Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-07-01
l.. II. LANGWORTHY
DuRrQuE DIGGINGS.


The Dubuque Mines were discovered by the
Catholic Missionaries and Traders, who early
explored the Majestic valley Of the Mississip.
pI from the Gulf Of Mexico TO the Lakes, and
produced some Of the frs, lead ore ,galena)
discovered upon the contnen. Of North Ameri-
ca. The Indians had been aware Of its exis-
tence, perhaps from time immemorial; and
upon the introduction of FIRE arms amongst
'hem, readily manufactured such quantities of
lead as was requisite for their purposes Of hun
ting and war.
The existence of Mineral in abundance could
scarcely have escaped the notice Of the early
adventures into this country from the
numerous specimens Of float, OF gravel
mineral, 10 the washed rsvines and upon tho
rocky points.
Abou, fifty years ago, one Julian Dubuque,
a Canadian trader. commenced mining upon
number Of "leads" previously struck by the
Indians He acquired and preserved through
gu, friendly intercourse with the natives,
and was assisted by considerable capital and
a number Of Mexican Miners. lie frs. found
marke, Tor his lead a. 81. Louis and New
Orleans; and subsequently,, transporting il up
on horses and in canoes across to the Lakes,
sold i, 10 the different, tribes and to the several
establishments of the North Western Fur Com.
pany in that quarter. About this time the
Dodgeville, Mineral Point and Galena Mines
were also being worked, bu. upon small
scale.
In June, 1880, the writer Of this, 10 com.
pany with many others, first crossed the Mis-
sissippi for the purpose Of mining upon these
lands-,hose in Illinois and Wisconsin having
already been successfully worked 10 some ex
tent, by Miners principally from Missouri
They Reynards, or Fox Indians had suddenly
deserted this, for country farther 10 the in
terror In consequence Of recent hostili,es com
United upon them by the Sioux; thus leaving
the Dubuque Mines, which had long been q
suhjec, Of interest TO the settlers upon the cas-
side Of the river, open to the peaceful occupa'
ton Of the on,erprising operator. II was al
such ,imc, and under such auspices ,ha, We
landed upon the Iowa shore. The tall grass,
which covered the extensive bottoms border
ing the river, was waving like fields Of grsir
In western Summers breeze.-The field,
were checkered here and there. by patches o
ancient diggings, nearly obseured by weeds
and bushes. The grave Of Julian Dubuque
marked by stone monument, slightly swelles
the brow Of an adjoining bluff. The Iudiat
village, at the mouth of Catfish Creek. wa:
standing in lonely relief as the las, relic Of III,
red mans race, and every thing seemed tot
vits and allure The "pale faces" to this land Of
promise.
Mining was now commenced BY digging Ia
range with, or directly among the old diggiugs
Success no, keeping pace with the high hopes
that had been entertained, many became dis
eoursged and some lefi the coun,ry. a, length
however the writer and James l.. Langwol ny
had the good fortune 20 strike on extensive
Lead. This raised the Responding hopes Of
sll. and 10 a short time Mr.. Jordan. Ames,
Whi,esides, Sles,or and several others. not now
reeollecied, made discoveries Of considerable
value.
About this time. Col. Taylor. Command
ani AFT. Crawford. notified Us, pursuan, to or
ders from the War Department. that We were
lresPassiOg upon The terms Of The treaty be-
tween the Government, AID the Indians, and
,ha, We mus, leave lowe al the end Of two
weeks. This order was ebeyea with SO much