Encyclopedia of biography of Minnesota. History of Minnesota

Front matter

ill

{llllllfl'j 1.

Class Book

Preface

Many books of the character and general design of the present volume have been given to the public as embodying the history of certain States and sections of the Uuion, through the medium of biographies aud portraits of their representative men; but this work differs essentially from them all, in that, while it contains tin' usual features of biography and portraiture, it is also accompanied by a succinct, accurate, interesting and readable history of Minnesota, prepared by one of the oldest and most experienced citizens of the State. Judge Flamlrau, the author of this history, has participated in every important event which has occurred in Minnesota since its organization as a Territory in 1S4!>, and recounts in a colloquial and pleasing style, his personal recollections and knowledge of the growth and progress of the State. This history will be read by thousands, where a more pretentious and voluminous record would be eschewed as too laborious an undertaking.

The State of Minnesota is quite a youthful member of the Union, its history compassing but half a century; yet its marvelous growth in all the elements that make for substantial worth and greatness, has been phenomenal, and entitles it to a prominent niche in the gallery of the sisterhood.

Besides the history, the work contains the biographies of many of the prominent citizens of the State, with their portraits. We feel justified in saying that the workmanship and art bestowed on these portraits, is of superior excellence, both in the engraving and the perfection of the resemblance to the subjects portrayed, while the biographical sketches are authentic. It has been the aim of the publishers throughout, to include in the list only those who have, by their ability, industry and courage, contributed to the building of the State to its present eminence. Many have been omitted, who are, no doubt, entitled to a place on the roll of honor, their great number making it impracticable to include them all in one volume. These omissions may, however, be remedied in a subsequent volume.

In presenting to the public this Encyclopaedia of Biography of Minnesota, with its accompanying history, the publishers believe they have made a valuable contribution to the history and literature of the State, and acknowledge their thanks for the aid and support which they have received from their patrons and the people of Minnesota generally, in the preparation of this work.

THE PUBLISHERS.

CONTENTS OF HISTORY.

CHRONOLOGICALLY ARRANGED.

Page

Opening Statement 7

Legendary and Aboriginal Era 8

Fort Snelling 12

Selkirk Settlement 14

George Catlin 16

Featherstonhaugh 17

Schoolcraft; Source of Mississippi 17

Elevations in Minnesota iS

Nicollet 18

Missions 19

Indians 21

Territorial Period 24

Education 26

First Territorial Government 28

Courts 29

First Territorial Legislature 30

Immigration 3-

The Panic of 1857 34

Land Titles 35

The First Newspaper 35

Banks 36

The Fur Trade 37

Pemmican 39

Transportation and Express 40

Lumber 41

Religion 41

Railroads 44

The First Railroad Actually Built 48

The Spirit Lake Massacre 49

The Constitutional Convention 51

Attempt to Remove the Capital 54

Census 55

Grasshoppers 55

Militia 56

The Wright County War 57

The Civil War 57

The Third Regiment 60

The Indian War of 1862 and Following Years. ... 63

The Attack on Fort Ridgely 68

Battle of New Ulm 69

Battle of Birch Coulie 72

Occurrences in Meeker County and Vicinity 73

Protection of the Southern Frontier 74

Colonel Sibley Moves upon the Enemy 76

Page

Battle of Wood Lake 77

Fort Abercrombie 78

Camp Release 79

Trial of the Indians 79

Execution of 38 Condemned Indians 81

The Campaign of 1863 82

Battle of Big Mound 83

Battle of Dead Buffalo Lake 83

Battle of Stony Lake 84

Campaign of 1864 85

A Long Period of Peace and Prosperity S7

Introduction of New Process of Milling Wheat. ... 87

The Discovery of Iron 88

Commerce Through St. Mary's Falls Canal 89

Agriculture 90

Dairying 90

University of Minnesota and Its School of Agriculture 91

The Minnesota State Agricultural Society 92

The Minnesota Soldiers' Home 93

Other State Institutions 93

Minnesota Institute for Defectives 94

State School for Dependent and Neglected Children 94

The Minnesota State Training School 95

The Minnesota State Reformatory 95

The Minnesota State Prison 95

The Minnesota Historical Society 96

State Institutions Miscellaneous in Character 96

State Finances 97

The Monetary and Business Flurry of 1873 and

Panic of 1893 97

Minor Happenings gg

The War with Spain 100

The Indian Battle of Leech Lake 102

Population I0 _j

The State Flag 105

The Official Flower of the State, and the Method

of Its Selection jq6

Origin of the Name "Gopher State" 107

State Parks jog

Politics i I0

Books Which Have Been Published Relating to Minnesota 112

-I