The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-04-18

/ We find some very interesting facts res
pccting the counties of Carver and Mcleod,
published in the ST. Paul Advertiser, and as
they are fair representations of the country
and settlements alluded to, we transfer them
to our columns: e,a
CARVER COUNTY.
This is the second county from the mouth
of the Minnesota river, on the northern side.
1t Is irregular in shape, extending some "a
miles from north to south, and the same
length from east to west. 1t can probably
claim the name of the Forest CouQty," with
more propriety than any other county in the
Territory; as it has not more than ten
square miles of prairie, in the 81 miles Of
its area.
1t may perhaps claim the name of the
undne County" also, as there is probably
no better watered county. The Minnesota
river forms the southeastern boundary, and
the South Fork of Crow river runs through
the northwestern part. Lakes and ponds
are abundant within its borders. Lake Min
netonka thrusts an arm into the northern
boundary, and lies near it in its whole ex-
tent; extending from east to west through |
the centre OF the county, we find lake
about every two miles, covering an area of
about three hundred acres. Just north of
the centre OF the county lies Clearwater"
or Lake Waconia." 1t is nearly circular,
about three miles in diameter; with high |
banks, aud beautiful shores of sand and |
gravel In the southern part, a beautiful
island of about sixty acres rises high above |
the water, covered with heavy timber; and |
near it high, wooded peninsula pushes out
as if to meet, if it wished to come on shore. /
IhaSa fN fho Of 10 IA
from different points. We think that all
who have visited it, will bear us out in say
ing it is unsurpassed for beauty, by any lake
in the Territory. The South Fork of the
Crow river is fine mill stream, probably
from 60 to so feet wide and o-feet deep; !
pure clear water, which it does one good to
look at after the Minnesota and Mississippi.
The population is estimated ct 5000;
about 700 of whom are Swcdes, 300 French !
and Swiss, 1000 Germans, and the remain
ing | 900 of American birth. The amount /
of property on the assessment rolls for 1886, !
was $l6l, Isl, on which tax of y per cent !
was levied. /
The county seat is at Chaska, on the Min
esota river. This village was laid out in 1858,
and contains about 100 inhabitants. 1t is /
on small prairie, lying just above extreme
high water mark. 1t has a good landing
and is the centre Of good trade. Surveys /
have been made for u Ship Canal from Chas /
ka to Lake Minnetonka. We learn that the /
lake is l61 feet higher than the river; the |
summit level is on Lake AIinnetonka, which /
is about 40 feet highe than Minnetonka !
and as it is not. sufficient for feeder, we
fear the project must fall through.
Carver City is about three miles above /
Chaska, at the mouth Of Carver Creek so
called because it is supposed to be the boun-
Diary of ''Carvers tract" This place was
laid ont in 1853 by some Norwegian settlers, ,
and called Luchenberg.' 1t then passed
into the hands of an American company,
who changed the name first to Fulton and /
afterwards to Carver. 1t is on "A small prai- /
rie, having few scattering trees upon IT.
1t contains several stores. two hotels, offices, i
&c, good steam saw mill is in operation.
San Francisco is three miles further up the |
river, at the "Iittle Rapids the head of /
navigat on sometimes, So that it may in time
be large place. St. Lawrence is five miles /
further up the river. 1t has been laid on:
during the past season, and lies partly in this .
and partly in Scott County. St. Clair is on
the South Fork OF Crow river, also just laid |
out. New Helvetia has Just been laid out .
on the South Fork. Waconia, and Scandal, /
are points on Clearwater lake, selected but |
not yet surveyed. Young America, and La
Belle are on the road between Carver City |
and Glencoe.
Tie following are the names of the Post !
Offices in this county: Chaska, Carver City,
San Francisco ChaEiiassen, Scandal, St. |
Clair, Young America and La Belle.
Those interested in the antiquities of our
Territory can find a problem or two in this !
county. At Chaska there are remains of !
palisades, and other marks Of large settle
nent. 1t is said By some that they are the
remains Of an old French Catholic Mission,
planted here eighty years ago. Can any of /
your correspondents throw any light on this |
subject On the line between Sections II |
and 20, in Il. llG n, Il. % W, the Govern
ment surveyors have marked an Indian
Fortress" When was it built, and by whom?
believe claims can still be had, in the north
western part of this county.