Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1857-07-16

up 20 see its its own leap. 1t moves in childish
sportive eddics, as if in great glee, towards the
Mississippi.
All Indian names are complete types of nature,
and generally truthful to its very image. Hence
the Importance, aside from their euphonious
sounds, of retaining all the original names The
Territory is named from the river of the same
name, and was called Minnesota, which means
sky coIored or sky tinted This had reference
to the color Of the water in contradistinction to
the Missouri and many other streams whose
waters are muddy and turbid.
A short ride from the falls and was at Fort
Snelling,a strong fortress surrounded by walls
and bastions on q high bluff of land at the confu.
ence Of the Minnesota with the Mississippi river
Like all other sites for forts which were made
in tho west more than quarter of century
ago, it occupies commanding prospect of the
country around and has fulfilled its mission. No
doubt in year or two, Congress will pass an
act authorizing its sale, the same as Fort Win.
nehago and Fort Crawford
The next day travelled by land about TWEEN
ty-fve or thirty miles, to place called Chack o.
pee. 1t is named after celebrated Indian chief
that once ruled here, and the word when inter
pre.ed means to signify that he had the strength
of FIVE of his warriors. This is rather pleas
ant little village, is the county seat of Scott
county and has quite business appearance.
intending 10 resume my journey the next morn.
ing BY land was deferred from It by the setting
in of a heavy rain which had the appearance of
lasting for week. So concluded TO take the
first boat that came along. This was the Me-
dora Ia name not unknown to even mortals) a.
very fine steamer and well calculated to make
Ithe traveller feel comfortable and happy Twas
only on her few hours, bat afterwards travel
ed ON her three days.
The frat port of any Importance west of Chaek.
opee is Belle Plaine, the residence of Hon A.
G. Chatfsid, formerly of our place. 1t is some
forty miles directly up the Minnesota valley.
Here left the boat to spend few days 1t
was probably named by La Seur or some other
of the old French travellers and as its name
indicates is !" beautiful plain, situated on the
eft bank of the river, and sufficiently high to
co mmand fine prospect and have dry streets
In froPt runs the river, while in rear there runs
parallel to it at the distance of about two miles
forest of heavy timber. This, in a country 3 o
little timbered, is treasure of great value.
There are now several fine buildings and many
more going up. Among tine latter new hotel
which Is very large. The propiietors are bust
ly engaged in laying out their town and making
extensive improvements. Judge G. is one Of
the largest proprietors, and shares the confidence
of the people in the new Territory the same as
he did in Wisconsin. As Belle PLANE is named
in one o. the railroad grant bills as a point, it
must be an important place, and it even now
aspires to one Of the leading towns in the Min
nesota valley.
While riding one day on the prairie, We passed
a log house with one story. The open window
in the gable part of the roof took up all the room
except perhaps enough to build a swallows nest;
but even in that small place saw the following
words Y" F. j. Whitlock's law Office" This
was his plantation. Below, there were tumblers,
demjohns and decanters sitting in plain sight
unmistakable evidence of whiskey and lager
beer shop. so common in this territory. But
Mr.. WIS many friends in Kenosha will be glad
to learn that he does not own or patronze this or
any similar establishment The Hon. Member
from Scott county merely rents the land and
the tenant thinks he can make more profits on
a few gallons of poor whiskey and bad beer
than in cultivating the soil
There are several fine fourishing towns be-
tween Belle PLANE and Mankato--among them
Henderson, Travese and Saint Peters. Besides
these there are numerous others whose preten-
sions for growth and greatness are measured by
no less calculations than that of the increase and
size of Chicago. Nothing less than that as a
standard would suit them. Although there arc
only thirty six named or the steamers card, yet
there are moro than twice az many more in the
Minnesota valley, already in existence and yet
to be. Where there are no houses, sheds or barns,
the city is indicated by rough board with its
name inscribed, nailed TO post in tho form Of
a cross. But it is the same rs all newly settled
countries, and every pioneer thinks he has got
into the best place.
The tide of emigration is flowing into this
territory with tremendous pressure. 1t comes
too from the right quarter, New England whose
sons are colonists of the new, and may yet be of
the old world One of them (Whittier,) in see-
ing every boat loaded with these hardy settlers
and long lines Of canvass covered wagons fill
ed worth them, has well exclaimed
81 hear tho tread fpioneers,
OF nations yet TO be,
The first low wash of waves, where soon
Shall roll human sea-
The elements of empire here
Are plastic and warm,
The chaos of mighty world
Il moulding into form
Each rude and jostling fragment soon
Its fitting place shall Gnd,
The raw material of a state
It's muscle and its mind
have only time TO saw that Mankato looks