The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-04-18
Counties Immediately West Of Hem
nepin.

Id
4 We find some very interesting facts res
pecting 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: 1gs @s 3sa haf = :
iaas CARVER COUNTY. 1fts s.
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 County," with
more propriety than any other couaty in the
| Territory as it has not more than ten
square miles of prairie, in the 81 miles of
| its area. aa f.qii.s.rta tiauH e srtetEN
1t may perhaps claim the name of the
"Undine County" also, as there is probably
no better watercd 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 a lake
about every two miles, covering an area OF
about three hundred acres. just north of
the centre Of the county lies T" 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.
These give variety to the views of the lake
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 tie
Crow river is fine mill stream, probably
from 60 to 80 feet wide and two-feet deep;
pure clear water, which it does one good to
look at after the Minnesota and Mississippi.
| The population is estimated at 5000;
about 700 of whom are Swcdes, 300 French
and Swiss, 1000 Germans, and the remain
! ing 1000 of American birth. The amount
! of property on the assessment rolls for 1896,
was $l6l, l54, on which tax of q per cent
was levied. e
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 good landing
and is the centre of good trade. Surveys
have been made for a Ship Canal from Chas-
ka to Lake Minnetonka. We learn that the
lake is l67 feet higher than the river; the
summit level is on Lake Alinnetonka, which
is about 40 feet highe' than Minnetonka.
and as it is not. sufficient for a feeder, we
fear the project must fall through.
e nj,
! 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 small prai-
rie, having a few scattering trees upon IT.
1t contains several stores, two hotels, offices,
&C., good steam saw mill is in operation.
San Francisco is three miles further up the
river, at the "Little Rapids" the head of
nayigat 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 Grow river, also just laid
out. New Hevetia has just been laid out
on the South Fork. Waconia, and Scandal,
are points ON Clear water lake, selected but
not yet surveyed. Young America, and La
Belle are on the road between Carver City
and Glencoe.
The following are the names of the Post
Offices in this county: Chaska, Carver City,
San Francisco, ChaEhassen, 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
ment 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 90, in Z. ll6 N, Il. 2G 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.