The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1854-01-14
Correspondence Of the Minnesoti.n)
EUREKA, NicoIEr COUNTY, Sth Jan. ls5:

Correspondence Of the Minnesotian.)
EUREKA, NicoLEr COUNTY, Sth Jan. 1858.
It is said that the heart of the Stagirite was
hiled with almost inef1able JOY when he made
the discovery which led to the exclamation,
which has been adopted as the name of this
town. But his joy was but as drop in the
bucket, when compared with the feelings of
those who first discovered this place, which has
since been selected as the location of future
great city, and denominated by the euphonious
and classical title of" Eureka
If there is a spot in Minnesota which approx-
mates to the Mahomedan Paradise-divested
of its HOuris-it is Eureka. Search this Terri
tory, from Fond du Lac to the Big Sioux-from
the White Earth to the southeastern boundary,
and show us, if you can more beautiful loca-
ton for town. Examine the Territory from
where it joins the British possessions to the
Iowa line-from the Mississippi to the western
boundary, and show us a locality for town,
which is surrounded with richer soil, better
appear that We have an unreasonable degree of
presumption, but we confidently and candidly
assert that such things cannot be shown.
During the past summer We were not dispOs-
ed to enter into the quarrel which existed
among the various towns on the Minnesota ri
yer in regard to the exact location of that-as
yet to them-unsettled place, viz. the head of
navigation. While the great contest for the
location of this important place was going on.
steamers were coming to Eureka, " henever the
wants of that then sparsely populated place de-
manded. So you see that although the other
towns may have denied that We held :: the head
of navigation in our lap. yet they could not
but acknowledge that We had hoed off a lock off
its hair. Some have declared that steamers
cannot go above the mouth Of the Blue Earth
river, except in the early part of the season.
Ask any of the crew, from the captain to the
chambermaid, of any steamer which ever navi-
gated the Minnesota river, and they will tell
you that the portion of the river which is be-
tween the mouth Of the Blue Earth and Eureka
is one of the widest and deepest parts of the
Minnesota river-mOre free from snags. and
with less current than any other part of that
noble stream. Enough, however, about river nav
igation. Were | to say more, the other towns
might think that We were disposed to enter into
the quarrel which have above mentioned.
A few miles back of the town is one of those
magnificent lakes, for which Minnesota Terrific
ry is so noted; and among her numerous and
beautiful lakes, the one which flows near us ac-
knowledges only the supremacy of one viz.
Lake Mnnetonka. This lake is called Swan
Lake, from the numerous quantity of wild swans
which, with every other kind of wild fowl, in
habit its waters in the spring, summer, and au-
tumn seasons. Being about forty miles in length
and twelve miles in breadth, it is dotted with
beautiful isles, the beauty of which almost sur
pass the ideal description of Blannerhassett's
Island in the river Ohio, as so eloquently given
by VIM. Writ. Its borders are covered with
mighty oaks those noble monarchs of the TO-
rest, while lovely prairies extend beyond the
sight. from which pours forth inexhaustible
streams of pure water.
have measured blades Of grass which were
nine feet long. Beat that who can. The lake
abOunds in the finest kind of fish, and those who
in future settle on its borders can procure
large part of their sustenance from the wild
fowl which float upon its waters, and the finny
tribes which swim therein.
AS soon as the demands of the farmers will
warrant the investment, steamers will he placed
upon the lake, which will bring the produce of
the agriculturists to the source of the outlet of
the lake. This outlet is wide enough to admit
OF fiatboats being pushed up, where being
freighted with the produce received from the
steamers, they can be carried to the Minnesota
river. or as far as the falls by the force of the
current. The falls are miniature Niagara
about twenty-five feet high, over which flows
vast body of water, presenting a truly beauti-
full and picturesque appearance. Yankee taste,
namely the I" utile cum dulci,' has erected a
large saw mill at the foot of the falls, which will
be ready in the spring to furnish the new COM
ers with excellent lumber.
Eureka is about twenty miles by land from
Traverse des Sioux, connected with it by an ex-
cellent road, along which fine farms are being
cultivated.
Fearing that some Of your readers may con-
slider these statements exaggerations. and that
they may be disposed to receive them cum
grano SAILS we will close this communication
by extending an invitation to them, to come up
look for themselves. They act perfectly in ac-
cordance with good judgment, in not placing
too great confidence in the ipse dizt of any
one. Let them come up and be satisfied by
their own observation Of the truth of these
statements. We extend to them q cordial well
come. and an assurance that they shall be treat
ed with unieigned hospitality.