As early as 1640, adventurous traders had reached the extremity of Lake Superior, and brought to Quebec the news of the existence of copper upon Isle Royale and at other points.

Groselliers, and his brother-in-law, Radisson, in 1659, were here, and the Pigeon River, now a portion of the boundary between Canada and the United States of America, upon early French maps bears the name of the former, of whom a notice will be found in the First Chapter of this volume.

In the year 1662, Groselliers arrived in Montreal from a journey to Hudson's Bay. In 1665, a company of traders reached 'La Pointe, and Father Allouez, a priest, accompanied them, and established there the "Mission of the Holy Spirit." During his brief residence there, he coasted with the traders around the western and northern shores of Lake Superior as far as the tributary of Lake Nepigon, and at Fond du Lac, near the present site of the city of Du Luth, he saw some Sioux, and on the fourth page of this history, will be found his description of this tribe.

Marquette succeeded Allouez, but the mission in 1671, was abandoned, as the Hurons and Ottawas moved eastward, from fear of the Sioux.

Daniel Greysolon Du Luth in the summer of 1679, entered the Sioux country by way of the Saint Louis river. In the thirtieth chapter of this work it will be seen that in September of the same year, he held a council with the Assiniboines and other tribes, at the extremity of Lake Superior, to induce them to make peace with the Nadowayscioux, their common enemy.

In June, 1680, he was at or near the site of the city which preserves his name, and from thence went eighty leagues on the south side of the Lake to the mouth of a river, which he ascended, and

then made a portage to the Saint Croix River which he descended to the Mississippi.

It was not unusual for traders and explorers to compliment their friends by attaching the names of saints whose names had been given to their friends at the time of baptism, to the rivers which floated their canoes, or, of which they heard from the Indians.

Hayes river, which flows into Hudson's Bay, was called Saint Theresa, by Groselliers, in compliment to his wife, Theresa; upon the early French maps, the Assiniboine river is marked St. Charles, in compliment to Charles Beauharnois, the Governor of Canada, at the time of its discovery by the French, and one of its branches was named St. Pierre, in honor of Pierre Verendrye, the leader of exploration in that region. So, it is probable the name St. Louis was given to the River Fond-duLac of the most ancient maps, because the French who first ascended it desired to compliment Count Frontenac, Governor General of Canada at the time of Du Luth's exploration, whose family name was Louis Buade. The latter name, Buade, was given by Du Luth to the sheet of water now called Mille Lacs.

The bay at the head of Lake Superior was called West Bay, and on a map engraved in London, in 1778, to illustrate Carver's Travels, the site of Du Luth is designated as Boston.

The voyageurs of Canada called all Englishmen Bostonnois, because Canadians traded at Boston, which two hundred years ago was one of the most populous and most important commercial towns of the English Colonies.

Groselliers, the first white man to explore Minnesota before the year 1670, traded with its citizens, and a native of Boston co-operated with him in developing the Hudson Bay fur trade. After the French, by the Treaty of Paris, in 1763, ceded this country to Great Britain, English traders came to the head of Lake Superior. In 1767, toward the latter end of July, Carver coasted along the shores of West Bay on his way to the rendez

vous of English traders at Grand Portage. His companion was a trader named Goddard, and on one of his maps the Bois Brule is called Goddard's river. The name, Boston, was probably given to the point at the mouth of the Saint Louis river, because here was an English trading post.

It was not until the year 1820, that an expedi tion, under the auspices of the United States of America, reached the head of Lake Superior. Governor Cass, of Michigan, on the 5th of July, arrived with a party on a tour to the Upper Mississippi. His historiographer wrote as follows: "The western termination of the Lake in the great bay of Fond du Lac denotes a double or masked shore, which appears to have been formed of pebbles and sand thrown up by the tempests, at the distance of a mile or two outside of the original shore.

"The result is shown by an elongated piece of water, resembling a lake, which receives at the north, the river St. Louis, and the Agoche, or Left Hand river, at its south extremity.

"About three miles above the mouth of the river, we land at a Chippewa village. While exchanging the usual salutations with them we noticed the children of an African who had intermarried with this tribe. The children were the third in descent from Bango, a freed man of a former British commanding officer at the island of Michillimackinack. They possessed as black skins as the father, a fact which may be accounted for by observing what I afterwards learned, that the marriages were in the case of the grandfather and father with the pure Indian."

Until 1854, Saint Louis county was seldom visited by any white men, except traders and missionaries to the Indians.

The large area embraced in St. Louis county was included in the lands ceded to the United States by the Indians, at the treaty consummated at La Point, in 1854, at which the old Chief, Hole-in-the-Day, was an object of marked interest to all present. The peninsula known as Minnesota Point had for years been a favorite resort for the Lake Superior Bands, and had become their burial ground.

