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.