Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1851-07-04
For the Kcnosha Telegraph.
TOUR TO MFNNESOTA-THE START
ING POINT.

TOUR TO NEENNESOTA--THES START
ING POINT.
Mr.. EDITOR Some three years since the
nation was startled by the announcem ent of a
new Territory in the far North West, bearing
the euphonious title of Minnesota. The restless
spirit of enterprise, so characteristic of Ameri-
cans, had impeled the wave of popuIation on
ward; and already 5000 people had made the
new Territory their home.
Since then the wild goose chase, after the
golden sands OF California mas somewhat divert
ed attention from Minnesota, but Notwithstanding
this, the population has steadily increased until
it now numbers not far from 5000. We pro-
pose to pay visit to this home of the pioneer
and if your readers choose to accompany US Gin
Iimagination,) they shall be taken up and back,
passage free. If we are not able to interest
them by our sketches, we may at least be able
to convey some information which will assist
them in becoming better acquainted with this por-
ton of the North West
The thoroughfare to St. Paul, Che Capital
of Minnesota is the Mississippi True, it is
traveller would in some cases pass 80 or 40 miles
without seeing house, and very likely be obi
ged to climb bluffs, swim rivers camp out nights,
encounter wild beasts &c, &c
On the other hand, the steam boats which run
between Galela and St. Paul, furnish facilities
for travel such as are enjoyed on Lake Erie, or
the Hudson An individual may step on board
one of these boats at Galena-enjoy himself
finely while he stays, and in less than two days
find himself at ST. Paul some 3l5 miles from his
starting Toint.
OR starting point, however, is Prairie du-
Chen some 80 miles above GaIena. Although
several boats pass this place on their way up ev-
cry week we shall wait the arrival of the Nomi-
nee, and while we are waiting, propose to glance
at our starting point.
Prairie du CHEN is one of the oldest places in
Wisconsin, having been settled during the same
year in which the settlement of Philadelphia
commenced. 1t is situated OF the banks of the
Mississippi. 5 miles above the mouth of the Wis
cousin, and on one of those lovely prairies so
common at the west. At the distance of on or
Two miles from the river the bluffs rise abruptly
and shut out the prospect beyond. The place
VAS originally settled by the French, at the time
tncy entertained the idea of connecting their pos
sessions in Louisiana with those in Canada, and
some of their descendants still live on the spot :;
indeed, about one half Of the population is COM
posed of French and half breeds
Prairie du Chen is one of the few places in
Wisconsin tia. has declined since its settlement,
and although is prospects are now Frightening
still presents woe-bcgonc appearance. The
most prominent object, and that which engages
The attention Of the stranger as he enters the viii
Gage from the south, is Fort Capitalization
and dilapilaled. Ii has been garrisoned until
within about two years and the mansion for the
commander and his family, which stand, near by,
was at one time the residence of the late Presi-
gives an individual the use Of this Mansion and
$500 per annum. for watching the property
connected with the Fort; but he cannot prevent
;he tooth of time from doing its work upon the
structure and the wooden part of it will soon
mouder into dust.
The Court House of this capital Of Craw ford
Co., is an antique looking stone building with
stone chimneyS, and steep roof painted red
Just north of it is the Catholic Church. another
stone building and the only meeting house il
the place. Between the eastern and western
sections of the village is a slough which COM
municatcs with the Mississippi, and in high wa
ter is covered 10 the depth of several feet, thus
forming an island. a high road has been thrown
up from the main land To it. but even the road
was covered with water when we passed, and
We were obliged 10 compel our horse to wade
on this causeway in order to reach the landing.
Although Crawford Co. was at the time Of the
last census one Of the largest in the state it con-
taRed at that lime but about 2l00 inhabitants.
Notwithstanding this at the time of the last
session of the Legislature two additional coun-
ties were formed from the north part Of Crawford
called Bad Axe and La Crosse. We must i'm
agne that the Legislature were hard pushed for
cognomens TO apply such name as Bad Axe to
acounty-or else that their tastes correspondent
to the thing which is naturally suggested by the
name, viz: dull alsa. age
There is however, some excuse for giving the
county this aPpeIIauon, as it has a river of the
same name, and bloody battle with the Indians
was once fought upon its banks which has since
been remembered as the battle of the Bad Axe
Notwithstanding the population Of Crawford
Co, has been reduced by these eXcisions to les
than 1000. a Newspaper is sustained-no | viii
not say sustained, but published in it, for how
Newspaper can be sustained with a circulation
50 small as one must necessarily be, printed at
Prairie du Chen, leave to you Mr. Editor TO d.
vine.
EVANDER.