest, which consumes vast quantities of salt for pork and beef
packing, and other purposes, will eventually be supplied from this source. The
value of this source of wealth may be estimated from the fact that two million
bushels are annually imported into Chicago alone, from New York and Penn-
sylvania.
TnpoZi.— An inexhaustible bed of the purest Tripoli, requiring, according to
Prof. Shepard, no preparation to be fit at once for use and commerce, has been
discovered near Stillwater. It is twenty feet thick and at least a half mile long.
MIKNESOTA AS A STOCK-GROWESTG STATE.
For raising cattle and horses, Minnesota is fully equal to Illinois ; and for
sheep growing it is far superior. According to established laws of nature cold
climates require a large quantity and finer quality of wool or fur than warm
ones, hence the fur and wool beating animals are found in perfection only in
northern regions. The thick coat of the sheep especially identifies it with a
cold country ; the excessive heat to which their wool Fubjects them in a warm
climate generates disease. The fleece of Minnesota sheep is remarkably fine and
heavy, and they are not subject to the rot and other diseases so disastrous to
sheep in warm and moist localities, it is asserted by stock growers that sheep
brought here while sufifering with the rot speedily become healthy, and the
same has been said of horses with heaves and shortness of breath. The sleek
and velvety appearance of horses here in summer time gives them the appear-
ance of highly kept stallions. The cattle rais^^d here are also remarkably
healthy, the unanimous testimony of butchers being that they seldom meet with
sl d.isG3,s6(i liv6r.
Our fine, rich' upland meadows afford excellent facilities for grazing purposes;
and hay in abundance for keeping stock during the winter may be had for the
reaping. The characteristic perfection and nutritious qualities of the grasses in
this State enables the farmer to keep his horses and cattle fat on it all winter
without grain. The valleys and margins of the numerous streams and lakes,
found on almost every farm, furnish an abuu^ lance of a courser grass than that
obtained from the upland meadows ; this is generally fed to cattle, which are
very fond of it both in its green and cared state.
Although the winters in Minnesota are apparently longer, the actual number
of days during which stock has to be fed here is no more than iu Ohio and
Southern lllirwis.
Hogs also do extremely well here, and the abundance and certainty ot the
grain crop enables farmers to raise them as cheaply as elsewhere.
All stock requires shelter during the winter in this climate, but the necessity is
14 MINNESOTA t
no greater than in Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. The washing, chilling and debil-
itating winter rains of those States are far more injurious to out stock than
our severest cold. All the shelter which stock requires , here is that readily
furnished by the immense straw piles which accumulate from the threshing of
the annual grain crop. A frame-work of rails or poles is made, and the straw
thrown over it, leaving the south side open. Under this cattle stand, and feed on
the straw, in perfect security from the inclemencies of the severest winter.
SOCIAL STATUS.
The condition of society in all newly settled countries is a subject ol"
interest to the settler. As a general thing the social status, in point of educa-
tion, morals and refinement, is inferior to that of the older States. But in Min-
nesota, although outside the capital and its other principal cities we do not boast
much artificial refinement, the morals of the community, as shown by our crim-
inal statistics, are at least equal to those of the model States of New-England.
The society throughout the State is good ; no prim and retired New-England
village could outvie our young and thriving cities with their cleanly, decorous
and whitewashed appearance. The population is composed mair,ly of AmericaUj
Irish aud Germans, but almost every nationality is represented. Most of the
settlers are plain, honest, industrious farmers, attracted to our State by the salu-
brity of its climate, and the productiveness and chaapuess of its lands. A large
proportion of the population is made up of the best classes from the older States,
North aud South, who have come to reap the advantages of our fine climate, or
to invest their means in property in our fine agricultural districts aud in our rap-
idly growing towns, where immense fortunes have been realized by their rapid
and solid growth.
We rarely see here any of that ruffianism and lawlessness which in most new
States renders them unpleasant as a permanent residence. It would be as diSi-
cult to find a township without its " meeting house" and school house as in Ohio
or Pennsylvania. The various religious, denominations are proportioned among
the population in about the same ratio as in the older States.
The following table, from the Bureau of Statistics, exhibits the ratio of crime
in several States as compared with Minnesota :
state. No. of Indictments. No. of Convictions. Ratio of Convictionss.
Ohio, - - 3,571 1,234 1 in 1,950
Massachusetts, - 4,248 1.295 1 in 841
New-York, - 1,842 1 in 1,900
Minnesota, - - 122 44 1 in 3,854
"The comparison is remarkably favorable to Minnesota, but might have been
expected in a population chiefly agricultural."
EDUCATION" AND SCHOOLS.
Minnesota took the subject of education in hand at an early stage of her set-
tlement, and she may now justly boa-t of possessing the most munificent endow-
ment for educational purposes of any State in the Union Two sections of land,
1,280 acres, in every township, are set apaft for sale or lease in aid of common
schools, amounting in all to three miliion acres.
In the Message of Governor Marshall to the Legislature of Minnesota, January
7lh, 1869, upon this subject, he says :
"The sales of school lands during the year 1868 have been 70,910 acres, pro-
ducing S464,840.G1, which sum added to the former accumulations of the per-
manent school fund, makes the magnificent fund of two millions sevent^'-seveu
thousand, eighty-two dollars!" The State Land (Commissioner estimates that the
land granted to the State for school purposes will amount to three million acres
when the Government Surveys are completed. Bui little more than one tenth
of the whole have been sold — making allowance for inferior lands there will ulti-
matly be derived from these lands the grand sum of sixteen million dollars for
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 15
the perpetual use of common schools. What an inheritance for the children of
Minnesota !"
From the able report oftheHon. M. H. Dunuell, State Superintendent of
Public Instruction, I take the following facts :
Whole number of school districts in the State in 1868, was 2,353 ; whole num-
ber of children in the State by the returns for 1868, 129,103, an increase for the
year of 14,682 over 1867; whole number of teachers in 1868, 3,276; value of
school houses in the State in 1868, 1,091,559.42. His report says Minnesota
has a larger number of school houses than any other State in the Union of the
same population and taxable property. Her total expenditures for school pur-
poses during the last two years exceed 1$1, 500,000, and her school houses have
already cost over one million dollars ! These facts constitute a record of which
our young State may well be proud.
STATE UXIYEESITT.
This institution is located in the city of St. Anthony and now in successful
operation. A land grant of 46,080 acres was made for the endownment of a
State University and a magnificent college edifice erected. In addition to the
above land grant, in March, 1868, by an act of our State Legislature the Agri-
cultural College Lands granted by the general government were given to the
University of Minnesota, being 120,000 acres.
The First State Normal School is located at Winona and in successful opera-
tion, training teachers for our common schools. The number in attendance the
past year 122. The school buildings are large, elegant and a credit to the
State.
The Second State Normal School is located at Mankato, and has but recently
been opened.
The Third State Normal School is located at St. Cloud, and will, in a short
time, enter upon its career of usefnluess.
Private enterprise has also established many private schools, classical Acada-
mies and Seminaries in different portions of the State, thus affording educational
facilities surpassing many of the older States.
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.
Minnesota, although as yet too young to have a system of the noble public
charities perfected, her wants in this line are provided for as soon as felt. An
Asylum for the deaf, dumb and blind is in operation at Faribault ; ample land
grants have been made for the erection of an Insane Asylum, as well as for the
support and education of the orphans of soldiers who fell in the late war. The
Insane Asylum has been located at St. Peter, .and is now in practical operation,
and contains about 100 patients at this time. A State Reform School has been
located near St. Paul, and is now in operation. There are two Orphan Asylums
in St. Paul, one under the auspices of the Protestants, the other of the Cath-
olics.
BANKS.
The State has sixteen National Banks, with an aggregate paid up capital'of
nearly two millions, located as follows :
St. Paul, 3, Capital, $900,000
Minneapolis, 3, " 200,000
Vvinoua, 2, . « 100,000
Hastings, 2, " . 200,000
Red Wing, 1, " • 50,000
Rochester, 1, " 5(l,0C0
Shakopee, 1, " 50,000
Austin, 1, " 50,000
Stillwater, 1, " 50,000
Faribault, 1, " 50,000
Mankato. 1, " 50,000
16 MINNESOTA :
These, with numerous private banks located at the principal manufacturing
and commercial centres, afford ample conveniences for the transaction of busi-
ness. More banking capital, however, is needed to facilitate the rapidly increas-
ing business of the State, and more than double the present amount would find
active, safe and profitable employment
RIVER TRADE STEAMBOATS AKD BARGES.
The steamboat business of Minnesota is as yet confined to the Mississippi,
the Minnesota and the St. Croix rivers. On the Mississippi the business is
principally done by the following lines of boats, although a large number of
independent or " wild " boats, as they are called, engage in our trade :
The North Western Union Packet Company, [white collar line,] being a union
of the " Davidson Line " and the Minnesota Packet Company, has withiu a' few
years grown to a large and influential company, starting, it is said with a " Line "
consisting of one boat, they now own fourteen first class packets, nineteen stern
wheel steamers together with one hundred and thirty-one barges, and employ over
2,300 men. The capital stock of this company is ^1,500,000. Their boats -plj
between St. Louis and St. Paul, and LaCrosse and St. Paul ; two boats leav-
ing St. Paul daily, connecting with the 111. Central R.R. at Dubuque, Milwau-
kee R.R. at Prairie du Chien and LaCrosse, and also a daily Line from St. Louis
to St Paul. This line also has boats on the St. Croix, one boat daily to Tayl-
or's Falls, and on the Minnesota a daily packet besides several freighters. They
have recently purchased the St Louis and Quincy Packet Go's Boats.
The Northern Line boats ply between St. Louia and St Paul, but I have not
been able to obtain the facts as to this Line.
The Collector of Customs at the Port of St Paul, gives the aggregate ton-
nage of that port for 1868, at 16,430.27 tons, which falls far short of the
actual amount, because of a large number of the boats being registered at Du-
buque and Oalena. Were the boats and barges plying to the Port of St. Paul
all registered there, the tonnage would double the amount given above.
An association of capitalists have recently projected an enterprise of great
moment to the Northern portion of the State. It is that of steamboat navi-
gation from the Falls of Saint Anthony to St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids, also from
Sauk Rapids to the Falls of Pokegama. These, if successful, will greatly aid in
the development of an immense extent of valuable country. The localities that
will be more immediately benefited are St Anthony, Minneapolis, Anoka, Day-
ton, Otsego, Monticello, Clear Water, Elk River, St Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Little
Falls, Sauk Centre, Alexandria, &c.
THE RAILROAD SYSTEM OF MINNESOTA.
In 1857, Congress made a land grant of four and a half million acres to Min-
nesota for railroad purposes. In 1864, an additional grant was made.
These acts grant ten sections, or 6,400 acres of land for each mile of road to
be built under it, and projected the great lines which were intended to benefit all
parts of the State, and provide for its increasing demands. These lines are as
follows :
STILLWATER AND ST. PAUL R. R. CO.
1st. — A line from Stillwater to St Paul, 18 miles in length. It has been
located, and the franchises of the company and its land grant are in the hands of
the business men of Stillwater, who are directly interested in the early comple-
tion of the road.
When finished it will bring to St. Paul the heavy lumber trade of the St
Croix Valley, and will materially assist in the development of a rich agricultural
region.
THE FIRST DIVISION OF THE ST. PAUL AND PACIFIC R. E. CO.
2d.— From St. Paul, via St. Anthony and Minneapolis, to a point on the
-western boundary of the St-ate, near or at Big Stone Lake, with a branch from
Its advantages to seI'tlers. 17
"St. Anihony to Watab. The main line, from St. Paul to the western boundary
of the State, is 200 miles in length. It has been located the whole distance ;
forty miles of the road is in operation, it is graded and ready for the iron,
and the company expect to complete it to the centre of Meeker County,
through the " Big Woods," a distance of 70 miles from St. Paul, by the first of
June, 1869, and to complete ninety additional miles by thetirst of January, 1870.
An expensive bridge over the Mississippi, just above the Falls of St. Anthony,
has been completed and is now in constant use.
The branch line from St. Anthony up the valley of the Mississippi, is com-
pleted to Sauk Eapids, a distance of 65 miles, and is now in operation. The
remaining section of the branch line will be finished as soon as the business of
the country will justify.
» TItE ST. PAUL AND PACIFIC R. R. CO.
3d. — Aline from Watab, where it connects with the First Division of the St.
Paul and Pacific Bail Road, via Crow Wing, to Pembina, on the great Red
River of the North, about 320 i= iles in length, with a branch from some point
between St. Cloud and Crow Wing to Lake Superior, a distance of 120 miles.
The line from Watah to Crow Wing has been located, but is not yet in course
of construction. Operations have not commenced on the Lake Superior branch.
ST. PAUL AND SIOUX CITY, [lATE MINNESOTA VALLEY R. R.]
4th. - A line from St. Paul, up the valley of the Minnesota, to Mankato,
thence in a southwesterly direction to the Iowa State line ; there to meet a road
from Sioux City, Iowa, to the Minnesota State line.
The distance from St. Paul to Iowa State line is 170 miles ; from thence to
Sioux City 70 miles.
The road is completed and in operation from St. Paul to Mankato, 86 miles,
and work on the line is in progress toward Sioux City. The distance fiom
Mankato to Sioux City is 170 miles, to which point the Sioux City and Pacific
road is now completed.
THE MILWAUKEE AND ST. PAUL RAILWAY CO.
5th. — A line from St. Paul and Minneapolis (junction at Mendota) tia Fari-
bault and Owatonna, to the north line of the State of Iowa. This line runs
almost due north and south ; it intersects the Winona and St. Peter Rail Road
at Owatonna; is about 110 miles long, and connects with the Iowa Division of
the same company, which is complete to McGregor, on the Mississippi, opposite
Prairie du Chien.
This Railway furnishes the only all rail continuous route from Milwaukee and
Chicago to St. Paul and Minneapolis, connecting at Mendota with St. Paul
and Sioux City Railroad for St. Peter, Mankato and all points on the Minne-
sota River; and at St. Paul and Minneapolis with the St. Paul and Pacific Rail-
road for St. Cloud and all points in the northwest, being the direct route to the
valley of the great " Red River of the JYorth."
Arrangements have been made and now begun for bridging the Mississippi at
St. Paul and running into that city at a convenient point for the accommodation
of both passenger and freight traffic. The city of Minneapolis has also granted
the right of way for this road to unite tracks with the main line of the St. Paul
and Pacific Railroad within its limits. When these important additions are made,
the facilities for the transaction of business and interchange of traffic between the
difierent Railways of the State will be as perfect as those of any of the older
States, and will tend greatly to increase the usefulness of these lines to the public.
LAKE SUPERIOR AND MISSISSIPPI R. R. CO.
6th. — A line from St. Paul, which is the head of navigation on the Mississippi
river, to the head of Lake Superior in Minnesota, with authority to connect
with a branch to Superior Citj', Wisconsin. The distance to the navigable
waters of Lake Superior is 133 miles ; to the head of Lake Superior, 160 miles.
This line is controlled by the Lake Superior and Mississippi R. R. Co. It is
2
18 MINNESOTA:
completed to Wyoming, 30 miles from St. Paul, and will be pushed to completion
tiie entire distance within two years. This road has also a grant of seven sec-
tions to the mile of State lands in addition to those named.
THE HASTINGS AND DAKOTA R. R. CO.
