Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1860-06-23

NORTH WESTERN IOWA.


ward, I am persuaded that we have in the
chain Of lakes in Dickinson county o
treasure which is far from being duly ap-
preciated. These lakes are about 100
miles North east from Sioux City, and ex.
tend to the southern line of Minnesota
The most northern is Spirit Lake. 1t is
circular in form, and about 5 miles across.
1t is separated from East Okaboji by an
islhmus some 80 rods wide, aid this con,
meets with West Okaboji, the two latter
being about one mile in width, and some
fifteen miles in length. The greatest
depth Of water We! ascertained is in West
Okaboji, and reaches $50 feet, and around
the entire lakes it is doubtful whether a
single quarter section of land can be
found unfit for cultivation. The descent
to the lakes is everywhere gradual, afford
ing locations for farms and residences,
unsurpassed for beauty of scenery and
fertility. The water is cold, clear and
pure, and literally teens with the choicest
variety Of fish. There is no body Of water
in the world which has more attractive
beach. There is neither mud or quick
sand, but solid bed Of unyielding gray.
Ell and sand, interspersed with stretches oil
boulders in places heaped up in the wild
est confusion, while in others, They as
sumo regularity Of position fully equal
to that found around the somew hat famed
"Walled Lake." Around these lakes are
some 5000 acres Of timber of the most
superior quality, and embracing every
variety found in the West. The water of
Spirit Lake is considerably higher than
that Of Okaboji, and from the one to the
other race has been cut upon which q
grist mill has been erected. The water
has flown through this sluice over twelve
mouths with sufficient force for all practi.
cal purposes, and with no apparent dimi~
mutton in the supply from Spiri, Lake.
The heart rending Indian massacre of
three years since which depopulated the
lake couutry, has operated seriously to its
detriment in promoting settlement But
apprrhcnsions OF any further trouble are
no longer entertained by the most timd,
and already there is quite large settle
ment of enterprising and intelligent set,
tiers. Farms are being rapidly opened,
and FIRST class public improvements are
adding vastly to the natural attractions al
this delightful region. The swamp lands
Of the county have been negotiated, and
proceeds applied to the building of fine
Court House, and two magnificent brid.
ges-one Of which is some 300 feet in
length, upon the southern extremity of
The lakes. The town of Okaboi has been
located npon commanding site, in "A inc
grove Of timber. The enterprising pro-
prietor, Dr.. Prescott, has erected com.
modious two story dwelling house, where,
with his estimsble lady and most inter-
esting family, the stranger may safely an
ticipate the most cordial greeting and hos
pitable entertainment.
There is here first class steam mill 10
successful operation. besides other i'm,
provements. Five miles northeast from
this point, and near the southwestern
shore Of Spirit Lake is he county seat of
Dickinson county-"Spirit Lake" 1t is
beautiful locality upon the prairie. and
commands fine view of the lakes aud
surrounding country. There are num-
Der OF families here, and some very fine
frame houses. At the Lake View House."
kept by Mr. kingmau, the weary travel
er may find rest, and all the convenicn.
cies and Injuries usual in oar western
hotels. At no point IN the west are the
people more hospitable, all eyincing an
anxious desire to make their visitors CON
Portable. and to afford every facility for
those seeking amusement upon the lakes
or farms FIR settlement. A number of fine
farms have been opened. and there is
good prospect of an abundant harres, the
present season. There is a single enc'o-
sure adjoining the town Of Spirit Lake
containing one thousand acres. 1t is
made hv extending single string of
fence between two points upon the lake.
distant from each other two and a half
miles. There is still. as WIS informed.
superior locations unclaimed and now open
to presumption by actual settlers. and am
persuaded that persons of this class seek
ing a permanent home would be amply
repaid by visit to this sec. ion and those
who are in pursuit OF health or pleasant
summer recreation may travel the cont
nent over without finding point possess.
ing greater attractions IF any doubt
this. have only to say-do rs have
done, so and try it. SPY.