The herald. (Big Stone City, Dak. [S.D.]) 1883-1890, 1883-05-18


A correspondent whom, from his in.
itials "W. D. L." we take to be Mr..
Leach, our new lumber dealer, writ.
ing from this place under date of
April 3Oth, to the Waukegan Qll.) Ga
zette, has the following to say of our
surroundings and prospects. He
draws the picture mildly but truly
Editors Gazette: - The rush to Da-
kota, the land of promise to those afar
of. may give rise to little curiosity
to know something about this part of
the Territory. If can give you any
information you are welcome to it and
need make no allowance for exaggera.
tion as there will be none.
This section is situated along the
eastern boundary of the Territory,
midway north and south. Big Stone
City is Just across the State line of
Minnesota, at the foot of Big Stone
lake, the finest sheet Of water in the
northwest. It extends northward 4
distance of 35 miles to Browns Valley
where it makes close connection with
Lake Traverse running as much farth-
er north and giving rise to the Red
River Of the North. At this place the
Minnesota river takes issue from Big
Stone lake, southwark to the Missis.
sippi. Hence you will see the great
Importance of our location as CON-
mercial center yet to be, when the
country becomes more fully developed.
The lake is between one and two
miles wide, deep, clear, abounding in
fish and beautiful scenery. Two
steamboats, will ply its waters this
summer, one steam yacht about 65
feet long, now being built at this place
"A perfect beauty for safety, speed
and convenience. Our little town of
about 500 inhabitants is acknow lodged
by all travellers in this western coun.
try as the most beautifully located of
any IN the Territory. 1t is on the
Hastings 4 Dakota branch of the C.
II. l. st Paul railroad, and is the coun-
ty seat of Grant county. The north
ern portion of this county has been re-
Gently cut off by an act of the legisla-
tnre and incorporated with the unset
tied Indian Reservation lying along
Big Stone lake and Lake Traverse, SO
famous for its rich lands, fine timber
and pure water. Big Stone City will
be within this new county when or.
ganized and be its chief emporium.
Had it not been that these lands north
of us have been reserved for the lndi-
ans, our town would have been much
larger than it is, but rs they are now
all surveyed and will be thrown on the
market in 4 few weeks. immigration
into these parts will soon be immense.
A new and comparatively unsettled
country on the eastern edge Of the ter
ritOry is nowhere else to be found in
Dakota. Immigrants will have all the
advantages of choice in Il new coun-
try, with all the conveniences Of an
old one, in markets, railroad facilities,
elevators, flour mills, etc. Lying east
of the Hills, the northwest winds are
detected, rendering this region free
from the drouths of the Jim River
valley in the summer and snow block
AIDES that travel across or beyond the
Hills in winter.
Wheat in this county last year went
frequently over 80 bushels per acre,
the average being 25 or more, and ev-
cry bushel Of it being No. l, "hard. :
Oats went from 90 to IS and corn and
potatoes did splendidlv. Graas can be
cut for hay in abundanc on the prairie.
In another year our railroad facili-
ties will be unequalled by any point
in the northwest, short Of Minneapo.
lis, as We have the Chicago / st. Paul
road now, the road from Duluth on
Lake Superior is running to within 80
miles Of this point, and the con.
tract for grading these last 80 miles
has already been let, and we expect to
see the work finished to this place be-
fore harvest. We also expect the
coming summer to hear the lOcomo-
tives of the Central Minnesota st.
Louis railroad whistling in our depot,
as that road is being rapidly construct
ed to the foot OF the lake.
Without coloring, have given you
the chief points Of advantage Of our
growing community, and for full con.
firmation Of the same you may con-
suit the latest maps. and tourists who
have travelled over this western coun-
try. We are having celebrated re-
sort now 1T our beautiful lake, and
many are thelyisitors you may consult.
w. u. l..
lnt Of NOW shoes for adipS' and