7th. —A line from Hastings, through the counties of Dakota, Scott, Carver, and
McLeod, to the foot of Big Stone Lake.
This road is finished to Farmington, where it intersects the Milwaukee and
St. Paul Road, a distance of 22 miles. It is an east and west line across the
State, and work progressing.
THE WINONA AND ST. PETER R. B. CO.
8th.— Aline from Winona, via St. Peter, to the western boundary of the State.
This line extends east and west across the en.tire State. It is completed to
Waseca, 105 miles west of Winona, and -will be finished to the Minnesota River,
140 miles, by the close of 1869. When completed, the line will-be 250 miles
lopg. It intersects the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway at Owatonna, and has
recently been purchaked by the Xorth Western R. R. Co., which insures its
rapid completion. Within three or four months the eastern connection of this
road with the Milwaukee and St. Paul road will be in operation, thus forming
another all rail route from the East to the interior of Minnesota.
THE SOUTHERN MINNESOTA R. E. CO.
9th.— A line from La Crescent up the valley of the Root River, through the
counties of Houston, Fillmore, Mower, Freeborn, Faribault, Martin, Jackson,
Noble, and Rock, to the jvestern boundary of the fctate.
This line is controlled by the Southern Minnesota R. R. Co., is completed to
Lanesboro, Fillmore county, 50 miles west of the Mississippi river, and will be
pushed forward vigorously to its terminus at the Great Bend of the Missouri.
This company propose to construct the road this season from Austin or Lansing,
on the Milwaukee and St. Paul road to Albert Lea, in Freeborn county, thence
to Blue Earth City, Fairmont and Jackson. It crosses the entire State, from
east to west, through the southern tier of counties, and is upwards of 250 miles
long.
THE NORTHERN PACIFIC E. R. CO.
10th, — During the past year several corps of engineers have been engaged ia
locating the line oi this road across the State of M innesota.
Two lines have been run: one commencing at Bayfield, on Lake Superior,
passing about lu miles south of Superior City, and thence via St. Cloud, up the
valley of Sauk River to Breckeuridge, on the Red River of the North. The
other, commencing at Superior City, passes almost due west, crossing the Miss-
issippi 10 or 12 miles above Crow Wing, and thence to Breckeuridge, on Red
River.
It is not yet known which line will be adopted; but either will cross the State
from east to west, and will add immensely to the development of Northern Min-
nesota.
All the roads named have been endowed by Congress with land grants of ten
sections or 6,400 acres per mile, with the exception of the Northern Pacific
which has a grant of twenty sections or 12,800 acres per mile.
THS CHICAGO AND ST. PAUL RAILWAY CO.
11th. — In addition to the lines named above, the St. Paul and Chicago Rail-
way Company has been authorized to construct a road along the Mississippi
Kiver from St. Paul to the southern boundary of the State, and has been
endowed with a valuable grant of State lands, amounting to fourteen sections or
nearly 10,000 acres of land per mile. The line has been surveyed as far aa
Winona, a distance of 100 miles, and partly graded.
ITS ADV.41fTAGE8 TO SETTLERS. 19
^ SUMMARY.
It is impossible to overestimate the importance of this system of railroads to
■the present and future population of the State. The construction of these lines
now in aciive progress gives ernploymdnt to vast numbers of men, and gives as-
surance that every part of the State in the near future will enjoy the benefits of
A cheap and speedy transportation of passengers and products to and fro. And
when completed, the system will give to the whole State every advantage, so far
as markets are concerned, which now belongs to the favored State of Illinois.
These lines, covering over 2,000 miles wholly within the limits of the State,
are rapidly opening up some of the best lands in the world, by bringing them
within easy reach of good markets. The diSerent railroad companies are pur-
suing a liberal policy towards immigrants offering them inducements as to price
and time of payments, seeing that their own prosperity is identical with that of the
State. St. Paul may be said to form the heart or centre of this netrwoik of the
" arteries of trade."
The great facility which Minnesota possesses of sending her produce to mar-
ket is not the least of her many advantages. The richest lands and the finest
climate in the world are useless in a commercial point of view if not connected
with the great trading emporiums by wide and accessible channels of trade. The
broad bosom of the Mississippi sweeps our commerce to the Gulf of Mexico,
and brings back the cotton of the South to be manufactured by our numberless
water-powers ; our railroads open another channel to the Atlantic coast ; while by
way of lake navigation, via Lake Superior and the great Pacific Railroad, con-
necting us with both the Atlantic and Pacific, afibrd ample and unequalled com-
mercial facilities.
Navigation on Lake Superior opens the last of April and closes about the 1st
of December. In previous years propellers have left Buffalo as late as the 10th
of December, in 1861 as late as the 21st
" The navigation of Lake Superior, contrary to the general opinion, is much
safer than that of the lower lakes. Its waters, beijag deeper, make easier seas, and
it is navigable as many days in the year as any of them. * . * * *
It has been predicted by thinking men, who understand the subject, that when
steam communication shall have been efiected across the continent from the
Pacific to the Atlantic, a change must take place in the courses of the commerce
between the East and the West. When you can lay down in London and Hamburg
cargoes of tea, silks, &c., from China, within fifty to sixty days after their ship-
ment from there, then the old courses of tru.de by the way of the Cape of Good
Hope will have to be abandoned — then the commercial sceptre will depart from
England and pass into our keeping. T'his all seems as sure as anything in the
future can be." — Report of the Buffalo Board of Trade, for 1866.
PROJECTED RAIL ROADS.
In addition to the ten Land Grant Roads already mentioned, nearly all of
which are progressing rapidly, there are the following eleven roads projected,
some of which will be commenced this year.
1st. — The Owator.na and State Line K. R. Co. propose to construct a road
from Owatonna via Albert Lea to the south line of the State, there to connect
with a road now in progiess northward through Iowa. Large local aid has been
secured.
2d. — A road from Lanesboro, Filhiiore county, via Chatfield to Rochester,
Zumbrota and Cannon Falls to 6aiut I'aul, passing through the counties of
Olmsted, Wabashaw, Goodhue and Dakota.
3d. — A road from the Mississippi river, starting at the city of Red Wing
thence via Cannon Fails and Faribault to Blue Earth City.
4th. — A road from Wabashaw at foot of Lake Pepin, on the Mississippi
river, via Plainview, Rochester and Lansing to Ou]aha, with a branch via
Faribault to St. Peter.
6th. — A road from Minneapolis up the west side of the Mississippi river
20 MINNESOTA :
via Dayton, Monticello and Clear Water to St. Cloud, thence up Sauk Valley^
via Sauk Centre to Alexandria, Douglas county.
Gth. — A road from White Bear Lake, on the Mississippi river and Lake
Superior road via St. Anthony and Minneapolis to t^hakopee, Scott county,
thence up the west side of the Minnesota river, via Chaska, Carver and Hen-
derson to St. Peter.
7th. — An " Air and Hour Line Road" from St. Paul to Minneapolis and Saint
Anthony, distance from the city limits of St, Paul to the city limits of those
cities five miles.
8th. — A road from Mankato via Blue Earth City, to the Iowa line, thence
to connect with the Keokuk and Fort Des Moines K. R.
9th. — A road from Taylor's Falls, on the St Croix, to connect with the Mis-
sissippi river and Lake Superior R. R.
loth. — A road from St. Cloud to Mankato, passing through Stearns. Meeker,.
Wright, McLeod, Sibley and Nicolet counties.
11. — Raih'oad trom Mankato, via Albert Lea, to intersect a ro; d from Iowa,
up the valley of Turkey river.
MAXUFACTURIXG FACILriTES.
Our State has, during the year 1868, made considerable progress in manufac-
turies of various kinds. Want of space prevents a detail. In nearly every
section of the State there has been a gratifying improvement in this respect,
more so than during auy previous year of our history.
"Apart from social causes and the general influence oi the .'itimulating and
exacting climates of the North, in developing the forms ot skilled industry, it is
owing chiefly to two physical circumstances that New-England has attained her
present eminence in manufactures, in spite of her deficiency in the useful nuuerals
and the raw material employed in the arts. These are, first, her abundant water
power ; and, second, her favorable commercial position which has enabled her to
obtain ready supplies of raw material from abroad and to^distribute the product
through a wide range of dependent markets. These circumstances alone among
the physical conditions of manufacturing power, have raised the little State of
Massachusetts, without internal resources of raw material, without coal or iron, to
the first rank among American States in ihe manufacture especially of textile
fabrics. And these purely physical conditions of industrial developemeut exist in
Minnesota in a greater dot,7ee than in New-England, and in addition she possesses
to a large extent essential elements of raw material of which New-England is
destitute.
" L Minnesota possesses a more ample and effective water power than New-
England. The fal's and lapids of St. Anthony alone, with a total descent of 64
feet, affords an available lydraulic capacity, according to an experienced and
competent engineer, of 120. 000 horse power. Ihis is considerably greater thaa
the whole motive power — steam and water— employed in textile manufactures in
England in 1850, and nearly teven times as great as the water power so employed.
■'That is to ^aj, the available power created by this magnificent waterfall, is
more than sufficit ;it to drive uU the 25,000,000 .spindles and 4,000 mills of England
and Scotland combined. The entire machinery of the English Manchester and
the American Lowell, if they could be transplanted here, would ricurctly presa
upon its immense hy'l: :iidic capabilities. But as compared with those great
industrial centres, the Falls of St. Anthony possess one decisive advantage, which
is to a great extent illustraitive of the functions of the State as a commercial and
manufactuiing emporium, this splendid cataract forms the terminus of continuous
navigation on the Mississippi ; and the same waters which lavish on the broken
ledges of limestone a strength almost sufficient to weave the garments of the
world, may gather the products of its mills almost at their very doors and distribute
then: to every part of the great valley of the Mississippi.
There are now at the Falls of St. Anthony thuteeii grist mills, fourteen saw
mills, two woolen mills, two paper mills, one oil mill. Tliese, with minor
establishments there, produced in lbH7, $4,669,358 worth of manufactured
articles, and in 1868 nearly •'ir 6,000,00 ii, with a capital employed in manufac-
turing industry of $2,894,360.
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 21
" The St. Croix Falls, which are only second to St. Anthony Falls in hydraulic
power, are similarly, though somewhat less advantageously situated at the head
of navigation upon a tributary ot the Mississippi. Except the Minnesota, nearly
every tributary of the Mississippi, in its rapid and broken descent to the main
stream, aflords valuable mill sites. The Mississippi itself in its descent from its
Itasca summit to Fort Snelling, in which it falls 836 feet, or over 16 inches per
mile, is characterized by long steps of slack water, broken at long intervals by
abrupt transitions in the character of the rocks which forms its bed, and forming a
fine series of falls and rapids available for hydraulic works. Pokegoma Falls,
Little Falls, Sauk Rapids, and St. Anthony Falls, are the chief of these. But the
Elk, Rum, St. Croix, and numberless smaller streams on the east slope of the
Mississispi, the Sauk, Crow, Vermillion, Cannon, Zumbro, Minueiska, Root, and
their branches, nearly all the tributaries of the Minnesota, and a multitude of
streams besides, in their abrupt descent over broken beds of limestone or sand-
stone, through long and winding valleys or ravines, with a fall of from three to
eight feet per mile, afford an unlimited abundance of available water power to
nearly every county in the State. This diffusion of hydraulic power throughout
the whole State, is a feature whose value as an element of developement, can
scarcely be over estimated, as it gives to every neighborhood the means of
manufacturing its own flour and lumber, and affords the basis of all those
numerous local manufactures which enter into the industrial economy of every
northern community.
"2. Passing to the second point of comparison with New-England, already
incidentally touched upon, the commercial position of Minnesota upon the termini
of the three great water lines of the continent, not only gives it an immensely
wider capacity of interior trade, but a far easier access to the squrces of supply
of raw material. A region six times as large as all New-England, as yet
undeveloped, but already starting on the swift career of Western growth, and
capable of supporting many millions of population, is directly dependent upon
Minnesota for all the manufactured commodities it may consume. Its position
relative to these Northwestern valleys, invests its manufacturing capabilities with
an importance greater than those of aay other of the interior districts of the con-
tinent. For the future manufacture of cotton and woolen fabrics, it has decided
advantages of position over New-England. The Mississippi river brings it into
intimate relations with the sources of the cotton supply, and it lies in the midst
of the great wool zone of the continent." — /. A. Wheelock.
The falls of the St. Louis river, at the point where the Lake Superior and
Mississippi R. R. reaches the navagable waters of Lake Superior, said to furnish
a manufacturing power equal to that of the falls of the Mississippi river at St.
Anthony, must not be omitted from the above list.
Minnesota is evidently destined to become one of the greatest manufacturing
States in the world, and already manufactories are springing up evf rywhere.
There were five hundred and eleven establishments in 1860, with an aggregate
capital of two and a half millions, producing annually four and a half million
dollars worth of manufactures. The presi^nt number of establishmsnts is esti-
mated at 1,200, with a capital of tweive millions.
Minnesota has the further advantage of possessing the raw material for a
large class of manufactures, — copper, iron, wool, lumber, salt springs, sand for
flint glass, &c., as already referred to, also coal and peat.
AGRICULTURAL CAPACITY — -THE SOIL AND ITS
PRODUCTS.
Not only are the manufacturing facilities of Minnesota equal to any in the
world, but its agricultural capacities are unsurpassed by the finest agricultural
districts of the old States, l^his combination of agriculture and manufacture is
something very unusual ; generally where one feature is present, the other is ab-
sent ; but here, both features exist with all their advantages. Persons residing
22 MINNESOTA :
in the Middle and Western States too often regard Minnesota as an inhospita-
ble region, too cold for agricutural pursuits. Bnt such will learn with surprise
that few of the most productive districts in the world can compete with Minnesota-
Soils. — "The prevailing soil of Minnesota is a dark, calcareous, sandy loam,
containing a various intermixture of clay, abounding in mineral salts and in or-
ganic ingredients, derived from the accumulation of decomposed vegetable mat-
ter for long ages of growth and decay. The sand of which silica is the base,
forms a large proportion of this, as of all good soils. It plays an important part
in the economy of growth, and is an essential constituent in the organism of
all cereals. About sixty-seven per cent, of the ash of the stems of wheat, corn,
rye, barley, oats and sugar-cane, is pure silica, or flint. It is this which gives
the glazed coating to the plants, and gives strength to the stalk.
"The superiority of sand in giving a high temperature to the soil, is a great
advantage in a climate in which the limited period of vegetation requires the
highest measures of heat."
This species of soil, on account of its penetrability to a great distance, by the
roots of plants, enables them to gather nutriment at a greater distance from
the stalk. It is porous, and permits free respiration of the soil, — as important
to plants as animals. Owing to cnpilary attraction, it easily imbibes moisture
from the air, and retains it a long time, enabling it to support vegetation during
drouths, that in less favored localities prove disastrous to crops. The same
quality prevents it from becoming supersaturated with water during wet seasons,
on account of the facility with which it drains.
There is also this further advantage of sandy soils, that the roads are smooth
and hard, easily made and kept in order, and are free from mire and mud, thus-
facilitating travel, hauling, &c., as well as farm labor generally.
"Another important feature of the soil of Minnesota is, that its earthy mate-
rials are minutely pulverized, and the soil is everywhere light, mellow and
spongy, existing naturally in the condition reached in soils less favorably con-
stituted, by expensive under-drainage. With these uniform characteristics, the
soils of Minnesota are of different grades of fertility, according to local situa-
tions, or the character of the underlying rocks from which their elements have
been derived. Distributed according to geological situations, the soils of the
agricultural district of Minnesota may be divided into limestone soils, drift soils,
clay soils, and trap soils."
