Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1856-04-26
corresponaence OF the Times.
LITTLE FAILS, April l6, 1856.

MEssRS. EDIToRs:- probably great
number Of your readers are not aware of the
rapid growth and promising advantages OF Lit
tie Falls, perhaps you will give this commune
cation an insertion in one of the columns oil
your paper, it would be interesting TO them to
learn of its condition and resources.
Little Falls is situated on the Mississippi
one hundred and eight miles above ST. Paul,
and fifteen miles below Fort Ripley. 1t has
lately become the county seat OF Morrison
county, and at this time contains fully twenty
FIVE buildings occupied by about one hundred
mentioned two stores, one large mill which an
swers tie double purpose of grinding and saw
ing, a COOL blacksmith shop, and hotel in
erection that would do honor TO the first town
of Minnesota. Besides il contains number
of very handsome private residences. These,
when taking into consideration the fact that a
year ago there were only three or four houses
in the place, are calculated to set Little Falls
in rather favorable position before tie public.
Tie country around is beautiful. ~ large
fertile prairie extends above and below il which
is sl,ir,ed on the East by oak openings and a
rolling country Of good meadow and farming
lands. Li,t!e lakes are in;ersperscd at conven-
lent distances, forming admiral lc watering
places Ion farmers. On The West is good tim
bercd land, containing timber suitable for all
kinds oil business purposes. And the land IT,
self is of excellent quality. Indeed, it is pro-
bounced ly some 10 be OF supcror worth TO
tl.at on tie East side However that may be,
il is all capable OF raising an abunIan, crop.
There are many good farmers in tie vicinity OF
Lilt!c Falls, who cultivate "a large quantity Of
land. and are Web repaid for their cxt;tlons.-
The high price OF produce makes this a desi-
railr situation fer them.
In rcgard 10 Tie water POWER OF tie MisSis-
sipp a, Ills place, j! seems to be The very cap
ton OF privileges. Ihele are sone Of the
most splendid chances fora nun,Lcr Of large
manufactures ON either tanl; directly opposite
the town. Already tic Little Pals Company,
with good water power, are doing u hand
and building material, and they are still ex-
tending their works. Last summer they had
in operation two saws. and il rotary, grist
mill and siiinglc machine. Blu, this year, when
their spring arrangements are completed, they
will have in addition another rotary saw, some
!a,l saws, a planning machine, and iron and
wooden turning lalhes. Besides may mem
ton another sax mill, which they are building
two or three miles above at the mouth of the
Little Elk, soon to be III operation.
The Company are sparing 10 cxcrtions to
build up ard Lrnefi tie place. The sic Las
been Surveyed and plotted INTO wide, comnodi-
Gus lots, with alleys, Which key are selling TO
purchasers at very suitable prices. Being sit
uat2d on tie route from ST. Paul to Fort Rip
ley, Little Falls has all the convencencrs Of a
good road, and o; tie mai! plying between
tiose places. 4 road has been authorized to
be laid OFT from this place 10 Otter Tail Lake,
which will be done in due time, besides a road
from here to Mile Lac will probably be OPEN
cd this spring. No doubt you Lave noticed TIE
favorable opinion OF Little Fails in the report
OF Gov. Stevens exploring party, as being the
best crossing place OF the Mississippi for
railroad from Lake Superior to Puget Sound.
This favorable opinion, il is hoped, will soon
become a fact. The river is compressed here
into a narrow channel only $50 feet wide, and
the opposite banks seemed to have been form
cd almost rurrosey for Il fridge. They are
composed OF solid rocks and would make ex-
cclicnt abU,menis. The leveln SIS of the coun-
try and the abundance of timber favor the idea
that this will lie the passage OF nor,hern
route from Lake Superior. Perhaps YOU will
be surprised wien | say that Litil. Falls bids
fair to hc one Of the most furnishing towns OF
the North West. :. III. p