The surface is undulating, and in some parts quite broken. The area of the county is 6,500 square miles. Its principal streams are the St. Louis river and its tributaries, which drain the southern portion, flowing into Lake Superior at its western extremity. Along this stream is found some of the most picturesque scenery in the North

west, the "Dalles of the St. Louis" having gained the admiration of thousands of travelers who have been favored with a panoramic view of this charming spot, in passing over the St. Paul and Duluth railroad, north of the Northern Pacific Junction.

The country in the vicinity of Duluth is mainly woodland, consisting of pine, birch, maple, spruce, tamarack, oak, poplar, etc., with tracts of wild meadow. The soil near the lake is a red marly clay, intermixed with sand, which improves in quality as it recedes from the lake. As yet, the settlement is confined to that portion adjacent to Lake Superior, and on the St. Louis river. Although lying in the northern part of the State, the efforts thus far made in farming have been attended with satisfactory results, and such as to justify more extensive investments in agriculture. Small grains, roots, and grass yield good returns, and it is claimed that no county in the State excels, while few equal this for clover, while in fruit raising this locality compares favorably with other portions of the State. The first attempt at farming in this region was in 1820, when the American Fur Company sent a limited amount of stock and farming utensils to Fond-du-Lac, which was then one of their trading posts. About four acres were cultivated, and it is claimed that a good crop of potatoes and garden vegetables and a fair crop of corn was the result of the effort. The statements are furnished in Schoolcraft's journal, and if true, this was the first agricultural effort in the territory now embraced in Minnesota, being three years before Lieutentant Camp's experiment at Fort Snelling. We have no information as to the length of time this miniature farm was cultivated, or what further results were accomplished.

The county was organized in 1856, and the following officers appointed by the Governor: Clerk of the Court, J. B. Culver; Sheriff, A. J. Ellis; Register of Deeds, R. H. Barrett; Auditor, I. E. Brown. An election was held in the fall of the same year, at the building known as the Nettleton claim shanty. Unfortunately we have no authentic records of this meeting. On the 4th of January, 1858, the first board of County Commissioners met at the office of the Register of Deeds. The Board consisted of E. C. Martin, Chairman, Vose Palmer, and Z. J. Brown. At their second meeting, January 19th, six school districts were created; and at their third, April 5th, the towns of Carlton, Duluth, Martin, and Carp River were

formed.

From subsequent changes, there are now ten organized school districts, and the towns are, Oneota, Fond du Lac, Rice Lake, Hermann, and Gresen.

The history of early settlements reaches back to the missionary efforts, about the middle of the present century. Rev. Edmund F. Ely, representing the American Board of Foreign Missions, was at Oneota in 1856, and Mr. Spencer was here at an early date, instructing the Indians in agriculture, education and religion. While these had little to do with the actual settlement, they nevertheless gave direction to the tide of immigration, and thus indirectly had their effect in shaping the future movements. Superior City was located in 1853, platted in 1854, and the plat recorded in September of that year by a company organized under the title of Proprietors of Superior. Previous to this, in the winter of 1850-51, George E. Nettleton and J. B. Culver conducted a trading post at Fond du Lac, and in the spring each selected a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, under an act of Congress relating to the establishment of trading posts. Their claims were on Minnesota Point, where George E. Nettleton established a post, and engaged in the fur trade with the Indians. Culver and William Nettleton, feeling insecure in a region wholly given over to Indians, removed to St. Paul and engaged in mercantile life. The claims, under the supervision of Mr. Nettleton, remained undisturbed and uncoveted until the spring of 1854, when it became evident that additional measures were necessary to insure their permanent possession. During the summer the North Shore Land Company was organized, composed of J. B. Culver, George E. Nettleton, and Orrin W. Rice, who took possession of the entire water front from Minnesota Point to Grassy Point, each member of the Company establishing an individual claim to a portion of the territory. Nettleton's claim was on Minnesota Point, Culver's extended from the Point some distance up the hill, and along the shore to Rice's Point, and Rice's claim was on the Point now bearing his name. These claims were made under provision of the act already referred to, while all subsequent claims were under the usual Government rights.

In 1856, the village of Oneota, on St. Louis Bay, was platted by William McCracken, R. H. Bacon, and Edmund F. Ely, the site being selected by the latter, who afterward removed to California.

The site selected was one of rare natural beauty, and but for the sudden rise of Duluth, would doubtless have exhibited remarkable development long ere this.