Prodvcts of the Soil. — The following table shows the staple agricultural pro-
ducts of Minnesota, and about the average, yield per acre : —
Crops. Av. No. bushels per acre.
Sweet potatoes, - - - 100.00
, Beans, - - - - 15.00
Hemp lint, (pounds,) - - 1,140.00
Flax lint, " - 760.00
Sorghum, (gallons syrup) 100.00
Hay, (tons) - - - 2.12
The above table has been compiled with some care from various
sources, and gives only the average yield of the crops mentioned, and may be
taken as a fair sample of the average for the State at large, one year with another.
It must be understood, however, that on the prevailing soil of Minnesota, with
manuring and careful cultivation, the actual yield is often nearly double tlie above
figures. Potatoes, for in.-tance, set down at 208, on good soil, andordinsiry culti-
vation, will easily yield 300 bushels per acre ; wheat 35, corn 40, and other crops
in proportion. In 1865, from 400,000 acres of wheat in Minnesota there was
harvested the enormous crop of 1(1.000,000 bushels, being an average yield of 25
bushels to the acre. The crop of 1868 has been estimated by Mr. Pusey,
Assistant Secretary of State, at 16,12."),87.o bushels, from very imperfect data,
and I feel certaia his desire to be safe made hie estimate one million too low.
Wheat is one of the chief staplas of agriculture in Minnesota, and is cdrnparan-
Crops.
Av. No. bushels per acre.
Wheat,
- 20.05
Rye,
21.56
Barley,
- 33.23
Oats,
42.39
Buckwheat,
- 20.00
Corn,
33.67
Potatoes, -
- 208.00
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 23
tively exempt from the dangers to which it is exposed in other States, — drouth,
rust, smut, insects, &c. Ihe average per centage of the tilled area of the State in
wheat is over 63 per cent., nearly double that of Ohio, which is 33, or Illinois,
which is 28, from the fact that in those States the uncertainty of the crop, from
the above causes, renders it unsafe to venture so large a proportion of the crop
upon so precarious a product. In Minnesota the whest crop -is regarded as a
sure and safe one, and rarely fails of a fine yield. The farmer sows with an as-
surance of reaping a good return, which he could feel in no other State, except
perhaps Wisconsin and Northwestern Michigan, which belong to the same great
wheat belt as Minnesota.
COMPARISON WITH OTHER STATES.
The wheat crop of IVlinnesota is not only more certain than that of Ohio,
Illinois, Iowa, and other great wheat growing States, but the yield is greater
than the best of them. The average wheat-yield of Minnesota has been put
down at 20 bushels to the acre ; in some counties, the yield was 25. The aver-
age wheat-yield of the rich prairies of Illinois, owing to uncertainty of the crop
perhaps, was stated as not over 8 bushels per acre, by Abraham Lincoln, in an
address before the Wisconsin State Fair of 1859. The average yield of Iowa
is not over 12 bushels ; that of Ohio and Pennsylvania will not exceed 10. The
average yield of Iowa in 1859, was 4 bushels; that of Minnesota for the same
year was 19. In 1850, the four States producing the largest average yield, were
Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Texas and Florida ; this did not exceed 15 bushels,
while the other States averaged only from 5 to 12. The largest known yield of
other States, as compared with the average of Minnesota, is as follows :
Tear. Bush, per acre. Year. Bush, peracre.
Minnesota, - - - 1860 22 Michigan, - - - 1848 19
Ohio, 1850 17.3 Massachusetts, - - 1849 16
In the face of these facts, we need have no hesitancy in pronouncing Minne-
sota the banner wheat State of the Union. Spring wheat is principally sown
but winter M'heat does equally well, I believe.
Corn. — Many newspapers in States south of us have asserted that Minnesota
is too cold for corn. But this is not so ; though not so much of a staple pro-
duct as wheat, corn grows well in Minnesota., and the yield compares favorably
with that of the best corn States. When stock, especially hogs, are raised to a
gi'eater extent than at present in the State, the corn crop must eventually beconiC
an important one to our farmers. The average corn yield of Minnesota in 1859,
a bad year, was 26 bushels ; 1860, 35 J ; 1865, 43 J ; the average may be set
down at 35 bushels per acre ; that of Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky at 20 ; that
of Iowa, just south of us, 23. The average yield in 1859, was 26 bushels,, 11
per cent, higher than that of Iowa for the same year.
In 1860 our average, as shown by the census record, was greater than any
Middle or Northwestern State except Ohio, and the yield of 1868 will be found
equally satisfactory.
"'I'his strikingly confirms the law already noticed, that the cultivated plants
yield their greatest products near the northernmost limits of their respective
growth."
Oats. — The superiority of our climate and soil in the production of the
cereals is nowhere more strikingly manifested than in the inferior classes of these
grains." Tn 1859, the average yield of this crop was 33 bushels to the acre ;
in 1860, it was 42 ; in 1865, the yield was 51 J bushels. 1 have no means of
comparing these results with the yield of other States, but doubt not but that the
comparison would be a favorable as that of wheat and corn.
Rye, Barley and Bvckuheat, like the other small grains, do exceedingly well
in Alinnesota. Mr. Wheelock in the valuable Keport referred to, says :
"The climatic influences which give the wheat of Minnesota its recognized
superiority of grain, are especially marked in the quality of our barley. 'Ihis is
beginning to be so generally recoanized, that it is aJready exported in consider-
24 MINNESOTA :
able quantities to supply breweries in the Middle States." The average yield per
acre of these grains for three years were as follows :
1859. 1860. 1S62. 1866.
Eye, - - - - 19.4 21..56 24.00
Barley, .... 29.1 33.23 34.00 37..50
Buckwheat, - - - 6.5 lf).73 26.00
Potatoes. — "The superior flavor and the rich farinaceous quality of the pota-
toes of Minnesota, afford an apt illustration of the principle maintained by Dr.
Forry, that the cultivated plants come to perfection only near the nothern limits
of their growth. In the south, the potatoe, in common with other tuberous and
bulbous plants, with beets, turnips, and other garden roots, is scarcely fit for
human food. 'A forcing sun,' says Dr. Forry, ' brings the potatoe to fructifica-
tion before the roots have had time to attain their proper size, or ripen into the
qualities proper for nourishment.' Minnesota, at the west, reproduces the best
northern samples of this delicious esculent, in characteristic perfection. From
tbeir farina and flavor, the potatoes of Minnesota are already held in considerable
esteem as a table delicacy in the States below us, and a market is rapidly grow-
ing up for them throughout the States of the Mississippi Valley, as is indicated
by increasing exports." — J. A. Wheelock.
Sorghum, — But little attention has been paid to this crop in Minnesota. It
is evidently adapted to a warmer climate, but planted early, on our rich soil, it
will grow and produce equal to any place in the world. The average yield from
very imperfect returns, has been set at down 72^ gallons ; but "some instances
are reported where a product of 200 and even 300 gallons has been obtained
from one acre," says Mr. Wheelock : and there is no doubt but that the average
yield may be safely estimated at from 100 to 150 gallons per acre.
Maple Sugar. — The sugar maple is found plentifully in the timbered part of
the State. A product of 370,947 pounds of maple sugar, was reported for I860.
Hay. — Timothy and clover flourish in Minnesota ; in fact, white clover, red
top, and blue grass seem indigenous to the soil, and speedily cover any land
pastured much. The tame grasses are but little cultivated on this account ; the
luxuriant growth of the native grasses, which cover the "immense surface of
natural meadow land formed by the alluvial bottoms of the intricate network of
streams which every where intersect the country " and which " are as rich and
nutricious in this latitude as the best exotic varieties," render cultivation unne.
cessary. The average yield of these grasses is 2.12 tons per acre, 60 per cent,
greater than that of the great hay State of Ohio, which, according to the Com-
missioner of Statistics of that State, is 1^ toi|3 per acre.
The lint plants. Flax, Hemp, ^c, as they come to perfection only in a cool
climate, do eiitremely well in Minnesota, Their bark, in southern climates, is
harsh and brittle, because the plant is forced into maturity so rapidly that the
lint does not acquire either consistency or tenacity. Minnesota is equal for flax
and hemp growth to Northern Europe.
Onions, Turnips, Parsnips, Carrots, Beets, and nearly all bulbous plants, do
equally as well as the potatoe.
Sweet Potatoes. — Our loamy, warm sandy soil is just the thing for it, but our
seasons are rather short ; planted early however, it yields a good crop.
Turnips, Rutabagoes, and Beets often attain a great size.
The Salad Plants. — Cabbages, lettuces, endive, celery, spinach — plants whose
leaves only are eaten — are not only more tender here than in warm climates,
where the relaxing sun lays open their very buds, and renders their leaves thin
and tough, but are more nutricious, because their growth is slow and their
juices well digested.
Melons, although they come in rather late, instead of throwing too much of
their growth into the vine, as they do south, attain a large size, and a rich sac-
charine and aromatic flavor. 'I'his is especially true of the cantelope melon,
which in warmer climates has its sides baked or rots before it is fully matured.
Pumpkins, Squash, i^c, on the same principle, fully mature, and grow very
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 25
fine and large. The Hubbard variety requires early planting, say first of May.
Beans, Peas, <^'C., of every variety, are fine and prolific. Rhubarb, or Pie
Plant, flourishes without cultivation.
The Hop Culture does not pay at present prices.
Perhaps in no State in the Union does the soil so surely and amply reward la-
bor, or yield larger products for the amount of labor bestowed on it. It is easily
cleared of weeds, and once clean, its warm forcing nature enables the crop to
speedily outstrip all noxious growths. Two good thorough workings usually in-
sures a good growth of almost any cultivated crop.
BEES — A OORREOTION.
Tn my pamphlet issued January, 1867, the Bee business was spoken of as pay-
ing well in Minnesota. That year did not sustain the statement, and in the
1868 issue, Bees were omitted. Now, in January, 1869, all testify to the paying
results of the Bee business last year, aad if not pressed for room I would re-
store the 1867 article.
TEUITS.
The year 1868 has more than confirmed all that has heretofore been stated in
this pamphlet as to fruit growing. With the progress now making here in
grape culture, Minnesota will soon do her share toward producing the pure
wines that are to drive from us the mixed and poisonous drinks now in use.
Apples, ^-c. — An impression seems to prevail abroad that we cannot -raise
fruit in Minnesota, — "an extraordinary inference," says Wheelock, "when we
consider that many forms of wild fruit are indigenous to the country." Our cli-
mate is evidently not so well adapted to fruit-raising as that of some other States
south of us. Still, sufficient of most kinds may be I'aised to supply the home
demand. It has been demonstrated that maay varieties of apples do vvell here,
and there are uoa' several bearing orchards in the vicinity of Minneapolis, Wi-
nona, St. Paul, Red Wing, 0 watona, Rochester, Mankato, and other portions of
the State. The specimens of Minnesota apples at the State fair of 1866, were
equal in size and flavor to the same varieties elsewhere produced. It is not the
severity of the winter that kills the tree, but the alternate thawing, and freezing
of the south side of the tree in the spring, which is avoided by mulchint^, and
protecting the stem of the tree when young, by a wrapping of straw. The State
being new, time sufficient for planting and acclimating orchards, has not elapsed;
but there is no longer any doubt of our ability to raise fine apple orchards.
Dwarf cherry and peach trees, which are easily protected in winter, do well, but
the larger varieties are too tender. However, cherries may yet succeed, as the
wild variety is a native of the soil. Apples grow well in Wisconsin, right along
side of us ; in Canada and New-England, north of us. The inference is clear
that by procuring our trees north of us, (not south, as has heretofore been the
practice) or planting the seeds and thus acclimating them, or by grafting on to
the stock of the Siberian crab, which is remarkably healthy and hardy, and flour-
ishes iiere through the coldest winters without prote jtion, we may raise all the
apples we wish. There are several jSourishing nurseries near Winona, Red
Wing, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Austin, Rochester, Faribault, Mankato, and other
portions of the State. The exhibition at the State Fair, 1st October, 1868, was a
gratifying surprise.
Crab Apples. — The wild crab apple tree is indigenous to the soil, improves
much by cultivation, and furnishes an excellent stock for grafting, but inferior to
the Siberian Crab, which is equally hardy, and furnishes an excellent apple for
preserving. Some varieties approach a hen's egg in size, and are quite palatable.
Strawberries. — Every variety of this excellent fruit does well here, attaining
a size and flavor unsurpassed. Wild ones fill the woods and prairies every year.
Grapes. — The different varieties succeed well here, and several varieties of the
wild grape vine grow luxuriautly all over the State. The cultivated varieties,
while young, require to be laid dowu in the fall, and protected by a light cover-
ing of straw. The nature of our climate and soil would seem to designate Mia-
26 MINNESOTA :
nesota as a great grape-growing State. The juices of the grape, says Dr. Fer-
ry, are best matured for wine near the northern limit of their growth. On the
Rhine, in Hungaiy, the sides of the Alps, and other elevated or northern situa-
tions, the vine is strongest, richest, and most esteemed. The grapes of Frarce
are more delicious for the table than those of Spain or Madeira, south of it.
The excess of heat and moisture in the States smith and east of us, bliglts
the grape to such an extent that its culture has been abandoned. The vice,
however, whether wild or cultivated, grows there luxuriantly. The vinous fer-
mentation, as well as the pressing and distillation of the juice, can also be best
conducted in a climate comparatively cool.
Truman M. Smith, Esq., of the "St. Paul Gardens and Nursery," has suc-
ceeded well in a large variety of fruit. He writes me: — "Grapes have always
done well with me. I have not in any year failed to have my grapes thoroughly
ripe before frost; and in 1867, the coldest one on record, I ripened twenty-seven
varieties, and have now, on this 20th of January, 'Delawares' in good condition,
by hanging them up in a cool, dry cellar."
Gooseberries, Currants, and Raspberries, are cultivated extensively through-
out the State, unsurpassed in flavor, size, and productiveness. They also grow
wild, in common with blveberries, whortleberries, and both marsh and upright
cranberries.
Wild phims, of a great many diiTerent varieties, some of them very large aud
fine, approximating the peach for domestic pui-poses, abound in the neighbor-
hood of streams, lakes, and moist localities. They improve so much by being
transplanted and cultivated as to equal any of the tame varieties. Wild chei / ies
are also plenty.
From this list it is apparent that Minnesotians are not likely to suffer fo the
want of fruit. And it may be remarked of all fruits generally grown in Minne-
sota, that, owing to the piiuciple announced by Dr. Forry, they attain a perfec-
tion found only at the noithernmost limit of their growth. The pulp is delicate,
saccharine, and of a rich flavor, while they are free from the larvae, gum, knots,
ai:.d acerbity of fruit grown further south. The dryness of the atmosphere, aa
well as the inherent perfection of the fruit, enables us to preserve it for a much
longer time than can be done in warmer localities. Apples keep much better
than in St Louis or Uineiunati.
THE GROWING SEASON IN MINNESOTA.
In Minnesota, during the growing season, we find all those conditions most
favorable to tigriculture present in a marked degree. Its mean spring temperar
ture is 46.6 degrees, which is the sam.e as that of Central Wisconsin, Northern
Illinois, Northern Ohio, Central and Southern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, 2i
degrees south of it. Its summer temperature is 70.6 degrees', corresponding
with that of .Middle Illinois and Ohio, Southern Pennsylvania, Long Island and
New Jersey, ^ degrees south of it.
