The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-08-20


An excursion on the Upper Mississippi during
midsummer is an agreeable escape from the
heat and dust of a crowded city. The scenery
along the river above kcokuk to st. Paul, is
beautiful. The country along is thickly set
ting with energetic and industrious people.
MOST OF the towns are improving rapidly. We
noticed In Gaicna. a large number of store and
dwelling houses, which, from their appearance
had evidently been built this year or last. and
many fine cdificcs in the course of construction.
Among them, is large hotel, built by COM
pany. which it is said will cost fifty or sixty
thousand dollars. and will contain upwards OF
one hundred rooms, which the company design
shall be furnished and kept in elegant style.
The early prospect of the completion ofthc rail
road connecting Galcna with Chicago. and
through the Central Road to st. Louis and Cairo.
has given an impetus to Galcna which is very
easily seen. Between Galcna and St Paul are
a number of houriShng towns.
St Paul presents the most astonishing growth
for four-ycar-o old town that can well be imac-
ln1d. We were informed hy Mr.. Owens editor
OF the Mlnncsotian at st. Paul. that when he
settled there in May. 1910. there were but six
or seven houses in the lace. Now to make
a guess, tl' re are some six or seven lndrcd-
the most OF them large and elegant The town
Is liild out upon liberal scale, and presents a
handsome appearance. The population is csti-
mated at between three and four thousand The
place has been rather deficient in hotel accom-
modationS. which is being rcmcdirt bv the con
strnction Of two large houses. One is nearly
completed, and the other Will be ready bv next
spring. These hotels are owned by wealthy
citizens of the place. and they design to have
them furnished and kept in such style as to
give satisfaction to those who may soiourn at
St Paul-Thc country around St Paul is beau
tiul. and although settled bnt recently. will
compare favorably with many older settlements.
in the number and beauty Ofits farm houses and
the Improvements around them. st. Paul is
undoubtedly destined to become a place OF
great Importance, being at the head of regular
river navigation on the Mississippi, and the
seat Of government of Minnesota Territory The
|. $. government has erected. adjoining the
town, large and handsome building for the
accommodation of the Territorial Legislature
and the Government officers.
There arc many picturesque sights in the
nci%hhorhood of st. Paul. y few hours ride
over a handsome country. will bring you to the
Falls of st. Anthony. several beautiful lakes.
lake Calhoun, the ncwly discovered lake Min
nctonka. lake Harriet, Little Falls Fort Sncl-
ling, ard the Mammoth Cavern. which viii amp
ly repay the traveller for the few hours spent
in visiting thcm On the road, about midway
between Fort Smelling ard the Little Falls is
the st. Louis Hotel kept by Mr. J. W. Downcr.
This house has been recently enlarged. improved
and elegantly fitted up by the owner of the
house and grounds our toWnSlnYn, Mr. kcnncth
Mckenzie. The house is well arranged and
properly kept by al accommodating host. and
will, 10 doubt, he found pleasant resort.
About six miles below st. Paul. on the Mis-
>iSsippi river, at the ''Littie CroU IUGge, is
still to be found about three hundred SIOUX In
dians, living in their rude bark huts Although
Government has purchased their lands. and by
the treaty they sholld lave removed some
time since, they still lingcr near their old hunt
ing grounds and the graves Of their fathers.
An annuity is to be paid TO them hy the Gov
ernnlcnt at Traverse tcs Sioux, on the 18th OF
August, and an effort will he made to induce
them to remove before that time; so that it will
be but short time core their rude huts will
be taken possession of by the grasping hand of
the white man. On the hills adjoining the vii
lagc can be distinctly seen six or seven long
square boxes pcrchcd upon poles, about three
feet above the ground containing the bodies of
Indians who had recently died. One box was
shroudcsl with with crimson cloth, and upon a
pole near it was hung the feather head dress
and the war implements of the deceased. Upon
the brow of the hill were seated two Indians
with their heads covered with their blankets
mourning for some friend oy rela-
tOn.
To those who are fond of fishing and hunting.
there are various places on the Upper MiSsis<p
pi which will furnish them ample field for
Grouse and other small game.
and fish, are abundant. There are many streams
in the ncighborlool Of Point Prescott, at
the foot of lake st. CroiN and about Saltwater
that abound with fine spccklcd brook trout. y
party of seven of us visited Rush River, and
baggcd. in part of an afternoon and mornings
to sixteen inches in length.
Regular packets ply between st. Louis and
Galcna, connecting with packets of the first
class to st. Paul. leaving Galcna on Tuesday,
Thursday, and Saturday. The Nominee leaves
Galcna on Thursday, and travellers will find her
Il fast boat, with an accommodating Captain and
Clerk, and excellent fare.