The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1855-06-29
From the Western QlIinois) Patriot.
Nebraska as 1t Is.

oIdskd, ana II IS OF course expected that we
shall give lew &" notes by the way for the in.
formation OF those who feel interested in The new
territory.
AS the point to which we intended to proceed
| lay about 27O miles vest, and 80 to 80 north of
Quincy, Illinois, we took the overland route
through the southern Part Of Iowa, Stale which,
from her agricultural and other advantages, must
eventually occupy prominent place in the Union,
as unmlstaka6le evidence of her enterprise met
our view in the shape Of grading the railroad line
in different sections. as far as 100 miles into the
interior, and from the information we could gather
there is determined effort being made to carry
the line from the Mississippi, Though to Council
Bluffs; which will bring under the plow thousands
OF acres of prairie land IN Western Iowa. THIS
will be the great thoroughfare also 10 the rich and
lertIIe region We now about TO enter in the
list for all who are seeking new homes on new
country. We predict that but Jew years will
elapse ere the iron horse will snort over the Far
West through the interior OF Nebraska and the
abundance of her productions will make the cem-
ing thousands Of the Eastern ma featuring States
rejoice that scarcity OF provisions can no longer
be anticipated.
Arrived at Omaha, the present capital OF the
Nebraska territory, on the western bank of the
Missouri, and opposite the Council Bluff city, we
will say few words in relation TO its grogress
before we pursue Journey. About last Sep.
staked and marked on the sod, and also on paper,
and one sod hut made its appearance as an omen
OF good or evil for the ha bitation of the white man.
After this came forth log frame and brick builG-
Ings, until, as we found, some $50 more were
scattered over lhe-various streets of the now .Cy
Of Omaha
Our attention directed TO the road to
Fontenslle, some 40 miles northwest. We had
difficulty in discovering an old California trail,
HIfh f0nE H.
through rather hiIly country for ten or twelve
miles, when the face of the earth appeared more
undulating. Stakes Of ceims and cabins Of set
tiers were here everywhere visible. Here
travelled over prairie country, with here and
there A grove Of trees to be seen on the branches
and rivulets that meander through the space, and
now supply the emigrants with fuel. and water OF
The purest crystal fed by springs, at their encamp-
ing grounds.
Thus we travelled until we reached FonteneIle,
Dodge county. Our readers are aware that this
us the name Of the city located by The Quincy
Colonization Company" IN Dodge county. The
claim as shown in the territorial records of Ne,
braska, is about 40 or $4,000 acres, running about
10 miles from north south on the Ekhorn river,
and taking in all the timber on said river, and
about miles from east west. 1t is estimated
10 contain about 900 acres OF timber suitable for
building purposes, and unlimited amount OF
fuel. lis soil is evidently of richest description,
and in every part of the country springs and
brooks abound.
Dudge county, Nebraska, is second to none in
the terrory-her natural advantages such
that she is destined become, at no distant day,
nucleus for commerce., and the advantage she
derives from he abundance of waller power with
which she is supplied may be the means of draw
ing considerable manufactures within her borders,
TO supply the interior Of the territory, for it is
TACT tina: if richness of soil will enhance settle.
mrnts, there will be broad eXpanse of farming
operations commenced in this and adjoining c"un
ties that will Justify the settlements of large class
Of mechanics. The following extract from let.
ter from Fonentele will show some of its advan-
lages:
- This town is elevated about so feet above
the natural surface of the Elkhorn River, which
winds its way upon its gravelly bottom, around
this prairie city, in the shape of a half moon,
which, while you stand upon this pedestal town,
turning yourself 10 the right and to the left, you
can view the meandernig course Of this river for
fifty miles, and the bPaullul scenery beyond deS
criP!ion, with here and there a smaller stream.
flowing into this prairie father of waters, and these
streams are all we'll skirtrd with timber, which
will afford ample supplies for all present Purpos
es. There is far timber than had any ex
pectation Of finding here We travelled from point
TO point, and every point seemed 10 be the most
beautiful, and a; last you become cDnounded and
cannot determine which place TO locate a farm;
there are Ten thousand Of IN this Deig hbor |
hood that there is but little choice liz, and just here
| would say-ihere is power given to man 10
extol the beauiies of this country,
beyond its lust merit-and 10 the nav Igaton OF
this river there is no doudt-and when you spread
out the map before you, you will al once perceive
that Fontenee will be the great centre city of the
United States. The mineral resources OF this
territory are but very slightly investigated as yet,
although coal has been discovered on the south as
we'll as the north side of The Platte River, which
is part boundary of Dodge county-these coal
mines will do away With the objection that vast
forests are Indispensable in giving the quickening
energies, :he enterprise and the agriculture, as
well as the mechanical arts God has so equal.
ICED this world in His providence that these vast
prairies not without all things necessary to
give zest the fertilizng of the garden soil Of the
world In tins territory there IS he most desira-
bic building rock which will receive a polish
equaling the Italian marble. In Burt county,
there is the beautiful red sand stone, and as it is
exposed TO the atmosphere il becomes hard, and
can be worked ad mirably into fine dwellings.
found on the bank OF the Ekhorn river very fine |
specimen of iron ore, and copper has been found
in its vicinity. There has been salt spring dis
covered in Salem county-which promises great
reward 10 those who work I; charter has been
granted by the Legislature TO a company for that
purpose. Specimens OF rock salt, equal 10 Turks
Island, has been obtained from this vicinity. And
al 1W11-E