'I"he season of vegetation in Minnesota, in common with that of the upper belt
of the temperate zone, is embraced between the first of April aud the fir.st of
October. Seme idea of the average temperature of this period may be obtained,
by comparing it with the same period in other localities, whose agricultural capa-
cities are well known :
April. May.
St. Paul, Minn. - 46.3 o9.0
Marietta, 0., - - - 62.3 61.4
Chicago, 111., - - 46.0 56.3
Boston, Mass., - - 46.57 57.04
It will be observed that the temperature of the growing mouths in the above
places is so nearly the same, that the ditference can be scarcely appreciable *
♦ "Jlir.rK-EcIa, fitin its Y.)fh i)(i1).trn j'Cf'lii n, 1 i.h BiT\i.jf ) id 1o n-aii.lain a itrtair. ttmiigie fox
» juft J!].] rtciatif Ti i<p;)ii,tt 11 f i{!r()fir1 1 nr(rct) tici s r1 tl.( n iijoiti, o))n(ilt of <tii fl!ijs,Ttho
■wire educated ill tlie tctici) Ilia) liitilxidt gfv<ii:f- cId Jilt. It h (ifl(ul1 to naif 1) i ^tv lliiiup-
ehire fiun.tr cm pnl.«r.d 11. at £t. Ai.ll.n j lalii-, iii il.i latiliirii tl Ki.r.(\tr, 1 at tl.t tm n n tl;n,ote
«f Philadtli'liia— CI tViat Vheat, -Bliicli will Ecairelj gi<vi in nortlurt Ktw trelscd, tlai-vtt on the
June.
July.
August.
Sept.
68.4
73.4
70.1
68.9
69.6
73.6
70.7
6.3.6
62.7
70 7
68.6
60.1
66.67
71.08
69.10
62.78
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 27
"The April of Minnesota is still the April of England, but her May corresponds
in temperature with the Enorlish June."
The spring temperature of Ohio, it will be noticed, is greater than that of
Minnesota, while its summer temperatare is less. The coolness of the Minnesota
spring, and the rapid increase in temp-^rature as summer approaches, is claimed
as a great advantage, and on this fact the prefection of its grains and other agri-
cultural products in a great measure depends. The fact anounced by Dr. Forrey,
"that the cultivated plants yield the greatest products near the northernmost
Kmits at which they will grow," is explained on the priociple that the cool spring
restrains the growth of the trunk and foliage of the plant, and throws the full
development into the ripeuiag period. "The very warm southern spring devel-
ops the juices of the plant too rapidly. They run into the stalk, blade, and
leaf, to the neglect of the seed, and dry away before the fructification becomes
complete. Our cooler springs reverse this process, restrain the undue luxuriance
of the stem and leaf, and concentrate the juices in the development of the fruit
and seed."
The cereals all attain their most perfect developmeut in northern climates.
Potatoes and other cultivated roots follow the same law The perfection and
strength of the grasses in cool and northern regions, and tiieir power of keeping
horses and cattle fat without grain, is proverbial. Although the grasses attain
sufficient size south, they are forced to a rapid fructification before they have
time to elaborate their juices, and consequently contain but :i small proportion
of nutriment. These facts depend upon the same general la^v. At the same
time, the products of grain, flour, <fec., are manufactured to better advantage in a
cold climate, as they are preserved from sourness, mustiness, &c., a longer
time.*
Period of Exemption from Frost. — The period of total e 'cemption from
frost in Minnesota, varies from four to five and a half months, which allows
ample time for the perfection of all the annual crops. The frost is general-
ly entirely out of the ground, which is then ready for planting, the last of April
and first of May. The first fall of frost takes place with great regularity about
the middle of September, though sometimes delayed till the middle of October.
Minnesota is not exposed to late and early frosts more than the Middle and West-
ern States. The peculiar dryness of the air also enables vegetation to resist-
light frosts, which in other localities would prove disastrous. This fact is exem-
plified by the frost of June 4th, 1859, which was general nearly all over the
United States. In Ohio, Indiaoa, and Illinois, it was universally destructive ;
ice formed one-third inch thick in Ohio ; but in Minnesota no damage whatever
was done to field crops. On account of this dryness, the temperature may fall
considerably below the freezing point at times, without producing frost The
dryness of the atmosphere, notwithstanding the abundance of the summer rains,
is also very important on account of the protection it gives wheat and oats from
rust, smut, and insects, which often seriously injure the wheat fields of moister
climates.
Advantageous Distribution of Rain. — The mean annual fall of rain in Min-
nesota, as set down in Blodget's hyetal charts, is twenty-five inches. It is a
remarkable fact that the greater part of this moisture is deposited during the
six growing months, when it is most needed, instead of being wasted in delug-
ing the land and making winter disagreeable, as in New England and the West-
ern and Middle States. The following from the report of the Commissioner of
flOth parallel, a thousand miles north of St. Paul. One of the most curious consequences of this ab-
rupt northera deflection of the isothermal lines around the head of the great lake basins, ia that St.
Paul, in latitude 4o, is very considerably warmer during the whole six months of the growing season,
than Chicago, in latitude 42.
"It is not a little amusing, upon this showing, to read in the official report of the Illinois Central
Company, and in the Chicago Democrat, that "every spring brings down the frost-bitten and chilled
Inhabitants of Minnesota, to the mild and genial clime of Illinois." — Report of CommiSiioner of
Matistics.
*See an article on the "Acclimating Principle of Plants," in the American Journal of Geology, by
Dr. Forry.
Minn.
Ills.
Pa,
Mass.
19.55
26.30
20.94
23.15
5.88
15.50
21.40
23.81
11.00
13.20
11.93
10.71
1.92
7.10
10 76
11.85
28 imsTNESOTA :
Statistics, shows the coatrast between Minnesota and the above States, in this
respect :
The six warm and growing months,
The six cold and non-producing months,
The three summer months,
The three winter months,
"Now, all the points here brought into comparison have a greater rain fall in
the whole growing season than Minnesota ; but the summer fall is nearly the
same, their superfluous spring and autumn rains, which are unnecessary and even
injurious to vegetation, making up the difference in the whole quantity for the
warm mouths."
The excessive autumnal rains in the above States are often very destructive to
harvests. " The Minnesota farmer reaps as he sows, in the full confidence that
no untimely tempest will defraud him of the fruits of his labors. In these wet
climates, in the reeking summer air, agriculture is a perpetual vigil against con-
cealed enemies,"
CHEAPNESS OF OPENING EAKMS.
It is a fact worthy of note, that in all places whose growth is unsubstantial,
the price of laud is disproportionately high, while its pi'oducts are low. But
in Minnesota, real estate is low, land is extremely cheap, (owing to the large
surplus yet unoccupied,) while its products command the first prices. Oats,
corn, potatoes, and in fact nearly all that the farmer raises, find a ready market for
cash at home. A curious illustration of the practical working of this principle
is that lauds purchased at teu dollars per acre are paid for out of the proceeds
of the first crop. Take this instance : A gentleman having a farm for sale,
offered it, with improvements, for $9 per acre. Failing to sell, he leased it,
receiving one-third of the crop His third netted him more than he would have
realized from the sale of the laud. Many such instances could be given. This
illustrates what bargains may be secured where lands are cheap and the products
of the soil high. It is but fair to state that the price of wheat this 2oth Janu-
ary, 1869, will not produce such results.
A man with a small, but high priced farm in the old States can dispose of it
for sufficient to set himself up well in Minnesota, and procure a farm for each of
his children besides ; and these farms in a few years will be as valuable as the
one in the old State is now. The fortunes made by farmers here within a few
years, would scarcely be credited in the older States.
STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
This efficient organization has contributed largely to the advancement of every
thing pertaining to farming, stock raising and the other varied interests of
our young State. The annual State Fair each year increases in extent of the
exibitions — the numbers in attendance, and the disposition manifested on the
part of our people to not be behind any body or any State in this respect. Gen.
Alexander Chambers of Owatonna, is President, and Hon. Charles H. Clark of
Minneapolis, Secretary.
THE CLIMATE O:^' MINNESOTA.
PNFARALLELED HEALTHFULNESS — EXEMPTION FROM PULMONARY AND MALARIOUS
DISEASES CAUSES OF ITS SALUBRITY — DRYNESS AND PURITY OF THE AIR
TEMPERATURE AS COMPARED WITH OTHER STATES AS A RESORT FOR INVALIDS,
iC, AC.
The assertion that the climate of Minnesota is one of the healthiest in the
world, may be broadly and confidently made. It is sustained by the almost
unanimous testimony of the thousands of invalids who have sought its pure and
bracing air, and recovered from consumption and other diseases after they had been
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 29"
^ven up as hopeless by their home physicians ; it is sustained by the experience
of its iohiibitauts for tweuty years ; aud it is sastaiued by the published statis-
tics of mortality in the different States. The eminent Dr. Horace Bushnell, of
Hartford, Conn., after spending a year in Cuba and another in California, with-
out any permanent benelit, spent a year in Minnesota, and recovered. After
returning East and submitting to a rigid examination, his physicians said : " Vou
have had a difficulty in the right lung but it is healed ." In a published letter
he says :— "I have known of very remarkable eases of recovery there which had
seemed to be hopeless. One, of a gentleman who was carried ashore on a litter,
and became a hearty, robust man. Another who told me he had even (.oughed
up bits of his lung of the size of a walnut, was then, seven or eight mouths
after, a perfectly sound-looking, well-set man, with no cough at all. I fell in
with somebody every few days who had come there aud been restored ; and with
multitudes of others whose disease has been arrested, so as to allow the prose-
cution of business, and whose lease of life, as they had no doubt, was much
lengthened by their migration to that region of the country."
Many of our most prominent business men, whom no one would now take for
invalids, belong to the above class. Almost any one who has resided here for
any length of time can refer to numbers, now enjoying ordinary health, who OQ
first coming here were considered hopelessly gone with consumption, or other
chronic disease. It is believed consumption is never generated here, which is a
strong proof that the climate is a favorable one for those afflicted with the disease.
Minnesota is entirely exempt from malaria, and consequently the numerous
diseases known to arise from it, such as chills and fever, autumnal fevers, ague
cake or enlarged spleen, enlargement of the liver, &c., dropsy, diseases of the
kidneys, affections of the eye, and various billious diseases, and derangements of
the stomach and bowels, although sometimes arising from other causes, are often
due wholly to malarious agency, and are only temporarily relieved by medicine,
because the patient is constantly exposed to the malarious influence which gen-
erates them. Enlargement of the liver and spleen is very common in Southern
and Southwestern States. We are not only free from those ailments, but by com-
ing to Minnesota, often without any medical treatment at all, patients speedily
recover from this class of diseases ; the miasmatic poison being soon eliminated
from the system, and not being exposed to its farther inception, the functions of
health are gradually resumed.
Diarrhea and dysentery are not so prevalent as in warmer latitudes, and are of
a milder type. Pneumonia and typhoid fever are very seldom met with, and
then merely as sporadic cases.
Diseases of an epidemic character never have been known to prevail here.
" Even that dreadful scourge, diptberia, which like a destroying angel, swept
through portions of the country, leaving desolation in its train, jsassed us by
with scarce a grave to mark its course. The diseases common to infancy and
. childhood, partake of the same mild character, and seldom prove fatal." This is
the language of Mrs. ( ^oiburn, an authoress, and the experience of physicians
corroborates this opinion.
That dreadful scourge of the human family, the cholera, is alike unknown
here. During the summer of 1866, while hundreds were daily cut down by this
visitation in Xew York, CiuciuuaLi, St. Louis, aud other places, aud it prevailed
to an alarming extent in Chicago, — not a single case made its appearance
in Minnesota.
Another, and a very large class of invalids, which derive great benefit from
the climate of Minnesota, are those whose systems have become relaxed, debili-
tated, and broken down, by over-taxation of the mental and physical energies,
dyspepsia, &c.
And these facts, establishing as they do the remarkable salubrity of our cli-
mate, are borne out by statistics. The following table is copied from the Uni-
ted States census of 1860. The percentage column exhibits the number of
deaths in every I'.'O persons ; the last column shows the number, in each State,
out of which one pi^rson has di-nl :
30
MINNESOTA
Popula-
tion.
Deaths
J.
0 .
a 01
V bo
V *
c "
Popula-
tion,
Deaths.
u tc
a^
O
75
1.48
o
Alabama,
964,201
12,760
1.82
Missouri,
1,182,012
17,557
67
Arkansas,
435,450
8,860
2.03
49
New Hampshire,
326,073
4.469
1.87
n
California,
879,994
8,705
.97
102
New Jersey,
672,035
7,525
1 11
89
Connecticut,
460,147
6,13S
1.83
74
New York, -
8,880,785
46,881
1.20
82
Delaware,
112,216
1,846
1.11
90
North Carolina,
992,622
12,607
1.27
78
Florida,
144,425
1,769
1 25
79
Ohio,
2,8.59,511
24,724
1 05
94
Georgia, -
1,057,286
12,8(17
1 21
S2
Oregon, -
52,465
251
47
209
UllnoiB,
1,711,951
19,263
1.12
88
Pennsylvania, -
2,906,115
80,214
1 03
96
Ipwa,
674,913
• 7,200
1.C7
93
Rhode Island,
174,02ii.
2,479
1.41
70
Indiana,
1,350,438
16,2it6
1.12
S8
South Carolina,
708,708
9.745
1.3S
'i
Kansas, -
107,306
1,443
1.84
74
Tennessee,
1,109,801
15,176
l.Sf.
Kentucky, -
1,155,684
16,467
1.44
70
Texas, -
604,215
9,8(59
1 55
64
Louisiana,
703,002
12,329
1.74
57
Vermont, -
8I5,09S
8,35.^^.
1.0(i
93
Maine, -
628,379
7,614
1.21
82
Virginia,
1,596,318
22,474
1 40
71
Maryland,
687,049
1,231,063
7,870
1 07
91
Wisconsin,
775,831
7,129
.92
108
Massachusetts,
21,804,
1.78
57
Dist. of Colombia,
75,080
1,275
1.69
58
Michigan,
749, !13
7,899;
9S
101
NebraskRj -
28,841
3S1
1.32
75
Minnesota, -
172,123
1,109
64
155
New Mexico,
93,516
1,8('5
1.89
Tl
Mississippi,
791,805
12,214
1.64
64 1 Utah,
40,273
374
.92
107
It will be observed that Minnesota has the smallest mortality of any State in
the Union, except Oregon. Oregon, though a very healthy clime, is not a resort
for invalids. Lying on the Pacific coast, its climate, like that of New England,
is too humid to attract invalids. On the contrary, Minnesota is a great resort
for consumptive invalids, and those laboring uuiier various chronic diseases.
Of course, some come too late, and die here — probably living a year or so
longer than they would at home. This swells our mortality list and taking it
out, Minnesota would hold a higher place than even Oregon.
Many letters are received asking what portion of the Staite is best for invalids.
