Seth Eastman's paintings provide a glimpse of the Minnesota River Basin in the early 1800s. Eastman explored the valleys and woodlands near Fort Snelling where he lived and visited from 1830 to 1857. He recorded his observations and understanding of the landscapes and the Dakota and Ojibwe people who had been living in the area for many generations. His paintings provide insight into what the landscape looked like as well as the everyday life of Dakota men and women.

1830 Map

1830 Map of Native Americans in the Minnesota River Valley
Map courtesy of Afton Historical Press
Marybeth Lorbiecki's Painting the Dakota: Seth Eastman at Fort Snelling

Confluence
(Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers)

 Confluence Prairie at Mouth of Minnesota River

Prairie at the Mouth of St. Peters (Minnesota) River
Valley of St. Peters
(Minnesota) River
 Minnesota River Valley

Fishing

 Fishing
Prairie at Fort Snelling

Prairie at Fort Snelling

 Pilot's Knob Pilot's Knob
Fort Snelling Upstream
 Fort Snelling upstream

Fort Snelling

 Fort Snelling
Dakota Encampment
Dakota Encampment    

 
All paintings by Seth Eastman
Images courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society
  

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This page was last updated 4/15/03
Minnesota River Basin Data Center | Minnesota State University, Mankato
184 Trafton Science Center S, Mankato, MN 56001 | Phone: (507)389-5492 | FAX: (507)389-5493 | Email: mrbdc@mnsu.edu