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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.

Utilizing excerpts from an account in a French manuscript entitled "History of Louisiana, by La Harpe," this article discusses Le Sueur's travels up the Minnesota River in the early eighteenth century, focusing on interactions with American Indians and on mining operations along the Blue Earth River.

This article explores the life of Joseph Renville, a fur trader at the Lac Qui Parle post who served as guide and interpreter for such explorers of the Minnesota River Valley as Zebulon Pike and Stephen Long. Topics addressed include Renville's background, his experiences with the Sioux, and his role in the War of 1812.

After discussing briefly the larger causes of the 1862 Sioux Uprising, including unfair treaties an the loss fo Sioux lands, the author goes on to explore the idea that the U.S. Civil War played a role in convincing the Sioux to rebel. He suggests that the Civil War demonstrated that the authority of the Union could be challenged and, in addition, that many of the "able-bodied" men in the valley had enlisted, leaving citizens who might be viewed as more vulnerable to attack.