My uniform answer is that there is no difference. Persons seek all parts of the
State for health, and I have never heard our people claim any advantage for one
part over another. The burial record for the city of St. Paul are required by
law to be kept with much care. There were in the year 1868, according to the
report of Dr. Mattocks, health officer, 243 deaths, 8 accidental, 15 still bom,
total 266, in a population of over 20,000. Any other city or town of the State
would show as well if records were kept. The St. Paul Pioneer, on this sub-
ject said : — " When we consider that our city is a hospital for invalids, even tiiese
figures rob it of its real meed of praise. A very large proportion of the per-
sons dying in this city are strangers, who have come here sick and almost dying,
to receive the benefits of our salubrious climate, but only to linger a few months
and then cease the struggle. The city is constantly filled with them in all stages
of disease. Excluding these (and they should be excluded) from our table of
mortality, and counting only the deaths in our regular residents, would reduce
the deaths to h ss than 1 per cent, of the population."
CAUSES OP THE HEALTHEULNESS OE MINNESOTA.
However interesting it might be to go into a scientific exposition of the
causes and theories of the exemption of Minnesota from many of the diseases
which annually carry off thousands in the older States of America and Eurc^je,
Bpace will not permit, and I must con&ne myself to such facts as are already es-
tablished beyond cavil or dispute.
Absence of Malaria. — A large proportion of the disea^ses which afllict man-
kind have their origin in the poisonous and uuheiulthy emanations which aris-e
from the earth. These emanations embody a subtle principle termed malaria,
which is constantly rising, like an imperceptible gas, poisoning the air, and gen-
erating disease, chills and fever, different kinds of fever, pneumonia, diajxhea,
dysentery, debility, biliousness, diseases of the liver, spleen, kidneys, &c. The
low temperatm'C of our winters, continuing as they do for four months, efiectually
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 31
destroys any malaria that might lurk in the soil, ready to spring forth in warm
weather.
We are thus entirely free from malaria, and the farit is well established thai
chills and fever, and diseases generally, of a malarious origin, are entirely un-
known in Minnesota, and those who come here suffering these ailments speedily
recover.
Perturbation of the Jlir. — The atmosphere, like large bodies of water, re-
quires perturbation to preserve its purity ; otherwise it becomes heavy and
stagnant, loaded with impurities and unhealthy, depressing the spirits hy its mo-
notony, and inducing a torpid condition of the whole system. The waters of
the ocean, and of large lakes, are kept pure by the agitation of the winds and
tides. All healthy countries are windy, but all windy countries are not healthy.
Winds blowing for many days in succession from one quarter, become pregnant
with moisture and other impurities. The winds in Minnesota are not persistent
and severe, but constitute rather a lively agitation of the air, which constantly
changes it, carrying off noxious vapors and effluvia, conducing to its clearness
and purity, and imparting to it those qualities which give tone to the system
and invigorate the nutritive functions.
The prevailing direction of our winds is from the south, according to obser-
vations, extending over twelve years, recorded in the U. S. Army meteorologi-
cal register. "This fact," says Mr. Wheelock, " goes far toward accounting for
the exceptional warmth of the spring and summer mouths in .Minnesota, and
serves to show that ihe direction of currents of air exerts an influence only less
than the position in latitude in forming the measure of heat and cold." Our
winds, instead of passing over the ocean, laden, like those dreaded "ea.'-t winds"
of New England and the Atlantic coast generally, with saline moisture, come to
as only after traversing half a continent of land, pure and invigorating.
A comparison of the mean force of the wind for ten years, at different places,
gives the following result : Fort Snelling, Minnesota, 1.87 ; New Loudon, Con-
necticut, 2.67 ; New York city, 2.96 ; Eastport, Maine, 2.63 ; Portsmouth,
N. H., 2.50; Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 2.20; Detroit, Michigan, 2.26; Port
Atkinson, iowa, 2.48 ; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 2.09. We thus perceive that
the menu force of the wind in Minnesota is less than at either of the other places,
representing, as they do, all sections of the Union except the South, and cou-
firms the statement previously made, that our winds are lively agitations of the
air, rather than strong, continuous currents. As a consequence, the snows drift
less than in the East, and usually lie without material disturbance.
The following table, from the report of the Commissioner of Statistics, gives
a synopsis of the climate of Minnesota for the whole year, from which it will be
seen that a more perfect harmony between the three great fundamental condi-
tions of climate than is here displayed, cpuld be found no where on earth :
§ I s .2- s
1-5 s=< S << S
Mean Temp'ture— degs. 13.7 1T.6 31.4 46.3 59.0
Rain— Inches, - - - 0.7 0.5 1.3 2.1 8 2
PrevaUing Winds— N.E. N.W. N.W. N.W. S.E.
Courses, .... to to to to to
N W. S.W. S.W. S.W. S.W.
Dryness of the Air. — Another great cause of the salubrity of our climate is
the marked dryness of the air. Moisture is a posverful agent in generating dis-
ease. It is the main vehicle of malaria aud other atmospheric poison>. They
cling to it, or it holds them in solution. It is through the watery vupor of the
atmosphere that mo.<t morbific agents reach the humau body. \Vhile au atmos-
phere which is too dry, like that of arid plains and sandy deserts, is unhealthy,
engendering over-action, fever, aud debility, that which contains au excess of
moisture is still more so. A humid climate rapidly abstracts the natural warmth
of the body, and lowers the vitality of the system, producing feeble action and
poor nutrition as a consequence, thus rendering the system open to attacks of
inflammatiou.s, colds, coughs and consumption, as well as ueui'algic and rhuematic
"3
a
i
i
>->
i-s
■<
01
O Z
a
6S.4
73.4
70.1
58.9
47.1 31.7
16. »
8.6
4.1
3.2
3.3
1.4 1.3
0.7
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
N.
N.E.
to
to
to
to
8 to
to
S.W.
s.vv.
S.W,
S.W.
N.W.
N.W.
32 MINNESOTA :
affections. Told, however intense, is not so perceptible if tte air is dry. For
example : wet one baud ; bold it and the dry one iu tne cold for a few minutes.
A damp air penetrates and chills, drives the blood inwards, and shrinks and
wrinkles up the skin. A cold, dry air, like ours, is tonic, exhilarating, and
strengthening It has not the feverish heat of the desert, nor yet the humid
chilliness of the coast This dryness further conduces to its •purity. It is pure-
air, such as God intended to be breathed, oxygenating and purifying the blood,
and exerting a tonic influence on the whole organism. It is free from the thou-
sand and one impurities held in suspension by the excess of moisture prevalent
in the wet climates of southern and western States, and iu New England. It is
full of electricity, and rich in the life-giving principle termed ozone, never found
iu impure air.
'J'ejiperature of Minnesota— Compared with other States — Errors repect-
ing our Winters — Secret of the Sahibrity of our Climate. — The popular im-
pression that the further north you go the colder it gets, is an erroneous one.
The rule is open to many exceptions. The configuration of the earth is such,
that owing to mountain ranges, vast sandy plains, large inland bodies of water,
&c., the isothermal, or heat hues, are deflected several degrees north or south,
thus giving places a thousand miles apart the same temperature. Thus places
in the same latitude of the Saskatchewan river, (latitude 51° N.) enjoy the
same annual mean temperature as places in the latitade of Fort Union (latitude
37° X.) a thousand miles south of it. Minnesota, owing to the large lakes east
and north of it, and the vast arid plains, extending from latitude 35° to latitude
47° west of it, enjoys a mean spring temperature of 45°, warmer than Chicago
2i° south of it, and. equal to Southern Michigan, Central New York, and Massa-
chusetts ; a summer mean of 70°, equal to Central New York, Central Wisconsin,
Northern Pennsylvania, and Northern Ohio, four degrees south of us ; an autum-
nal mean of 45°, equal to New Hampshire, Central Wisconsin and Central Mich-
igan, 2i° south of us ; a winter mean of 16°, similar to Northern Wisconsin,
Nothern Michigan, Central Vermont and New Hampshire, on the same line of
latitude, hut nearer the ocean ; while its climate, for the entire year, being a mean
of 45°, is similar to that of Central Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Central New
York, two degrees south of it. We thus have aq annual range of temperature
from the summer of ISouthern Ohio to the winter of Montreal.
Eeferring to the above contrasts of climate, ISIr. J. Disturnell, in a paper read
before the American Geographical and Statistical Society of New York, says :
"This remarkable fact can only be accounted for on the presumption that Min-
nesota receives its favorable climatic iuflence as regards health and growth of
vegetation, from secret laws of nature, yet to be discovered."
But the veil which covers these natural Jaws is easily drawn aside. The luxu-
riant growth of her vegetation, large yields ef cereals, &c., as we have seen, are
accountpd for by her warm, rich soil, forcing summer sun and timely rains, while
the secret of the salubrity of her climate is found in the dryness and consequent
purity of our atmosphere, combined with all the advantages of a rugged, delight-
ful land, charming seasons, lovely and magnificent scenery.
That the dryness of our air is rtal, we have many esidences. Meat hung up,
even in moderately warm weather, dries up before it spoils. Wagons, barrels,
<fcc., if left idle a short time, drop to pieces. The hygrometer, an instrument for
determining the moisture in the air, shows our air to be very dry, generally. The
hyetal, or rain charts, iu Blodget's "Climatology of the United States," shows the
remarkable fact that Minuesola is the dryest State iu the Union, and at the same
time the best watered, on account of its many lakes and streams, and free from
drouths. Lying, as it does, between a vast arid belt uu its west side, extending
through twenty-live degrees, and a large liumid belt of equal length on its east
side, it enjoys a happy medium. The mean annual deposit of moisture ii' Min-
nesota is 25 inches ; Wisconsin 30 to 40 ; Iowa 25 to 42 ; Indiana, Illinois,
Ohio, Missouri. 42 to 48 ; Kentucky, Tennessee, 50 ; Cannada, 34 to 36 ; New
England and New York, 32 to 45 ; Pennsylvania, 36 ; Arkansas, Louisiaua,
Alabama, and Mississippi, 55 to 63 ; Delaware, Maryland, and Yirginia, 40 to 42.
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 33
Errors respecting our Winters. — Xo region which at present engages the
public mind, as a field for settlement, has been so grossly misrepresented, in
regard to peculiarities of climate, as Minnesota. Fabulous accounts of its
arctic temperature, piercing winds, and accompanying snows of enormous depth,
embelish the columns of the Eastern press. — JVeiirs HiMory of Minnesota.
We have seen that such impressions are erroneous — that our climate com-
pares favorably in all respects with that of many other densely populated States.
Disinterested authorities, that cannot be questioned, have set this matter at rest
long since, and it only remains to enlighten the public respecting the truth.
However repugnant to popular prejudice it may seem, our winter fall of snow
and rain is only one fifth that of New York and Xew England ; the average de-
posit of moisture in those places for the winter being ten inches — that of Minne-
sota two inches. — See Blodget's Climatology, <^'C., page 342.
The great bulk of our water falls daring the six growing months, in the form
of refreshing showers, which cool the air and encourage vegetation, leaving our
winters dry, crisp, and bracing — much easier to endure than the same amount of
cold in a damp climate.
MINNESOTA AS A RESORT EOR INVALIDS.
Ever since consumption has been known, a change of climate has been i-e-
commended by physicians as a means of arresting a disease which medicine can-
not cure. Until within the past few years, it has been customary to send con-
sumptives to southern latitudes. J3at medical opinion, influenced no doubt, by
the poor success attending this plan, has undergone a change, and as usual, gone
from one extreme to another. Climates of a mild, equable temperature are no
longer sought ; patients are now sent almost invariably to dry, cool, northern
climates, where the air is subject to considerable perturbation.
There are many places which are, or have once been celebrated resorts for con-
sumptive invalids — Maderia, Veutnor, Torquay, Cuba, Florida, Algiers, Upper
Egypt, ifec. Many of these are now known to be positively injurious to this
class of patients, and have been abandoned. Among them all, there are very
few, even if harmless, that possesses any advantage. So unsatisfactory has been
the result of change of climate that many eminent physicians no longer advise
their patients to try it, beliving that they standj about as good a chance to
recover at home. The fact that the disease is quite common in all of these places
of refuge, leads us to the conclusion that the benefit derived from them in such
cases, if any, is due to the mere change of climate rather than to any special
influence arising from the localities themselves.* The supposition that a warm
climate, or even a cold one possessing an equable temperature, free from sudden
changes, is required by consumptives, is evidently an erroneous one. Dr. Law-
son, the author of one of the ablest works on this disease which has ever been
published in any language, says : "In order to promote health, the atmosphere
should be subject to some degree of perturbation, and even rapid changes, pro-
vided those variations are not great or extreme. The steppe of Kirghis, where
consumption is almost unknown, is remarkable for its rapid changes, and even
severe winds." Again : "In these early stages of phthisis, patients are already
beginning to feel the depressing eSects of disease, and therefore, require all those
influences, hygienic and medicinal, which impart tone to the system, and thereby
invigorate the nutritive functions. It cannot be presumed, however, that a mild
and equable atmosphere will produce this result ; on the contary, the very mo-
notony of the atmosphere must lead to depression, and thereby increase the de-
biUty." Of warm cUmates, he says ; "A very warm, stagnant and moist atmos-
phere, with but little elevation, would manifestly prove injurious, and there is
sufficient ground to justify the conclusion that where the disease is far advanced,
tropical regions are unfavorable." "We have abundant testimony to prove
that when the disease has become estabhshed, and the system debilitated, but
j^ •^A Practical Treatise on Phtliisis Pulmonalls," by L. M. Lawson, Clnciimati, IS«i .
3
34 MINNESOTA ;
little good can be derived from warm regions, while, on the coutrary, great iw>
jury will often result.''' M. Roehard, auother medical writer, refers to the fact
that " tuberculosis marches with greater rapidity in the torrid zone than in
Europe."
1 have searched through a vast amount of medical authority, and digested nu-
merous tables of statistics. The conclusion I arrive at is, that the only class of
consumotives benefitted at all by warm, equable regions, are those in the very
incipient stages ; that the benefit in such cases is due more to the change than
anything else ; and that the same class of patients would be benefitted to a still
greater degTce by a dry, cool, elastic atmosphere, such as we have in Minnesota,
and in parts of New Mexico and California.
Dr. Chas. A. Leas, United States consul at Madeira, who has resided in Rus-
sia, Sweden, Central America, and Madeirji, in the service of the government,
under date of September 10th, 186(j, writes : "] have made the subject of cli-
mate, as accurative agent in consumption, a special study, and in connection with
my aimual report to the State Department at Washington — -just now sent on —
1 have entered somewhat into detail upon that subject, and have endeavored to
show, from observation, that consumption, in its earlier stages, is best relieved
by a visit to, and residence of greater or less extent iu, high northern latitudes,,
instead of warm climates, as is the usual custom. I have further suggested Min-
nesota as one of the linest climates for that purpose."
In the report above alluded to, L'r. Leas accounts for the superior advantages
of a hisrh, dry, cool latitude, in tubercular diseases, on the theory that the lungs,
in health, aie only sufficiently capacious to "admit air enough to purify, through
its oxygen, the whole of the blood ; in propoilion as the air thus breathed is
contaminated, or mixed with moisture and other impurities, so will the amotmt
of oxygen admitted into the lungs at anytime, be diminished in quantity, and to
the same extent, a portion of tlie vital fluid unoxygenized," giving rise to a di-
minished vitality, and thus laying the groundwork "for the development c(f con-
sumption, under causes favorable to such a result." The atmosphere in high
northern latitudes, is much purer than that of warm countries, on account of the
precipitation of its excess of moisture by the cold, "thus giving a larger amount
of oxygen, which is the great vivifying element in a given amount of air, and
thus again enabling the lungs to more thoroughly purify the entire volume of
blood. And more ^particularly are the lungs thus aided when a portion of their
substance is thrown out of action from the actual deposition of tubercular mat-
ter. Besides all that, the frequence of such a large amount of pure atmosphere
to the circulating fluid, has a decidedly tonic and invigorating efiect upon that
element, and through it the whole system. * * * * ^^(j
for such an atmos})here as is here indicated, I would suggest to invalids affected
with pulmonary disease, that they are most likely to find it in Miimesota."