Fond-du-Lac village, on the left bank of the St. Louis river, about fifteen miles from Duluth, was platted in 1856. This place has already been mentioned as a trading post of the American Fur Company, and the remains of some of the old buildings are yet visible, as was also traces of the old garden, until within the last few years. It is now a station on the St. Paul & Duluth Railroad, and among other advantages, has a fine waterpower.

DULUTH.

This city is situated at the head of Lake Superior, resting upon the lake and Duluth Bay, on a gently sloping hill, with a southern exposure, and sheltered from the north and west winds by the bluffs and timber back of the city.

It has a natural drainage to the lake, and viewed from the lake or bay, presents one of the most charming prospects met throughout the Northwest. Being at the head of navigation, forming the gateway of commerce between the East and West, possessing the largest harbor on the lake, and being the terminal point of the Northern Pacific railroad, its importance as a commercial point needs no extended notice. The harbor is formed by Minnesota and Wisconsin Points, which together inclose a bay several miles in length, furnishing harbor room for more than the entire fleet of the great lakes, and so sheltered as to insure perfect safety. There are two entrances to this harbor; one being the natural passage between the extremities of the points named, which is about four hundred feet wide, and an artificial passage, two hundred and fifty feet wide, cut through Minnesota Point, about half a mile from the main land. In this excellent land-locked harbor, vessels may lay at anchor during the severest gales that visit the lakes, and either passage may be entered without risk by the largest vessels.

A substantial lighthouse was constructed, at Government expense, at the extremity of Minnesota Point, guarding that entrance, and the people of Duluth constructed the canal, or artificial en

trance, and lighthouses, the whole costing about $210,000, including a dyke across the middle of the bay, which was asked by the citizens of Superior City, and ordered by a decision of the United States Court. The dyke was scarce completed when the Superior City people saw their error, and sought relief by asking the builders to undo their work. They were relieved from their dilemma by a severe "northeaster," which sent the great waves rushing through the channel until their accumulated force broke down the barrier, affording free passage for vessels through the bay.

In 1850, the steamer Manhattan entered Duluth Bay and ascended to the trading post of the American Fur Company, on the north side of the St. Louis river, twenty-one miles from its mouth. This was the first and only steamer to reach this point on the river.

The early settlement of Duluth has already been noted, and the first claimants named. Others who came in 1855 were, Robert Emmet Jefferson, who made a claim about the Middle of Minnesota Point, and B. Shultz, whose claim extended from Jefferson's south line to the southern extremity of the point. On the mainland, S. C. McQuade, W. W. Kingsbury, and W. W. Whiteside selected claims, extending one and one-half miles along the lake shore. The arrival of " claim-jumpers" occasioned some difficulty this season, which, however, resulted in the original claimants maintaining their rights. Of several claim shanties built here in 1856, only one, that of Captain Forney, remains. It may be seen on First street, between Second and Third Avenues west.

The first building within the present limits of Duluth was erected in the spring of 1851, by George E. Nettleton, and used by him as a trading post. It was located in what is now Superior Street, between First and Second Avenues East. It was of round logs, one story in hight, with one door and one window and was in use many years. In this primitive building the first election was held, while this was only a voting precinct, known as the North Shore and Lake Superior precinct. Some who held claims here, claiming this as home, voted at this election, though actually living in Superior. During this and the following year, several additional shanties marked the chosen locations of new comers, who were forced to remove the dense growth of brush and low timber which was impenetrable except in a few already cleared

passages. There is a tradition of an Englishman of capital, who came to Duluth at an early day from Canada, bringing the entire outfit for his future dwelling by boat, in imitation of William Penn, in the old Colonial times.

The City of Duluth was platted by George E. Nettleton, J. B. Culver, Orrin W. Rice, William Nettleton, and Robert E. Jefferson, under the town site law of 1844, and the plat filed for record on the 26th of may, 1856. The tract embraced in this plat was what is now known as Upper, or Old Duluth. Under a provisson of the same act an election was held, and the following officers chosen: President, George E. Nettleton; Trustees, Orrin W. Rice, William Nettleton, and Robert E. Jefferson; and Recorder, J. B. Culver. Lots were sold before the completion of the survey, and upon its completion a small tract of unclaimed land was found between the claims of George E. Nettleton and J. B. Culver, which was taken by the company, and platted as Cowell's addition.

