The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1854-07-22
For the Minnesp tan.
A Lady Description Of SUPERIOR.
SUPERIOR, DOUGLAS Co.. WISCONSIN.


Lady Pioneer-Descriptien Of SUPERIOR.
SUPERIOR, DOUGLAS Co., WISCONSIN.
MEssRs. EDITORs.-In compliance with th,
request of some of our citizens, will endeav
or to give you description of our infant city
Did really believe that these gentlemen hat
requested me to write, because they supposed
my pen more capable than theirs, l should fee
very much flattered. But no 1 am convinced
that it was simply, because. being woman,
of course, had nothing else to do! But if duty
calls" some body "must obey )" and submit
to fate.
Superior is situated on the Wisconsin side Of
st. Louis Bay, just above Left Hand River, and
the location is beautiful. The land rises grad.
ually from the waters edge. toa height which
commands view of the entrance of the Bay
and all the lovely scenery Of its shores. On
the opposite side, which belong to Minnesota,
a long, narrow peninsula, low, and sandy ex-
tends far into the water. The trees have been
mostly cleared away, SO that between them we
have glimpses Of the open Lake beyond. and
above their tops, We catch our first view of the
smoke-wreaths which herald the arrival Of
steamboats, at our wilderness home. On the
extreme point of this peninsular, are dock
and warehouse, and a few log buildings, be-
sides the many bark-covcred wigwams of the
abort gines.
The Bay is seven miles in length. and aver
ages mile in breadth. 1t proves the best har-
Dor on Lake Superior, besides being the pleas
ATTEST spot for bOat-rides which we have ever
met. At the head of the Bay, just where it
should be, is the mouth of the St. Louis River.
Here, on either side. the hills are very high
aad covered to their SUBMITS with forest tire es.
This is the Mineral Range. That on the
north side, belongs to Minnesota, and has been
explored. All who know of its wealth. arc
waiting impatiently for the Treaty which is to
cede these lands to the United States, as they
are supposed to contain the richest mines
along the shores Of Lake Superior. On the
Wisconsin side of the river and bay, pre-emp-
tions are constantly being made, and the min
eral resources will soon be developed.
On our first arrival but two weeks ago, we
could not repress our mirthfulness at what
seemed the extravaganza of Lake Superior en-.
terprise, and enthusiasm. But we have already
caught its spirit, and can now predict for our
inhabitant." The land in our immediate vicin-
ity is being vcry rapidly cleared of its forest
trees, save here and there finely shaped bal
sam, or mountain ash and is all laid out into
city lots which have sold almost Immediately,
and as fast as more are surveyed purchasers
are ready. Every boat brings an accession to
the numbers who come here to invest their sur
plus funds !; but as they can find no comfort
able abiding place, they soon disappear, and
are replaced by new purchasers.
Saw-mills are very soon to be erected, but
at present all the lumber is brought from be-
low, at great expense. OF course, tenemcnts
are few in proportion to the population, and
we often wonder where the people we see
around us, all can eat, and sleep. A commo-
dous Hotel is now nearly completed. and when
good board and lodging can be obtained. the
number of permanent residents will be greatly
augmented. As yet the ladies in our settle
ment are few: but gentlemen are plenty
Almost every State in the Union is represent
cd and generally not to its dscredit
The soil on this side of the Bay, is reddish
clay which will make excellent bricks. White
clover is indigenous to the soil, and wherever
the trees are cleared away, it springs up i'm
mediately. Grasses will also grow luxuriant-
ly, and We can grow all sorts of vegetables,
and all fruits except peaches. The water in
the springs is tinged with the hue of the clay
through which it passes, but is very soft. The
climate is delightful and however warm the
atmosphere at midday, the nights are always
cool, and induce most refreshing sleep. The
morning air is so invigorating. that our 'down
east" lasstude is forgotten feeling. The
twilights are very long and morning dawns at
a very early hour. 1t takes some time to learn
the proper hours for rising and retiring, as day
light is no criterion.
We are making great efforts to train the ris-
ing town sin the way it should Co." so that
"whcn it is old it shall not depart from it,
Mr.. Newton, the agent of the Propretors, re-
fuses to sell lots to men who will keep grog-
carries. He has also given tract of land, be-
sides pledging himself to contribute literally
to support the stated preaching of the
gospel and efforts are being made to pro-
cure resident minstrant of the holy writ
The inhabitants of Superior. are more moral
and orderly than are usually found in such a
settlement in the wilderness.
In laying out the town, one lot to
every eight blocks has been reserved for
schools, and twenty lots have been reserved
for churches. The Proprietors have donated
also three Parks-two of five acres in extent,
and one of ten-a Court House square of four
acres-a Seminary square of three acres, and
Cemetery Of fifteen acres. The streets are
eighty feet in width, and the avenues one hun
bred. with alleys between each tier of lots,
are sixteen feet in width.
We confidently predict. that in very few
years, Superior will become city which will
he no discredit to the Great North West!
Youls truly.