The fact is worthy of note, that this communication comes from Madeira, an
island which has been termed " the city of i-efugc " for consumptives. But the-
testimouy of Dr. Mason, and the statistics of Dr. Renton, prove that it is only
those in the very incipient stages that have been benefitted there. Of forty-seven
confirmed consumptives who landed there, not one lived six months ! And yet
Madeira has the most equable cbniate in the world, — the temperature
never varying over eleven degrees the year arou:-id, — never higher than 74 de-
grees, nor lower than 63 degrees. With a v/arni, basaltic soil, protection from
winds, perennial summer, and tropical luxuriance, it would seem to be the con-
sumptive's paradise ; but such is not the case. The reasou is simply that the air
is too stagnant, and wants life and perturbation ; and the air is too moist, expe-
rience proving that consumptives require an air sufficiently moist to prevent ir-
ritation of tht- air passages, but at the same time dry, elastic, pure, and iuvigora-
tl.^f*. A little wind, therefore, does no harm, while the experience of ages has
at length established tlie fact, beyond p<'nidventure, that those countries most
favorable to consumptives, as the steppe of Kirghis, New Mexico, Minnesota,
and California, are remarkable for the dryness and purity of their air,' and are
ifubject to occasional changes of temperature, as well as .winds. Another fact
ITS At> VANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 35
worthy of special mention is, that the disease is seldom ever generated in those
countries.
As compared with the other places mentioned, Minnesota takes the palm from
them all. While some portions of California, and of the Pacific coast general-
ly, are favorable retreats, others are less so. The mountains are rather cold and
harsh — the valleys too stagnant and moist. The country about Sacramento and
the interior of the State is the most favorable ; but even here, according to Dt>
Hatch, of Sacramento, although the atmosphere is quite dry, it is very subject tO
abrupt changes, and extreme vicissitudes of temperature. The same is true of
that portion of New Mexico and Texas, best adapted to comsumptives — those
fierce "northers," to which they are subject, often causing a change of tempera-
ture of 50 or 60 degrees in a few hours, and rendereng winter clothing very ac-
ceptable. And yet Dr. Lawson says : " It is extremely probable, if not posi-
tively certain, that the territory known as New Mexico, embracing Santa Fe, is
more favorable to consumptives than any point on the American continent, if
not in the civilized world." Minnesota, at the time this was written, although
even then a great resort for consumptives, had not become known to the slow
Pegasus of the medical muse. Drs. Gregg and Hammond, in their accounts of
the climate, show it to be very similar to, but inferior to that of Minnesota. It
is dryer — rather too dry — increasing the bronchial irritation and dyspepsia, aris-
ing from inflammatory action of the mucous membrauce of the stomach, and in-
flammation of the lungs. The climate is more changeable than ours, and subject
to severer currents of wind. With these exceptions, the climate is very similar
to ours. The air is dry and pure, and "persons withered almost to mummies
are to be occasionally encountered, whose extraordinary age is only to be in-
ferred from their recollection of certain notable events, which had taken place iu
times far remote."
Yet we have in Minnesota a climate superior as a resort for invalids, to even
New Mexico. We have never had any epidemic of typhoid or other fevers,
but owing to its wanner climate (its yearly mean being 50° 6) New Mexico is
somewhat subject to this class of disease. The lyphoid fever raged there as an
epidemic from 1837 to 1839. Our winds, instead being strong, cold, and con-
tinued currents, constitute rather a lively agitation, or perturbation of the air ;
and finally, Minnesota is as accessible by railroad "and steamers as Chicago, while
in New Mexico, Dr. Lawson says that ."the difficulty of access, as well as the
want of accommodations, and the character of the population, (Indians and
hunters, or " rangers,") will for a long period, deter even those who have suffi-
cient physical ability, from visiting the country."
The conclusion is thus forcibly impressed upon us, that for invalids, as well as
for every class of inhabitants required to populate a State, Minnesota is superior
as a place of settlement to any region in the world."
Without asserting that all persons afflicted with pulmonary disease will in-
variable recover in Minnesota, it may be safely claimed that no climate under
heaven offers equal advantages to this class of invalids. While it is undoubted-
ly true that a larger percentage of those in the early stages of the disease will
recover, there can be no doubt but that those in the second and third stages often
get well here. No physician can foretell the result of a trial. The only method
of deciding the question is by actual residence. ;^There ai-e those here, whom no
one would take to be consumptives, who have had but one lung for over ten
years, ilany come too late, or coming in time, continue here the over-taxation
of mind or body, or other unhealthy habits, which first bi-oke them down. Their
friends blame the climate, if they fail to recover ; but the fact is well established,
that any case within the reach of climatic influence, will get well here, if any-
where. Another fact equally well established, is that a permanent residence
here is better, in order to render the cure permanent. Many instances might be
cited, where invalids, after spending a year or so here, and apparently got well,
have gone East and died of the disease ; of others, experiencing a return of the
old symptoms, and making a second recovery after returning to Minnesota.
Many cases, however, are cured, or greatly benefitted, by a sojourn of a few
36 MIKNESOTA t
months. Sometimes yeajs are required to effect a complete cure. It is better
for all desiring to secure the benefits of our climate, to cut loose from all busi-
ness relations where they reside, take up their abode, and go into business here,
as a resident has much better chances of recovery than a visitor, who is de-
prived of /lomecom/or^s and associations. Seasons vary, more or less, every-
where. Some are more favorable than others, but taken oue year with another,
Minnesota, as a sanitarium, will be found all that it is represented to be.
St. Paul, Minn., Feb. 4, 1869.
Dear Sir: — Your letter of February 3d, 1P69, has been received. An obser-
vation of nearly eleven years enables me to assure you that in your pamphlet
you have not over-estimated the wonderful salubrity of this climate.
In many pulmonary affections the air seems directly curative, and dyspeptics
will most certainly be benefitted by a residence in this State. The dry, bracing
atmosphere acts as a stimulant to the digestive organs; while the great changes
in temperature encourage circulation, and thus carry the rich blood to all parts
of the body.
Digestion is that process by which supplies are taken into the blood from the
alimentary canal; and it has been well said that when you have plenty of good
air, and a good digestion, scrofula and consumption will be unknown. The pure
air we have — and it is now well understood by physicians, that our citizens eat
and digest the rich, animal food so abundant here, with»much less call for high
seasoning and for stimulating sauce, than they have been used to require else-
where.
The effect of the dry, cold air in relieving congestion of the liver is also remarka-
ble; and hundreds here who came from the South and West broken down by
malarial fevers, can testify to the rapidity with which they have recovered their
health and strength. Yoms respectfully,
D. W. Hand, M. D.
G. Hewitt, Esq.
MlfraESOTA SCEKERY — RESORTS TOR TOURISTS.
The scenery of Minnesota has attracted the attention of many writers, paint-
ers and poets, and elicited eulogies in prose and verse, ever since the first white
man stood on the brink of St. Anthony's Falls, or listened to the gleeful splash-
ings of Minnehaha. The brilliant purity, dryness and elasticity of the air, bring-
ing every object out with bold, distinct outlines, lends a peculiar charm to tbe
lovely scenery which everywhere abounds. The nights, particularly, are serene
and beautiful beyond description. Prof. Maury, author of the "Physical Geo-
graphy of the Sea," says : "At the small hours of night, at dewy eve and early
morn, I have looked out with wonder, love and admiration, upon the steel blue
sky of Minnesota, set with diamonds and sparkling with brilliants of purest ray.
Herschell has said, that in Europe, the astronomer might consider himself highly
favored, if by watching the skies for one year, he shall, during that period, find,
all told, one hundred hours suitable for satisfactory observation. A telescope
mounted here, in this atmosphere, under the skies of Minnesota, would have its
powers increased many times over what they would be, under canopies less
brilliant and lovely," and many hundred such hours could be found here within
that period.
The State is encircled by lakes and rivers, like the garden of Eden, as pic-
tured by the imagination. In fact, the numerous streams and lakes of Minneso-
ta, form one of its characteristic charms, and when it was the habitation of the
Indians, they showed their appreciation of them by erecting their rude lodges on
their shady, pebbly shores. The larger lakes, with outlets, are from one to thir-
ty miles in diameter. The smaller class, however, are much more numerous, and
"generally distinguished, also, for their clear, white, sandy shores, set in gentle,
grassy slopes, or rimmed with walls of rock, their pebbly beaches sparkling with
cornelians and agates, while the oak grove or the denser 'sood, which skirts its
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 37
margin,'completes the graceful and picturesquel outline," Prof. Maury says :
"There is in this territory a greater number of these lovely sheets of laughing
water, than in all the country besides. They give variety and beauty to the
landscape ; they soften the air, and lend all their thousand charms and attrac-
tions to make this goodly land a lovely place of residence. We see that, with
these beautiful sheets of water, nature has done for the upper Mississippi what
EUett proposes should be done by the government for the Ohio, and what Na-
poleoti III is doing for the rivers of France."
These lakes all abound in tish, superior in flavor and quality to those of the
sluggish streams of the Western States. Many leaping brooks, fed by springs,
are pure and cold as mountains streams, and abound in speckled trout. To the
disciples of Izak Walton, Minnesota is a perfect paradise. To one fond of the
sport, nothing could be more delightful than to drive out to one of these lovely
sheets of water, spending the heat of the day oa their shady shores, and the
morning and evening in a small boat, with rod and tackle. In the spring and
fall these lakes are all covered with ducks and other water fowl, affording rare
amusement for the sportsman.
So the tourist who seeks respite from hot pavements, brick walls, and sultry
cities, relaxation of mind from the cares of business, recreation and recuperation,
could take up his abode in no more favored spot. Unlike the cramped quarters,
artificial enjoyments and tiresome excitement of ftishionable places of resort,
like Saratoga or Newport, where the heat, dust, and annoyance of city life, is
found, without any of its comforts, here the broad fields of primitive nature opens
wide to view, and invites him to invade her precincts, invigorating body and
mind.
From the first of May until the first of August, fishing is the principal sport.
Sometimes wild pigeons, which often breed in our woods, may be shot in great
numbers in June. After the first of August till frost, fowling commences, and
the gun and dog take the place of hook and tackle. The first of August in
Minnesota is what the first of September is in England, when the game law per-
mits the shooting of prairie chickens, pheasants grouse, &c., which abound eve
rywhere. The larger game, such as deer, elk, and occasionally a bear or buffalo,
come in with cold weather, and continue till spriug. In the fall and spring,
duck and geese are fouud plentifully in every little lake.
Not only to the mere sportsman does Mionesota offer superior attractions,
but to the tourist generally, and all who would seek rest, natural repose, and
quiet enjoyment, in a cool, bracing aad healthful climate, surrounded by all the
pleasant associations of nature, "unmarred by the rude hand of art." Railroads
and stage coaches may be taken, and the remotest parts of the State reached by
easy or rapid stages, as may be preferred.
GENERAL INFORMATION.
ANSWERS TO A FEW OF THE THOUSAND QUESTIONS ASKED ME WILL BE FOUND IN THB
FOLLOWING COMBINATION OP DISJOINTED ITEMS.
Persons with families should not come here entirely destitute to brave the
trials and privations of pioneer life.
Men with means at their command possess, of course, here as elsewhere, great
advantages. There is, perhaps, no question that money can, on an average, be
handled to better advantage in a new and thriving Western country, than in the
old settlements of the East, and Europe. There are opened here a thonsand
avenues into which capital can be profitably turned, and as it promotes the
growth and development of the State, it adds each day to the security of the in-
vestment. Those familiar with the commercial, maimfacturiug and financial
affairs of Minnesota, assure me that there has not been a time since the flush
period of 1857, when half the field for safe and profitable investments of capital
was occupied. Until the last year this want has been a source of great incon-
venience and delay to the enterprise of the State ; but now that we have entered
upon a career of solid progress, and our population rapidly increasing, we find
38 MINNESOTA :
capitalists seeking iuTestments here for tlaeir money, and giving new life and vigor
to many useful enterprises that else would have lingered and languished.
Our reputation as a healthy country brings many invalids here, who come to
regain their health, and do not wish to settle down permanently, or engage in
busmess until they have tested the climate. They do not want to be idle, or
desire to make expenses while here, and therefore many seek positions as teach-
ers, clerks, &c. The consequence is here, as indeed everywhere, these positions
are always crowded. Many young men in good health come expecting employ-
ment of this character, and are disappointed. They then wish themselves back
or wish they had learned a good trade, or understood and inclined to farm life.
They see around them here.men prosperous and contented on farms ; some mak-
ing fortunes, and but little exposed to the vicissitudi^s attending many other pur-
suits ; while our merchants and professional men do reasonably well, it is an un-
deniable fact that our farmers are more uniformly successful than any other class.
Indeed, the portion of farm work now done by machinery, leaves but little that
is irksome or forbidding in the life of a farmer So diiierent is the business now
from what it used to be, and so light is the work of a farmer here, as compared
with the East, that it is not surprising so many are disposed to engage in
the business. A vocation at once so honorfible and independent will each year
commend itself more and more to sensible men, and instead of rearing their sons
to the uncertainties of the professions and mercantile life, they will devote them
to work that is blessed, because it makes two blades of grass grow where only
one grew before — bringing wealth out of the earth, enriching and ennobling
themselves, and adding to the material wealth of the country.
TIME TO COME — WAY TO GEd^ HERE — PRICE OF LAND — SEASON FOR OPENING FARMS —
COST OF SAME — PRICE OF LUMBER — MECHANICS' WAGES — FARM HELP — HOTELS-
COST OF LIVING — PRICE OF STOCK, &C., &C.
Invalids come at all seasons, and this is, perhaps, right; yet the months of
March and April generally furnish more disagreeable weather than the other ten
months of the year.
Those who intend to take farms that are opened and in use, should be here in
time to do fall plowing, which is done in the months of October and November.
Those who intend to open farms should be here in the spring, so as to have their
breaking done before the- first of August. Ground broken after that time had
far better not have been touclied. Crops are put in from the first of April to
the 10th of June, and gathered in the months of August and September.
Government land can be had with land warrants or money, at from $1.00 to
$1.25 per acre, and in portions of the State at ^2.50. Good wild laud can be
had from second hands at from $1.00 to $15.00 per acre, according to the dis-
tance fi'om good trading towns, steamboat landings, and railroads. The diSer-
ent Laud Grant Railroads own immense cjuantities, located in odd sections, along
the line of their roads, and sell at from $2.00 to $8.00 per acre, on long time
and at reasonable rates of interest. The prices of good farms must be estimated
by the reader from these figures, and the prices of materials and labor herewith
furnished. It should be understood that free homesteads under the act of Con-
gress are not found within sight af cities, affording good land, hay, wood and
water, but must be looked for in the more remote and less thickly settled districts.
