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Wetland Drainage in the Hawk Creek Pilot Watershed, Minnesota

Choate, Jerry S
This study examine the effects of a federal flood-control project on the drainage of wetlands in the Hawk Creek watershed, a major tributary of the Minnesota River. The report describes the study methodology, which involved analysis of aerial photographs to determine the effects of channeling (a method of flood control) on the wetlands. The author concludes that over 50 percent of wetlands in channeled areas were lost, while the rate was only 13 percent in unchanneled areas, clearly showing the role of traditional flood control in wetland loss.
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At the Bend in the River: An Illustrate History of Mankato and North Mankato

Lundin, Vernard E
This history examines the development of Mankato-North Mankato from 1852 to 1990, with a concentration on industries, businesses, churches, schools, institutions, organizations, culture, public health, and recreation. A chapter entitled "The River Is Conquered" addresses the issue of flooding by the Minnesota River, and Mankato's various efforts at flood control culmination in the construction of a system of walls and dikes in 1987. Numerous photographs illustrate the text, and a brief bibliography is appended.

Henderson Then and Now in the Minnesota River Valley

Deis, James
This extensive volume presents a history of the Minnesota River Valley town of Henderson. Organized by topic, the work addresses pre-town river valley history, the founding of Henderson, Sibley county development, military events, business, education, religious life, organizations, celebrations, social life and recreation, agriculture, townships, and family life. A bibliography is appended.

The Shakopee Story

Coller, Julius A
This extensive volume on the history of Shakopee spans the first hundred years of the town's existence, from 1851 to 1958. Brief introductory chapters examine the Minnesota River Valley, its exploration, and early inhabitants prior to the founding of Shakopee, while the bulk of the book describes the formation and development of the town. Sources are provided for each chapter, and numerous photographs illustrate the text. Appendices include information on the Shakopee tribe, profiles of individuals, town population figures, a chronology, and a bibliography.

Chaska: A Minnesota River City (Volume II: 1900-1950)

Barac, LaVonne E
This second of two volumes on the history of the Minnesota River town of Chaska presents information covering the years 1900 through 1950. Topics discussed include education, industry and businesses, city politics, and river flooding. Excerpts from local newspapers and historical photographs are included.

Chaska: A Minnesota River City (Volume I: The 1800s)

Barac, LaVonne E
This history of the Minnesota River town of Chaska was based primarily on early Chaska newspapers. Volume I covers historical information from before Chaska's founding in the 1850s through 1899, with chapters organized by decade. The author provides information on evidence of early habitation, Dakota Indians, and exploration of the area prior to the 1850s. topics including the formation of the town significant individuals in its history, major buildings, and transportation (roads, stage coach, ferry, steamboat, and railroads) are discussed.

Le Sueur: Town on the River

Randen, Larry C
This history of the Minnesota River town of Le Sueur was compiled as a Bicentennial Horizon History Project. It provides information on pre-town settlement issues of glacial history, American Indian inhabitants, and explorations (particularly by Le Sueur). Town settlement in the 1850s is discussed, covering the topics of naming the town, the first settlers, and immigration. Post-settlement is also explored, including such issues as transportations (e.g, river traffic, roads), natural disasters (e.g., floods, snowstorms), business and industry, education, churches, and town celebrations.

A Small Bit of Bread and Butter: Letters from the Dakota Territory 1832-1869

Riggs, Maida Leonard
This edited collection of letters, written by pioneer missionary Mary Ann Clark Longely Riggs to her family, presents an account of life in the territory and state of Minnesota from 1837 t o1862. Grouped chronologically, the letters report on her journey west from Massachusetts, her time at the Lac Qui Parle Mission and the Mission at Traverse des Sioux, and her experiences following the 1862 Sioux Uprising.
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Excavating the Site of Old Fort Ridgely

Smith , Hubert G.
This article reports on the results of a 1936 excavation and study of the remains of Fort Ridgely, a fort constructed in 1853 along the Minnesota River near New Ulm. Details are presented concerning the excavation of the barracks and other structures, as well as the restoration of the commissary building. Information discovered relating to Indian occupation of the site is described, including burial mounds, pottery fragments, and flint implements.

A Frontier Fort at Peacetime

Smith , Hubert G.
This article discusses Fort Ridgely, concentrating on its lesser known history before and after the Sioux Uprising of 1862. Built in 1853, along the Minnesota River upriver from present-day New Ulm, the fort was intended to provide military protection for the Upper Minnesota River following the Sioux treaties of 1851. The author describes daily life at the fort, relying on primary sources including letters, reports, and journals.

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