Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1861-03-30

~ NV
ritory, its locality, resources, climate and
natural advantages have become matters
of public interest. Hitherto there has
been no law, and consequently no legal
protection to life or property within the
Territory. Under such circumstances,
there could be but lutte inducement to
settlers. Yet many in the expectation Of
an early organization. entered the Terri
tory soon after the Indian title was rx,in.
guished, and have already made for them
selves comfortable homes and productive
farms.
From frequent inquiries made Of our
citizens by persons abroad respecting Da.
. kota, We are inclined to the opinion that
the coming summer will witness q large
immigration hither. The causes for an
increased tide of immigration are album
dant The present crisis will multiply
farmers aud send laoor in quest of new
fields Of enterprise, while the new Terri
tories afford excellent. opportunities for
labor and enterprise.
For the benefit Of ANY who are disposed
to try their ~lortane in n new country, en-
dure its privations, and labor patiently
for the development of its resources, and
the increase of its advantages and com
forts we propose to speak Of Dakota as it
is.
This Territory is easy of access by land
or water. The Missouri river, forming its
Southern boundary, all points in Southern
Dakota have the benefits of navigation
during the entire summer season.
The general character of the country is
gently undulating prairie. Timber is
scarce, except along the streams, and the
streams are in the midst of broad, beauti.
full and fertile valleys. 1t is well provided
with large streams. Besides the Missouri
river, there is the Big Sioux river forming.
the boundary between Iowa and Dakota
the Vermiiiion river, about thirty miles
farther West, and the James river still
farther West thirty miles. The Big Sioux
is n~avirable for small boats some fifty
miles. Along the Missouri river timber is
abundant; there is less timber on the
Sioux. and but very little upon the YER
million and James. The kinds of timber
most common are, Cottonwood, Oak. Ash,
Walnut and Red Cedar. In the South
eastern portion of the Territory, extending
many miles into the interior, the land is
nearly level, and 10 known as the Dakota
Bottoms. 1t is dry and healthy, and IN
surpassed in fertility.
The census returns show that already
the population Of this Territory has reach,
ed several thousand. There are several
fouIishiug settlements and promising
towns. There is a good settlement at Elk
Point on the Missouri about % miles from
Sioux City. AT the mouth of the Fermil.
considerable importance. The surround
ing settlement is large and the settlers
Industrious. Verm;llion boasts ofn church,
school house, hotels, stores and a saw
mill. The strife for the Capitals between
Vermillion and Yancton.
This last named town is some thirty
miles farther west, near the mouth of the
James river and upon the old campground
OF Strike the Rec, Chief of the Yanctou
tribe. 1t is delightfully."- situated upon the
bluffs, gently sloping down to the Nilsson
n. Here also is a large settlement and n
lourishing town--wi.h its churches,
schools, hotels and stores.
Farther up the Missouri, about twenty
five miles is Bon lhmme. At this point
there ia "a good settlement and considera
bic improve ments. Still farther up the
river, aud within fifteen miles Of IT. Ran.
dali is the Indian reserve. Here under the
supervision Of Col. Redfeld, the Agent,
very valuable and extensive improvements
lave been made.
In addition to the settlements on the
Missouri there are important settlements
on tho Big Sioux near its mouth; also,
about twenty miles north, opposite West
fold, in this State and also one hundred
miles north at Sioux Falls.
The population Of Dakota is composed
chiefly of active and energetic settlers,
Ard is devoted to agricultural pursuits
Many excellent farms have been opened
by them within the past two years, and
placed in a good state Of inproyement and
cultivation.
The road from Sioux City to For. Ran
dali passes through Dakota is well trav
eled and generally in excellent condition.
The larger streams are provided with good
and reliable ferries.
The resources Of this territory nre emf
nently agricultural. Farming and grazing
will pay best. No efforts have yet been
made 10 discover coal or other mineral !:
yet there are strong external evidences OF
their existence in various parts of Dakota.
The climate Of Southern Dakota is
about the same temperature as this la,i-
tude in Iowa and other States. Its health
fitness cannot be questioned.
There is abundance Of provisions here,
and also all articles needed in a new coun-
try. Such is the territory lately organized
and lying within view from our city. 1t