As in individual nativity, so in the birth of this unfledged city, it became necessary to select a name. Anticipating a brilliant future, the founders of the city looked with disfavor upon the adoption of any prosaic appellation, and adopted a novel mode by which to secure a name worthy of their future anticipations. A picnic was called, to be held on Minnesota Point, each invited guest being required to present a name. In addition to the sumptuous repast, boats were in readiness to convey visitors from Superior City, and the occasion proved one of unalloyed pleasure. After a number of names had been presented and rejected, Rev. J. G. Wilson, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the acknowledged wit and genius of the party, arose and read from a slip of paper, "Du Luth," following with a fitting tribute to the memory of that hardy explorer, with incidents of his life and adventures in this region; and when at the close of his address, an expression was called for, a universal shout of assent announced the adoption of the name. Feasting and congratulations followed, and in the fast approaching twilight, the party dispersed, first drinking to the future prosperity of the "Zenith City of the Unsalted Seas."

From this time the growth of the place was rapid. In the summer of 1856, George E. Nettleton and J. B. Culver erected a steam saw-mill, dwelling-house, boarding-house, blacksmith shop, besides barns and sheds. During the same season, Portland, now a part of the city, was platted

by A. B. Robinson, James D. Ray, C. Markell, and John J. Post. This plat was on the north shore, and adjoining the Duluth plat. Although the two towns were separate and distinct, their growth was simultaneous. Rice and Jefferson built a hotel in the summer of 1857, and the same year work was commenced on a dock, offices, and a warehouse on the north shore, also a few residences.

In 1868, Duluth, Portland, and Rice's Point, until then three separate organizations, were consolidated, and all assumed the name of Duluth. Two of the old buildings of Portland are yet standing.

The growth of the city was now surprisingly rapid, and hotel and boarding house facilities were wholly inadequate to meet the public want. The Bay View House was built this season, and thronged with guests at four dollars per day, transient rates; and another large hotel was built the same season, besides stores, offices, and a large warehouse and supply store, with docks attached, on Minnesota Point. This was then a base for supplies in the work of railroad construction, and added very materially to the life of the place. The winter witnessed a temporary lull in business, but the summer of 1870 was heralded by an influx far in excess of the previous year, and by August, when the railroad arrived, the population had reached about two thousand. When the Northern Pacific railroad commenced work westward from the Junction, with terminal facilities at Duluth, the labor furnished, and the general business growing out of this enterprise, aided in maintaining the life and further growth of the city. Flushed with present success, and making no doubt of future developments, the people indulged in extravagant anticipations, and contracted immense debts in the way of county and city bonds. St. Louis county pledged her faith to the amount of $150,000, in aid of a railroad to St. Paul; the city of Duluth $50,000, to the same road for harbor improvements, $30,000 to the blast furnace, $25,000 to the Citizens' Dock, besides numerous lesser sums for other public improvements, which, including the harbor improvements, formed an indebtedness against the city of not less than $200,000. This was the condition of things when the panic of 1873 swept over the country, crumbling every unsubstantial enterprise, and only sparing such as were "builded upon a rock.”

It is useless here to introduce any preambles, or attempt any useless explanations. The simple

fact appears, that Duluth had outstripped her resources, and misfortune followed.

The former influx of settlers was more than equalled by the exodus following the general depression in business. Some, whose business relations prevented their removal, and others who were not inclined to desert the ship in any event, remained, and united their efforts in restoring the place to its former prosperity. Three-fourths of the taxable property of the county was within the city, and holden for a corresponding amount of the county bonds, which, added to the direct liabilities of the city, formed an aggregate indebtedness of alarming proportions, and one which capitalists were not inclined to assume. To remove,

or render manageable this immense burden, and render future progress possible, a new organization was effected, by which that portion representing the principal wealth of the place, was organized as the village of Duluth, with power to take up such bonds as the holders might surrender, issuing new ones in their stead, calling for one-fourth the original amount. This effected the needed relief, and capital again sought investment here. In the early summer of 1879, Mr. Taylor, of Michigan, leased a mill site on Minnesota Point, and soon after James Charnley & Co., from Chicago, commenced buying pine lands, and the same year a mill was built on Rice's Point, by Graff, Little, & Co., of Grand Rapids, Michigan. From this a general awakening followed. Mill sites were in demand, real estate made sudden advances, and a general revival of business ushered in the day of Duluth's permanent prosperity. With no unwieldy indebtedness, with superior dock and harbor accommodations, being the terminal point of the great railroad line of commerce between the fast growing territory west, and the eastern seaboard, the city, to all human appearances, seems destined to live in history as one of the most important commercial centers in the Northwest.

The Government land office is located here, and large business blocks, hotels, schools, and churches furnish evidence of influence, wealth and energy.

The first attorney in Duluth was E. F. Parker, who opened an office in 1868.

The first death in Duluth was that of Mary Culver, daughter of J. B. Culver, April 11, 1857.

The first marriage ceremony occurred on the 27th of April, 1870, the parties united being Captain Thomas H. Pressnell and Miss Cora E. Parker. The ceremony occurred at the residence of the