In giving the following estimates, some allowance should be made for the fact
that prices have not yet entirely receded from those of war times, but are getting
down gradually to a reasonable figure. The way to get to Minnesota and
through the State will be found at the end of this pamphlet on the pages devot-
ed to " Railroads, Steamboats and Stages." All our railroads are now in the
hands of active men, who are pushing them forward as rapidly iis possible.
Those preferring to travel by river can have first-class side-wheel steamers, daily,
from any point on the Mississippi River from St. Louis to St. Paul, and regu-
larly to Stillwater and Taylor's Falls. Fare from St. Louis to St. Paul fourteen
to twenty dojlars ; from Milwaukee about ."$16 ; Chicago about |20.
Having given the prices of land, I will give estimates for putting it to use.
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS. 39
To break prairie land costs from $2.50 to ^4.00 per acre ; timber land of course
much higher. Lumber costs from $ 14.00 to i^lT.OO per thousand feet for fencing,
according to the distance from the mills. Posts are made of cedar, tamrack, oak,
pine and locust. Machinery does a large part of the farm work. We have
■gang-plows, seed sowers, cultivators, reapers and harvesters, mowers, threshers
by horse power and steam. Men engage exclusively in these branches — have
their own machinery, and going from farm to farm, gathering a man's crop and
putting it in market in a few days. Hired men are procured with but little
trouble for farm work, and at prices ranging from $16 to $30 per month ; hired
girls at from $7 to $10. The expense of building houses must be gathered by
the reader from the piice of lumber and mechanics' wages. Lumber for dwell-
ings costs from $15 to $22 per thousand, and carpentets get from $2.00 to $3.50
per day ; brick and stone masons from $2.00 to $4.00 per day. Large barns
are not required — or, at least, are seldom found. When the threshing is done in
the fall, the straw is thrown upon the timbers constructed with " crotch and
rider," which affords a warm and secure shelter for stock in all weather. Farm
horses here are worth from i$80 to $180 ; cows from $30 to $45. Abundance
■of good hay grows wild on our marshes and meadows, is considered equal to
the Kentucky blue grass, and by many superior to clover and timothy. The ex-
pense of living here can be estimated by the prices charged for board at hotels
-and private boarding houses. The prices range from $1.00 to $3.00 per day at
hotels, and from ^gl.OO to $2.00 at private boarding houses. These are the
prices in the larger cities of the State, but good accommodations are procured
in thrifty towns, and on the shores of attractive lakes, at more moderate prices.
The quality of the tare and the charges are to some extent under the control of
'the travelling public. Where a man feeds low and charges high, it should be
>your pleasure, as it certainly is you duty, to exercise the " traveller's privilege,"
and speak out ; — let the fact be known as you pass around. It is the only cor-
rective of this abuse — the only protection against the most disagreeable imposi-
tion known among men. Th^ public pay their money and take their choice. If
they commend what is commendable, and censure the opposite, exercising a
•cheerful discrimination, it will work a cure. The man who can keep a hotel
knows that an appeal to the stomach and the pocket never failed in a verdict !
I am the more particular on this point, because of the great interests of the State
in this matter. The man who first visits a place in bad weather, gets to a mean
hotel, is badly fed and over charged, will carry the disagreeable impressions of
that place to his dying day.
FLUSH TIMES IN" MINISTESOTA.
In contrasting the Minnesota of 1869 with the past, it may not be unprofit-
able to recur for a moment to the -'flush times" of 1857. The wonderful specu-
lative fever that then pervaded the West found its culmination in Min-
nesota. Young, attractive, with domain enough for an empire, it was not strange
that thousands came here from the older States, and other countries, in search of
fame and fortune. In the multitudes who came here in those excited and ex-
citing times, were many of the best men of the localities from which they came,
■and, on an average, perhaps as good a class of people as ever flocked to a new
'Country.
There however seemed this difference between the tide that poured into Min-
nesota, and that which drifted to the gold fields of the Pacific coast: While the
latter, as a rule, expected to get wealth even if they had t(; dig for it, the former
seemed to think they could readily obtain it here, and without any special wear
and tear of muscle. The result was, a population made up mainly of specula-
tors ; — nobody to work, nobody to develope the resources of the Territory ; all
these rich, broad acres— all these immense water-powers — all our great wilderness
of lumber, as undisturbed as when the Indians controlled them. Cities and
towns built, with no productive country or agricultural community around to
support them, filled with men who came here, some with money and some with-
40 MINNESOTA.
out, but all engaged in the all-absorbing whirl of wild speculation, dealing in
corner lots and sections of moonshine, with money at from three to ten per cent,
a mouth — raising nothing from the earth — living upon the flour and meat, and
even vegetables, brought up the river on the boats that carried them here !
Such was the condition of Minnesota when overtaken by the memorable finaa-
cial crash of 1857. The reader need not be told that the shrinkage of values
was — ten-ific !
There are certain dangerous diseases that attack in childhood, from which, if
the patient recovers, he can safely claim immunity henceforth. Ours was of that
sort, and so well defined as to not mistake its type. From that time we date our
ai^e and solid growth, and while to-day we look back with amazement upon those
tines, we recall men of that period to whom we are indebted for much of our
present prosperity.
MINNESOTA IN 1869.
The limits of this pamphlet have not afforded room for a detail of the difficul-
ties and trials attending the early career of this State — were they recounted
here in view of our present status, it would seem that we have indeed, like the
fabled spectre ship, " sailed the faster in the very teeth of the wind."
Although the price to which our great staple, wheat, fell about the close of
our immense harvest, reduced our receipts greatly, yet all things considered, the
year 1868 was in the aggregate the best Minnesota has ever known. More men
have taken to the plough ; there have been more acres of land broken ; more grain
produced ; more minerals developed ; more lumber made ; more houses built ;
more manufactories started ; more railroads constructed ; more boats employed ;
more freight carried ; more people added to the State, than in any year of its
history. This has not been done under any sudden influence of flush times and
wild speculative mania, such as all new western States must have, but the result
of causes naturally producing these results — and that through a year not generally
regarded as a prosperous one, or in any respect calculated to give unusual stim-
ulus to progress.
We have now entered upon 1869 with a prospect for the future which the
most favored periods of the past bear no comparison. Minnesotians all seem
full of confidence in the future of this State, and there are abundant reasons for
the faith that is in them. Every city, town and district shows life and progress
Our farmers — that strong arm of our destiny — all cheerful and thrifty, with their
numbers rapidly increasing ; our manufactories multiplying ; our railroads on a
sound basis, and stretching to every portion of the State ; immigration greatly
on the increase ; eastern capital seeking investments in our midst ; our reputa-
tion established as a Sanitarium for the world !
WINTER IN MINNESOTA.
There is a popular opinion abroad that Minnesota is a delightful country to
" summer in," but our winters are not so attractive. Now, of those who have
tried summer and winter here, it is a question which season the majority prefer.
I spent a large part of my life in Alabama, am familiar with the winters of the
South, New Orleans, &c., and am free to say that for real enjoyment I would not
exchange winter in Minnesota for any i?ountry I ever saw. The season for using.
our rivers for boating ends about the last of November, and it is the custom to
wind up with the Annual December Steamboat Excursion at St. Paul, which
takes place the first day of December. Last month witnessed the fourth con-
secutive annual observance of this delightful custom. The river closes soon
after and is then devoted to other uses. Skating Rinks, Trotting Parks, &c.,,
are regularly laid out on the ice, to which old and young, grave and gay, repair
daily and nightly to sleigh ride, skate, dance, masquerade, &c. It is the season
of the year, by general consent, given up to enjoyment and every one seems re-
solved to have his share. Those who have never seen the graceful movements
of a hundred ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, together on skates have miss-
ed a sight worth seeing.
ITS ADVANTAGES TO SETTLERS.
41
But the youug folks have a broader and more varied field than our lakes and
rivers afford. On every hill side, from early day until late night, are scores and
hundreds of boys and girls with sleds, cutters, &c., coasting down with a velocity
that seems frightful. The joyous shouts and laughter of these merry groups as
they ring cheerily out in the clear, crisp air tell of true enjoyment. Strangers are
struck with wonder and delight at the extent to which these enjoyments are carried
here. I have seen them stop for hours to look at the coasters, while their eyes
seemed to say, " I wish I we:-e a boy again !" A little six year older came in the
other day from the hill side, with cheeks all aglow, and exclaimed, " Pa, what
do the poor little boys in the South do where they have no snow ?" Where, in
all the world, is there so much to make childhood happy as here in Minnesota ?
We rejoice at this, for is it not our duty to throw as much sunshine into their
young hearts as possible, that it may linger there to light and cheer mid the
gloom and trials of after years !
We are now at the first of February, 1869, and have not had over six or
eight inches snow on the ground at one time this winter, yet we have had sleigh-
ing since the 6th of December and during all this time the weather has been
clear, calm, bright and pleasant, men every where working out of doors building
houses, bridges, railroads, &c., [except brick or stone walls,] and strangers from
the East and South spending the winter here will testify that they never before-
experienced such delightful weather as they find in Minnesota !
STATE OFFICERS.
WILLIAM R.
MARSHALL
Governor.
THOMAS H.
ARMSTRONG, - Lieutenant Governor.
HENRY C. ROGERS, -
Secretary
of State.
CHARLES McILRATH,
Auditor.
.
EMIL MUNCH, -
Treasurer,
F. R. E. CORNELL, -
- A.ttorney
General.
A COMPLETE LIST OP
MINNESOTA NEWSPAPERS.
WHERE PUBLISHED.
WHERE PUBLISHED,
Freeborn County Standard
Albert Lea.
Journal,
Owatonna.
Alexandria Post,
Alexandria.
Republican,
Preston.
Union,
Anoka.
Palladium,
Pine Island.
Presa,
it
Goodhue County Republican, Red Wing.
Mower County Register,
Austin.
Argus,
tf
Transcript,
((
Amerika,
Rochester.
Democrat,
If
Post,
tt
Free Press,
Brownsville.
Nordish Volkblad,
II
South West,
Blue Earth City
Federal Union,
(t
Journal,
Caledonia.
Southern Minnesotian,
Rushford.
Democrat,
Chatfield.
Argus,
Shakopee.
Valley Herald,
Chaska.
Spy,
(1
Central Republican,
Faribault.
RepubUcMi,
Stillwater.
Democrat,
11
Herald,
Sauk Centre
Atlas,
Fairmount.
Journal,
St. Cloud.
Telegraph,
Farmington.
Times,
tt
Meeker County News,
Forest City.
Press, daily.
St. Paul.
Herald,
Garden City.
Pioneer, daily.
11
Union,
Hastings.
Dispatch, daily.
14
Gazette,
((
Staats Zeitung,
«
Republican,
Kasson.
Volksblatt,
<(
Herald,
Lanesboro.
Minnesota Monthly,
K
Leader,
Lake City.
N. W. Chronicle,
li
Courier,
Le Sueur,
School Visitor,
It
Record,
Mankato.
Wanderer,
11
Union,
It
Tribune,
St. Peter.
Express,
MantorviUe.
Advertiser,
It
Minnesota Teacher,
It
Herali,
. St. Charles.
Tribune, daily.
Minneapolis,
Sentinel,
Sauk Rapids.
Independent,
K
Reporter,
Taylor's Falls ^
Farmers Union,
(1
Herald,
Wabasha w.
Minnesota Pupil,
t(
News,
Waseca.
Nor,lishFolkblad,
It
Free Homestead,
Winnbago Cety,
Post,
NewUlm.
Republican, daily,
Fo^enne,
Winona.
Enterprise,
Northfield.
«
WINONA & ST. PETER RAILROAD
1839. COi\II*^IVY^. 1839.
< » •• »
GREAT INDUCEMENTS TO SETTLERS.
400,000 ACBES of SUPEIOR FARMIli& LMDS FOR SALE
The Winona & St. Peter Railroad extends from Winona, on the Mississippi
River, westerly, via St. Peter, across the fertile Valley of the
Minnesota Rivei', and through the great
T¥heat-ProdHciiig District of Minnesota,
To the western boundary of the State.
The Railroad, now in operation for a distance of 105 miles from
Winona, will be extended to the Minnesota River during the present year,
and with an Eastern connection, which will be in operation early the pres-
ent season, will form a part of the great through route from the East to the
Northwest.
The Lands offered for sale by this Company are within twenty miles
on each side of the road, a large portion of which being located in the most
densely populated district of the State, have all the advantages of the older
States in regard to markets, schools, churches, &c., &c.
150,000 ACRES OF THESE LANDS,
In the Counties of Nicollet, Sibley, Redwood, and Cottonwood,
A.x*e no^^v l^eing,- l>i'oiigfht into Miarket,
And to which the attention of those seeking homes In the West is especially-
invited. The district of country in which these Lands are situated, for
Agricultural purposes or Stock Raising, cannot be excelled in the North-
west. The Railroad Company will sell a portion of these Lands, in
Tracts not exceeding J60 Acres each, at Five Dollars per Acre,
on the following liberal terms, 'viz :
Parties purchasing to Pay Interest on Purchase Money, for first Three
Years, at the rate of Seven per cent, per Annum ; and principal, with
Interest at same rate, payable in Four Annual Payments thereafter.
No Lands will be sold to any but r.ctual settlers, for occupancy.
Any desired information, together with pamphlets relating to the lands,
climate and production of the State, will be furnished on application being
made to
H. W. LAMBERTON,
Land Commissioner, Winona & St. Peter R. R.
WINONA, MINN.
ISGO. 1SG9.
Lake Snperior and Mississippi
RAILROAD.
The line of this road Js from St. Paul, the head of navigation on the Missis-
sippi river, to the head of Lake Superior, a distance of 140 miles. It connects
at 8t. Paul, with each of the long- lints of raihoad traversitig the vast and fer-
tile regions of Minnesota, in all directions, and converging at St Paul.
It connects the commerce and business of the Mississippi and Minnesota
rivers, the California Central Pailroad, and the Northern Pacific Railroad, with
Lake Superior and the commercial system of the great lakes, and makes the
•outlet or commercial track to the lakes, over which must pass the commerce of
a region of country, second to none on the American continent in capacity for
production.
The laud grant made by the government of the United States and by the
State of Minnesota, in aid of the construction of this road, is the largest in
quantity and most valuable in kind ever made in aid of any railway in either of
the American States.
This grant amounts to seventeen square miles or sections [10,880 acres] of
land for each mile of the ro^id, and in the aggregate to ONE MILLION SIX
HUNDRKD AND THIRTY- TWO THOUSAND ACRES OP LAND.
These lands are for the most part well timbered with pine, butternut, white oak,
sugar maple and other valuable timber, and are perhaps better adapted to the
raising of stock, winter wheat, corn, oats, and most kinds of agricultural pro-
ducts, than any equal quantity of land in the Northwest.
These lands are well watered with running streams and innumerable lakes,
and within the limits of the land belonging to the Company, there is an abun-
dance of water-power for manufacturing purposes.
A glance at the map, and an intelligent comprehension of the course of trade,
and way to the markets of the Eastern cities and to Europe, for the products of
this section of the Northwest, will at once satisfy any one who examines the
question, that the lands of this Company, by reason of the low freights at
which their products reach market, have a value — independent of that which
arises from their superior quality — which can hardly be over-estimated.
Twenty cents saved in sending a bushel of wheat to market, adds four
dollars to the yearly product of an acre of wheat land, and what is true of
this will apply to all other articles of firm produce transported to market,
and demonstrates that the value of lands d^^pends l:u'gely on the price at
which their products can be carried to market.
