The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-04-07
Otter Tail Lake.

| correspondence OF the Pioneer Democrat
OTTER TAI Cry, Min. March 20, 1859,
In my last gave general description Of
this part of the Rcd River country, will
now try to give brief description OF this
place, its surroundings, advantages and
prospects. by act Of the Legislature Of
1858, this county, (Otter Tail,) was estab-
lished, and was organized by the election Of
county officers last October; the county seat
is located at this place. Otter Tail city is
located on beautiful level prairie at the
northeast end of Otter Tail Lake, on part
of sections 10, IL, IA, and Is, and contains
within the town plat nearly three quarter
sections in township 1874 north, range 80
west, in latitude 46 degrees "a min. There
are already several tlourshing settlements
within the bounds of the county, at each Of
which towns are laid of, and great activity
making for their improvement among
which are most prominent, Leaf City" six
miles east Of Otter Tail City and Starrer
Point at the south end OF Otter Tail Lake.
Lapham, Furgus Falls, and Dayton, all
on the river, southwest, and distant IT, Is,
and 30 miles. 1t is the intention OF the prop
| er authorities, 30 soon az our sawmll is com.
pleted, to put up our public buildings (court
house and jail) The United States Land
Office is located here, and will in few
months be ready to dispose Of the lands in
this District, TO actual settlers at least J
There are yet any number Of as fine claims
as could be desired, lying in the immediate
vicinity OF these different settlements, and
along the rivers and lakes, where timber,
prairie, and water can be had to the very
best advantage; there are choice selections
Of the best farming lands to DO had here,
where man with two yoke Of cattle and
plough can make better and larger farm
here 10 six weeks thln be can in most
places 10 the East 10 six years. nm Ger.
ty, industrious men in the South and Fast,
who are now scraping mere scanty subs
sistence from the bills and mountain sides,
among the rocks, stumps and oots,--plod.
ding in the mud and water shaking three
months in the year with the ague, and il.
dread the balance Of the year OF other man
arious diseases; that il they would but come
to Otter Tail County, and see the bright
prospect, they would soon be here with their
teams, wives and little ones, and be plough.
ing their broad acres in our rich prairies.
this country, the universal health enjoyed
here ought to be prime indnccment
have been here now two summers, and
have TO gee or hear Of the first case Of sick
ness Of any kind. have not even heard
person complain Of feeling unwel 1t may
| indeed be said that health here is universal
and uninterrupted.
We are now busy in completing system Of
roads which are much needed. and which will
give TO this country great facilities for trav-
el and intercourse. Tie government road
from Crow Wing, will be liDished to this
point the coming summer. The road from
Superior City to Grow Wing, is under way
and will soon be completed, and so soon as
the weather will print, We expect 10 com.
! pete good road irom this point
direct to the mouth Of the Shay
eune, on the Rcd River, where they
are now building steanboat, 10 run on
that river We will then have direct
straight road from the nearest passable
points on the grea, Lakes 20 the head Of
navigation on the Red River Of the North;
We can then with three days buggy ride
90 from The Mountain House. at the head
Of navigation On the Saskatchewan, near
tie Frazer River gold mines, 70 New York
by water, and when We get a railroad
from Superior City, via Grow Wing. O,tey
Tail city 70 the mouth Of the ohayeDne on
the Red River, We have the shOrtos, and
best route on the continent from the East 10
the Pacific Ocean. Nature has made tbs
the great tbofoughiare. aud tie next ten
year. will ace II completed and 10 operation.
am aware that it u by some who live il
the vicinity Of st. Pau. thought 10 b. sac
rllege to tLink u any oiher a. a starting
point or terminus for any great tboroughfare
than -. Paul. bat. 40 Il IL, that when we
look at the map VIC -ce superior City about
o. uca! to New YORK a. chicago, and when
w. Of Northern Minnesota Gnd We eau get
10 superior 10 three day 80 will " ap, 10
20 there IN prefererce 10 taking eight days
IL guug to Chicago, and 81 the Superior folk.
vii START up The locomotive we can make
tie mp from Chicago 10 superior 10 few
hour. or 10 other words we can eat break
fls; 10 Superior and supper On board Assos
NokrHEur, .,esmboat 90 the Rcd River IN
the evening.
The average apge Of the Thermometer
taken 81 : 0 clock A. NJ for the n0ath Of
February. ~as sever d.r'ts abovs zero, We
had ,seS,y.obs Gear day,, AID seven elosdy.