The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-08-18
MINNESOTA.
Traverse DIES Sioux,
MINNESOTA TERRITORY, July !, 1853.

traverse DIES Sioux,
MINNESOTA TERRITORY, July !, 1853.
To the Editor of the National Era:
Traverse des Sioux is beautifully situated on
the west side of the Minnesota river, about Il 10
miles from MendOte or the mouth. 1t derives
its name from the good fording of the river at
this place, in former times, when the waters
were low. For some years however, owing to
high water, boats havtsbeen requisite in cross
ing The town. now laid off and surveyed, is
not only beautifully, but pleasantly and health
fully situated. There is already in and about
here population of some 200 OF more souls
Some fifty claims were made here last year,
and perhaps as many more have already been
made this season Scores of men are prospect
ing along here daily, with the almost univer-
sal concession that this is the most inviting Dor.
ton Of the Minnesota Valley Some of these,
will, no doubt, put down fast stakes here with
us. The immigrants to this place are of no
mean order Most of them come from the
Northern and Western States
The resources Of this place are unequalled
by any other on the Minnesota river. With
rich and fertile soil, fine water privileges, and
u good share Of timber, what il to prevent this
land from yielding rich reward to the enter
prisiug and virtuous?
With the exception of few sand lots within
the present survey Of the town, the land is
second to none in the Territory. As you leave
the wharf, and ascend the table land beach
alter beach, the land improves 10 quality uRtil
at the distance Of two miles you find a rich
loamy soil OF the first quality The extent of
these black, loamy, rolling prairies on the north
and west Is almost unlimited, 80 10 speak and
what adds to the beauty as well as the intrinsic
value OF those vast prairies, is the beautiful
lakes with which they are interspcrsed Those
lakes abound with fish of the finest sort, and
then their outlets form beautiful streams for
mill-seats and other machinery. These lakes
are also interspersed with fine, luxurant islands,
which are studded with the finest growth of
TIMBER, available from the praires during the
entire winter season. Such is the character of
the country north and west of this for some
forty miles. One prairie alone, within ten or
twelve miles Of this, is of itself amply sufficient
Tor the accommodation of Mt least one hundred
farms, wood and water included.
But to return to the proposed point We
have already in this place public house. wor.
thy the patronage Of all the friends of temper.
ance and good order who may come and have
occasion to call for accommodations in his line
Geo II. Spencer, Esq, is the proprietor. There
are four stores, smith-shop, shoe-shop, and
bakery in the place. There is also a ply scian
and minister of the Gospel, who make thi,
thor focus or radiatng point
On last Saturday evening good, old fash
Toned temperance meeting was held here by
the citizens Some resolutions, expressive o.
the views Of the meeting, were passed unani
mously after which the pledge was signed b,
oil tho leading citizens of the place. The cause
is looking up" as business men say.
On last Sabbath week Sunday school wa
organized, and material aid" to the amour
OF sixteen dollars was collected for the purchas
Of library and books for said school. To SOM
this may seem like day OF small things Will
us but wc hope these are the beginnings o
great and good results. The services Tor the mos
part are well attended on the Sabbath. Tn
audience 10 respectful and attentive. We hum
bly, hope that healthiul tone Of morals is oh