Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1858-1859, 1859-09-24
Dakota.

We find the following very interesting let
ter relative to the characteristics, location and
prospects of Dakota, in the Cleveland Herald
of the 10th. 1t is from the pen of j.. NJ. AL,
len Esq, who has an official position in the
Territory. Mr.. Allen was Cleveland boy,
the son of Hon. John w. Allen.
Sioux FALLS CITY, DAKOTA,
February 2s, 1859.
N. KNOX Brown, Eso.-Sr In com
pliance with your request, asking for infor-
nation in reference to this Territory, here
with transmit you slight description of the
same.
Dakota Territory, so justly celebrated for
its fine soil, and extensive natural advantages
is bounded on the North by British posses
sions, south by the Missouri river, east by
the States of Minnesota and Iowa and
west by the Missouri river and Rocky Noun
tains.
An aboriginal tradition informs us, that at
the close of severe warfare, involving several
Indian tribes, the red met here in council, to
smoke the Calumet over the buried hatchet !;
and amid the curling smoke, which was en-
blematic of peace, was heard the word .'Da-
kota," uniting its influence of sound with the
the symbol of sight to intensity upon their
hearts, the peace which they were now Gel
ebrating. Thus the word Dakota, is made
to signify friendly and in more respects
than one, is applicable to the Territory. The
atmosphere is pure and bracing, giving
strength and health, while its soil, rich
loan, made up of about one-fourth of sand
is unsurpassed for its depth, easy tillage,
and great fertility; yielding an abundance
of superior natural grass, affording very
great facilities for stock raising to a good adj
vantage.
There is but one opinion expressed by trav-
elers who are intimate with the character of
the lands contiguous to the river and streams
of Dakota and that is, that they never have
seen lands so well adapted to agriculture.
The Valley Of the Big Sioux which in point
of fertility might bear respectable comparison
with the banks of the Nile, is destined in a
short time, to become one of the most popu-
lar sections of the West.
The falls of the Big Sioux river, which has
given the name to the town of Sioux Falls, To-
Gated near them, is considered in availability,
for manufacturing purposes, superior to any
falls in the West, and is made up of series
of falls varying from ten to twenty feet in
height, and extending about half a mile on
the river.
The town of Sioux Falls, which will pro-
badly be the capital of the Territory, isgrow-
ing rapidly at the present time than any 9TH
er place in Dakota. 1t is surrounded by a
large amount of good soil. 1t would be almost
impossible to select bad quarter section,
within the distance of ten miles, in any direc-
ton from the town site.
Here is found great abundance of good
stone suitable for building purposes. The face
of country in this vicinity warrants the belief
that coal will be discovered, when it is further
explored. Coal has already been found on
the banks of the Big Sioux in ridge of coun-
try, similar in its geological features to that in
the neighborhood of Sioux Falls.
There is already at this place, saw mill,
and grist mill, and company are contempla-
ting establishing mills on more extensive
scale.
A very few years will present great i'm
provement in the settlement of this locality.
The country abounds with game The Buff
falo and Elk make frequent visits, while the
Otter, Beaver and hosts of smaller game, are
ever ready to reward the toll of the hunter.
Of excellent fsh-such as bass, pike, pickerel,
WY VuiSh oiO tonVA Out IL RiC Cav QudIIitlcS
for about half the year.
There is sufficiency of timber on the mar
gin of the streams to supply the requirements
of settlers for twenty years to come; by
which time the Land Grant Railroads will be
in operation throughout the Territory, bring
ing us into easy communication with the i'm
mense pineries of Minnesota. R. r. Surveys
are already completed to various points on the
Sioux river. Settlers are generally sowing
locust seed around their residences, and in
ten years, a locust grove will be found on
every farm.
In conclusion I would state, that land
monopolists have not yet made their appear
ance here, and in consequence every quarter
section of land is open to pre-emption and
settlement, thus presenting advantages that
many of the older settled portions of the
West do not afford. When Spectators enter
land by the townships practically excluding
men who would cultivate the soil and make
homes for themselves and families, they do
an injury to new country that the lapse ola
score of years cannot repair.
Yours, &C., j. NJ. ALLEN.