The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-05-23
Where Good Claims can be Had.

The question is constantly asked by the new
ly arrived immigrants: Where shall we 60 to
get government lands?
There are undoubtedly very fine regions un-
occupied west of the Mississippi, but we believe
not any very near ST. Paul, and St Anthony,
except in the ''big woods" the soil of which
is excellent, yet on account of the expense of
clearing the land, not so desirable as where
prairie and timber alternate
We wish to direct attention to the valley of
Rum River, where many are now seeking
homes. Between twenty-five and fifty miles
directly north of St. Paul. as fine claims can
now be made for farming purposes as can be
found in the territory, say in the vicinity of
st. Francis and Cambridge which are situated
on Rum river, the first fifteen and the next
thirty miles above Anoka at it's mouth
In the townships north of and adjoining
Cambridge the Pinery commences, and it af-
fords the best market in the territory for all
kinds of farming products. If the whole of
Minnesota is as fine region as this, then in
deed is Minnesota o ''garden spot"
The country we speak of is well watered by
clear streams, abOunds in crystal lakes, has an
abundance of wood for all purposes, and natu-
raj meadows. which produce hay sufficient for
every farmer. Unlimited quantities of Gran
berries straw berries, blue berries, and wild
plums grow there. We know of no region so
near st. Paul as desirable.
We have ourselves claim in this vicinity,
which We are perfectly suited with, and con-
slider valuable.
The Wyatt settlement, near Typo Lake,
about IL miles north of Columbus, is attracting
attention also. 1t is quite well settled, and
with good class of claimants. Still there is
room for others.
The Northern Herald published a: Little
Falls, says on this subject:
CLAIMs.-In Il! past few days we have had
number OF new arrivals at this place. of per-
sons from the Eastern States and Canada, most
all of whom have made claims on the Mile
Lac road towards Rice Lake Creek, and in the
vicinity of Little Elk on the west side of the
river. Claims on the east side of the river are
all taken out about five miles from town. vet.
there are great many good chances still on
the borders of Belle Prairie, and on the Mile
Lac road. On the west side. timber and mead
Ow claims can be had two or three miles from
town. Claims are being taken fast this spring,
and in order to have the first chance it will not
do to delay.
So much for the east side of the Mississippi
River, which seems to be more selected by
claimants, from the greater probability of be-
ing sooner blessed with Railroad facilities than
the country west of it. In regard the West
Mississippi region, the st. Anthony Express
says:
''Where can good claims be made" is the
question that daily greets our ears? We have
taken some pains to be able to answer such in.
quiries, and we now say for the information of
the immigrant reader, that in Wright and
Meeker counties, in the rear of Monticello and
Clearwater and in the vicinity of Forest City,
good claims of excellent land, prairie and tim.
her, may be found. Selections can be had from
Forest City to Big Stone Lake, the probable
route of the Railroad running in that direc-
tOn. When boats as now, are running up the
river, the nearest and best route to Forest CITY
is by way'of Clearwater, from which it can be
reached in distance of 27 miles, The road
from Monticello is said to be much farther.
That region of Minnesota now contains the
best lands that are not taken. Indeed it is said
to be the best body of land in the Territory.
Aniiiii u "u'o "iiu he" CoincTS SuOuIu pear Ill
mind that there is no time to be lost in making
their locations, for as soon as the Railroad is
located the lands cannot then be pre-empted
Wood and wild meadow are found here in the
greatest abundance. at Forest City, which is
now thriving inland Town. and which must
soon be an important point. Railroad or no
Railroad, strangers can be accommodated with
lodging and board and information from the
County Surveyor who keeps his office there, re-
specting the country. Undoubtedly that re-
gion is the best district of unappropriated
lands-a fact which is now beginning to be ap-
preciated.