Fort Snelling

Originally published in 1847, this second of two volumes of Featherstonhaugh's observations begins with the final four days of the 1835 journey back down the Minnesota River to Fort Snelling. The remainder of the book relates to travels outside the river valley.

This publication explored the history of Fort Snelling, ranging from its early role as the region's first military post, to its subsequent roles as a supply depot and rendezvous point for Civil War troops, to its more recent transformation into an archaeological site and state historical park. Significant individuals in the fort's history are identified; including Pike, Long, Leavenworth and Snelling, and major events are described. Numerous photographs and sketches illustrate the text.

Originally published in 1810, these volumes present observations from Pike's military explorations into the Louisiana Purchase territory during the first decade of the nineteenth century. The first of these trips was from St. Louis up the Mississippi River to its headwaters, for the purpose of siting military posts and negotiating with Indian tribes. Although Pike traveled only a short distance up the Minnesota River from its mouth, this edition includes several extensive editorial notes on the history of the discovery of the river and the various European and Indian names for it.

Drawing primarily from accounts in an 1852 book on pioneer women, this article explores life at Fort Snelling during the first several years following its establishment in 1819. Viewed from the perspective military officers' wives, descriptions cover such topics as climate and weather, food, housing, encounters with Indians, and the building of the fort.