Minnesota as Seen by Travelers: Up the Minnesota Valley to Fort Ridgely in 1853

This piece presents a report, originally published in the May 7, 1853 issues of the Minnesotian and most likely written by its editor John P. Owens, of a trip by steamer up the Minnesota River to Fort Ridgely. Observations include the serpentine character of the river and numerous snags encountered the presence of farms and newly formed towns along the route, and the nature of the land at the confluence with the Cottonwood River. The author of the report was impressed by the agricultural and mineral resources of the valley, commenting on farming lands, timber, water, and stone. An 1853 map of river-town sites accompanies the text. Also included is a letter from a newspaper correspondent in Traverse des Sioux commenting on the upper Minnesota River region.