THE LAITDS OF THIS COMPAISTY
ARE NOW OFFERED TO
VIIGRANTS AND SETTLERS
At the most favorable rates, as to time and terms of payment.
W. L. BANNING,
President and Land Commissioner, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
1889. 1869.
IIILWAlEEMDMiT PAUL RAILWAY,
EMBRACING THE PRI^XIPAL RAILWAY LINES IN
WIS COASm, MINNESOTA, AND NOfiTHERN IOWA, Tizt
Milwankeeto St. Paul and Minneapolis, 408 Miles,
Milwaukee to La Crosse, 196 "
Milwaukee to Portage City, 95 "
Mil to n to Monroe, 42 "
Wate rtown to Sun Prairie, 26 "
Hori con to Berlin and Winneconne 58 "
Total,.... 825 "
Alex. Mitchell, President. Eiissell Sage, Yice President. S. S. Merrill,
General Manager. J. P. Whaling, Auditor. A. Gary, Sec. and Treas. 0, E.
Britt, Gen, Freight Agent. A. V. II. Carpenter, Gen. Pass. Agent, Milwau-
kee, W is. J. \V . Prince, Gen. Eastern Agent, No. 2 Astor House, New York.
TWO THROUGH* EXPRESS TRAINS FROM
MILWAUKEE to MINNEAPOLIS and SAINT PAUL,
Daily [except Sundays.]
MAGNIFICENT PALACE CAES ON DAY TRAINS.
Splendid neio Sleeping Cars on Night Trains^ with a full
nigJiVs rest via Milwaukee.
PURCHASE TICKETS VIA ^^ MILWAUKEE."
This is the only All Rail Route to Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
fl^^ Note. — Passengers via Milivavkee have ample time for meals at Fox's
new Depot Hotel at that place — the best Kailway Eating-House in the country.
The Dovsman House at Prairie du Chien afiords ample facilities for accom-
modation of travelers, and in the best style.
Baggage Checked Through only by this Route, and via Milwaukee alone.
^^^ The same advantages apply to passengers going East from Minnesota,
Northern loM'a and Wiscousii-;, by this route.
^^ Passengers for any point in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Northern
Iowa, by purchasing Tickets via Milwaukee secure the following advantages,
viz : the most direct route, and the only one by which connections are sure i
No Night changes of cars : Clean Coaches, with ample accommodations, are
always provided at Milwaukee. Palace .'sleeping Cars are attached to night
trains from Milwaukee alone, which insures a full night's rest — facilities not
attainable by any other route. '1 his is the only route by which baggage is
checked through to St. Paul, Minneapolis, or Owatonna.
Si'EciAL Notice ! — Passengtrs destined for any place in Wisconsin, Minne-
sota, or Northern Iowa, either on or off the Lines of this Company, who can
not procure through tickets to destination should purchase their tickets to Mil-
waukee, as this is the great distributing point for these states, and by so doing
they avoid the liability of getting out of their direct way.
JS?" During the Spring, Summer and Fall, emigrants for St. Pawl, Minne-
apolis and inteimediate points, via Prairie du Chien, will go through from
MILWAUKEE without change of cars.
THE FXIt^X DITISIO:^' OF XH£
St. Paul & Pacific R. R. Company.
1869. LAND DEPARTMENT. 1869.
FARMS AND HOMES IN MINNESOTA.
THIS COMPANY NOW OFFERS FOR SALE
SJOO,000 -A^CR^ES OF L.^TVr>,
Located along their two Railroad Lines, viz., from St. Paul, via St. Anthonj,
Anoka, St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids to Watab ; and from St. Anthony
via Minneapolis, Wayzetta, Crow River, Waverly and
Forest City to the western boundary of the State.
FOR oiiAi:^ oito^vf nvo,
The lands in the counties of Hennepin, "Wright, Stearns, Benton and
Meeker, present unsurpassed advantages. Farmers from the Eastern
States are selecting these lands in preference over all others for the pur-
pose of raising wheat, the great staple article of Western commerce.
These counties also contain an abundance of fine hardwood timber, which
is in great demand for various purposes, and finds a ready market along
the railroads, and pays not only for the clearing of the land, but for the
land itself.
FOR §T0CK: RAISFSrO,
The counties of Anoka, Isanti and Sherburne, are particularly well adapt-
ed. The soil is a rich, sandy loam, partly prairie, brush and light timber,
somewhat rolling, with innumerable fresh water lakes, and traversed by
fine running streams, which are bordered by an abundance of good meadow
lands, afi'ording an unlimited supply of grass and hay. They are easy ot
access to the mines on Lake Superior, and the great Pineries of the north-
ern part of the State, which afi'ords the best and principal markets for
cattle in the country. In connection with Stock Raising, it is necessary
to call attention to the fact that the Dairy Business is as yet in its infancy,
which is shown by the high prices of butter and cheese, and the large
importations of those articles every season from the Eastern States.
^ OOl^ RAIIil^C;^
Is also becoming very profitable in Minnesota, and, besides the lands in
the counties of Anoka, Isanti and Sherburne, described above, the prairie
lands in the counties of Meeker, Kandiyohi and Monongalia, are particu-
larly sought after for that purpose.
TERMS OF PATrME:!¥T:
These lands are offered in tracts of 40, 80, and 160 acres and upwards,
at prices varying from $5 to $10 per acre, (with some few tracts at higher
figures) rated according to the quality and nearness to the Railroad.
They are sold for cash or on long credit (ten years if desired) with 7 per
cent, annual interest, thus enabling persons of small means to acquire, on
easy terms, a home in a healthy and productive region. Those who have
already settled along the lines of these railroads have found their lands
increase in value at the rate of fifty per cent, per annum.
These lands have been reserved from sale since 1857; they are in the
midst of considerable settlements, and convenient to churches, schools
and established roads and markets.
For further information apply to
HERMANN TROTT, Secretary.
GEORGE L. BECKER,
Land Commissioner, St. Paul, Minn.
1869. THE 18 69.
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
KAIL ROAD COMPANY.
T. B. STODDARD, - - - - President.
CLARK W. THOMPSON, - Gene^^aL Manager.
LUKE MILLER, . - _ - Treasurer.
C. G. AVYCKOFF, - - - Secretary.
M. CONANT, - - - Land Commissioner.
This road starts at LaCrescent, on Mississippi River, and i&'
now completed to Lanesboro, Fillmore County, fift}^ miles,,
and work on it will be pushed forward vigorously towards its
terminus, at Great Bend, of the Missouri River.
Being a Land Grand Road, this Company is endowed with
a Avealth of land not surpassed by an}^ Road in the State.
Passing, as it does, through the wealthy and populous counties
of Houston, Fillmore, Mower, Freeborn, Faribault, Martin^
and Brown, it traverses the rich valley of Root river, thence
through a region of unsurpassed fertility, to the western line
of the State, and Great Bend of the Missouri.
The Company now oflfer for sale
150,000 ACRES OF LAND
AT FROM
^3 to ^8 per -A^cre,
UPON LONG TIME, AT REASONABLE INTEREST.
Much of this land is of excellent quality, — some prairie and
some well wooded — all of it in the southern part of the State,
a region traversed by never-failing streams of pure water, — iu
the midst of settled neighborhoods and districts, rapiiily filling
up with an active and intelligent population. The fine water
power of Root river is being developed, and will add greatly
to the wealth, population, and importance of this portion of
the State.
Minnesota Stage Company.
ISO©. — « i@oo.
This Company run stages in connection with all the Rail-
roads and over the principal thoroughfares in the State.
FROM WASECA,
Terminus of the Winona and St. Peter Railroad, to Wilton,
Winnebago Agency, Mankato, New Ulm, and Redwood Falls.
FROM MANKATO,
Terminus of the Saint Paul and Sioux City Railroad, to-
jrarden City, Winnebago Cit} , and Blue Earth City.
FROM SAINT PETER
To New Ulm and Fort Ridgely.
FROM SAINT CLOUD,
Terminus of the Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad, to Saint
ro, Cold Spring, Sauk Centre, Alexandria, and Fort Aber-
Tombie. Also, to Little Falls, Fort Ripley, and Crow Wing.
FROM LANESBORO,
Terminus of the Southern Minnesota Railroad, to Preston,
IpniJir Valley, and Austin.
FROM WINONA,
To Fountain City, Wis., AVamandee Valley, Gilmanton, and
uSLU Claire.
FROM WYOMING,
Terminus of i e Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad,
3 Sunrise, Che : ; watana, and Superior.
FROM SAINT PAUL
To Stillwater, Marine and Taylor's Falls. Also, to Hudson,
ris.
BLAKELEY &. CARPENTER,
St. Paul, 1869. Proprietors.
1869. THE 1869.
North- Western Union Packet Co.
OR WHITE COLLAR LINE.
The splendid steamers of this Compam^ will run during the
season of navigation, between St. Paul and St. Louis, forming
a daily line, and making close connections at St. Louis with
the Mississippi and New Orleans Packet Campanies.
Ddjstleith, with trains of Illinois Central R. R.
Dubuque, " Dubuque & Sioux City R. R
Pk. du Chien & ^, ( Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien &
McGregor, ( McGregor W. Railways.
LaCrosse, *' Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway.
Winona, *' Winona & St. Peter Railway.
C St. Paul & Pacific Railroad.
St. Paul, ♦* ) St. Paul & Sioux City Railroad.
(^ St. Paul & Milwaukee Railroad.
These steamers are unsurpassed by any on the Upper Mis-
sissippi, for speed, safety and comfort. They are elegantly
fitted for the accommodation of passengers, and are commanded
by experienced Captains.
The traveler or tourist on this route sees the many young
cities and villages that have grown up, as if by magic, along
the shores of the Mississippi river, from St. Louis to St. Paul,
in the States of Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, & Min-
nesota. Among which, in Minnesota, are La Crescent, Winona,
Wabashaw, Lake City, Red Wing, Prescott, Hastings, &c.
He also passes through Lake Pepin, a beautiful sheet of water,
thirty miles in length, embellished on either side with grand
and interesting scenery. Indeed, all along the river are found
spectacles of a very romantic and picturesque character, un-
equalled in the new world, if indeed in the old. The art-
embellished shores of the Hudson do not compare with the
grand, wild, natural scenery, with which nature has festooned
t^he shores oi the Father of Waters in Minnesota ; and culti-
vated travelers from abroad have ao'ain and ao^ain asserted, that
there is nothing ni the old world to equal it — not even in Italy,
Switzerland, or the Rhine, — mid the vine-clad hills of old
France !
Passengers can purchase through tickets to all principal
points East and South, at the offices of the Company. West-
ward bound passengers can also procure tickets over this route,
at all Eastern Railroad offices.
W. F. DAVIDSON, President.
St. Paul, Minnesota — Office cor. Tl-hdand Jackson Sts.
THE SAINT PAUL PIONEER.
THE OLDEST AND BEST NEWSPAPER IN THE STATE.
A DEMOCRATIC DAILY, TRI- WEEKLY, & WEEKLY JOURNAL.
As an advertising medium the SAINT PAUL PIONEER is
unsurpassed by any Paper in the Northwest.
Daily, one year, $10.00 Tri-Weekly, one j-^ear, 16.00 Weekly, one year, $2.00
" six mo's, 5.00 " six mo's, 3.00 " six mo's, 1.00
Address, PIONEER PRINTING CO., St. Paul, Minnesota.
X JnlJu oiLlJH X JrAyUXji XrxvJu^^*
DAILY, TRl-WEEKLY AND WEEKLY.
THE LEADING REPUBLICAN PAPER OF THE STATE.
Advertisers are assured tliat its Total Circulation is Three-Fold
that of any other Paper published in Minnesota.
Especial attention paid to Statistics of the Development and Growth of the State.
DAILY, one vear, - $10.00 Three months, - S2.50
TRI-WEEKLY, one yeai-, 6.00 " - 1.50
;.The "Weekly Press" is the Largest Paper publislied west of Chicago— $2.00 per year.
Address, PRESS PRINTING CO., St. Paul, Minn.
THE SAINT PAUL OISPATCfi
A. K,epu.blica.ix Newspaper.
PUBLISHED DAILY, TRI-WEEKLY AND WEEKLY.
DAILY, per month, 70 cts. ; per quarter, $2.00; per year, $8.00.
TRI-WEEKLY, per year, $4.00.
WEEKLY, per year, •$L5'i. Clubs of five or over, to one address, per year, $1.00.
RAMALEY, HALL & CO.
ALSO
STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS AND BOOKBINDERS,
Minnesota Street, between Third and Fourth, St. Paul, Mitm.
THE MINNESOTA MONTHLY:
A NOBTHWESTJEBK 3IAGAZ1WE,
Edited by.D. A. ROBERTSON, of St. Paul.
Contains not less than thirty-two pages of solid reading matter, printed on fine
book paper, stitched and cut, witli neat paper cover, at $2 per annum,
This publication is devoted to Agriculture, Horticulture, Domestic Economy,
Mechanical and Manufacturing Industry, and the Resources, Settlement, Development,
Hygiene, Climatology, and Statistics of Minnesota and the Northwest, with various
scientific, local, and general knowledge, for all classes of readers.
Address. "MINNESOTA MONTHLY," St. Paul, Minn.
The Advertising Department is in charge of J. B. Bell, Newspaper Adver-
tising Agent, St. Paul, Minnesota.
THE NORTH-WESTERN CHRONICLE.
THE OJVL^^
REPRESENTATIVE CATHOLIC JOURNAL IN THE NORTHWEST.
Published with the approval of Rt. Rev. Bishop of Bt. Paul.
By JOHN C. DEVEEEUX,
Catholic Block, Third Street, St. Pacx, Minn.
ST. PAUL PRESS PRIST,
isea. THE isee.
ST. PAUL AND SIOUX CITY
(LATE MINNESOTA VALLEY)
RAIL ROAD COMPANY.
From ST. PAUL, via MANKATO, to SIOUX CITY.
Completed to MANKATO, 86 Miles.
A Land Grant of 1,200,000 Acres.
The Company now offer for Sale and Settlement,
P\P\nnnn AP'R1^^^ ^^ their Lands, comprising some of
OOU,UUU AuIvIjO the very finest and most productive
farming land in the West, at prices from $5 to $10 per acre.
These lands were odd sections, withdrawn from sale in 1857, the even
sections being mostly sold to actual settlers. The country is conse-
quently well settled and improved, with roads, school houses, churches,
and numerous towns and villages.
The lands consist of both timber and prairie, with rich soil and finely
watered, with a climate superior to that of anj' of the Western States.
The lands now offered are situate in the counties of Dakota, Henne-
pin, Carver, Scott, Sibley, f.eSueur, McLeod, Nicollet, Blue Earth,
Brown, Watonwan, Martin and Cottonwood.
GENERAL TERMS OF SALE:
One-tenth cash, balance in five annual payments, with interest at
the rate of seven per cent, per annum, or a discount of ten per cent,
on nine-tenths of purchase money for cash sales.
All applications for the purchase of lands, or any information re-
garding them may be addressed to the
" LAND DEPARTMENT."
St. Paul & Sioux City Railroad Company, St. Paul.
OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY;
E. F. Drakk, President, 1 ,^ G. A. Hamilton, Secretaty^
J. L. Merkiam,- VicePres^ r\, M % Thompson, Trea&ujer.
S^n^AnjETMiNN'^OTA .
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