Fifty Years in the Northwest Informative Summary

Overview:

This book, “Fifty Years in the Northwest,” by W.H.C. Folsom, offers a captivating firsthand account of the transformation of the Northwest, particularly Wisconsin and Minnesota, from a wilderness to a thriving region. Folsom, who arrived in the Upper Mississippi Valley in 1836, provides detailed descriptions of life as a pioneer, the challenges and triumphs of early settlement, the evolution of lumbering as a major industry, and the political and social landscape of the developing territories.

The book is richly woven with biographical sketches of prominent individuals who played vital roles in the region’s development. From traders and missionaries to lumber barons and politicians, Folsom provides a rich tapestry of historical figures, highlighting their contributions and adventures. The narrative delves into the complex relationship between settlers and indigenous populations, the impact of the liquor trade, and the turbulent years of the Indian wars and the Civil War. Through vivid storytelling, Folsom paints a picture of the Northwest’s early years, offering insights into the hardships and opportunities faced by those who dared to forge a new life in this rugged and unforgiving landscape.

Key Findings:

The transformative power of lumbering: The book highlights the vital role lumbering played in the region’s development, shaping the economy, attracting settlers, and influencing the growth of major cities like Stillwater and Minneapolis.
The impact of Indian treaties: The narrative explores how treaties with Native American tribes, while intended to open the region for settlement, often resulted in conflicts and misunderstandings.
The persistent challenges of the liquor trade: Folsom emphasizes the destructive impact of the liquor trade on both settlers and indigenous populations, leading to violence, disease, and moral decay.
The resilience of pioneers: The book showcases the incredible tenacity and resourcefulness of those who braved the wilderness, overcoming hardships and contributing to the region’s progress.
The transition from frontier to civilization: The narrative captures the dynamic shift from a lawless frontier to a burgeoning civilization, with the establishment of towns, governments, and institutions.

Learning:

The process of frontier settlement: Readers will gain a deep understanding of the challenges and struggles faced by pioneers, from navigating treacherous landscapes to dealing with hostile natives.
The complexities of Native American relations: The book provides insight into the cultural clashes, conflicts, and treaties that shaped relations between settlers and Native Americans.
The evolution of lumbering as an industry: Readers will learn about the evolving techniques and practices of lumbering, the role of companies, and the economic impact on the region.
The rise of political institutions: The text illuminates the process of establishing territorial and state governments, including the critical role of political figures and the challenges of shaping a new society.
The role of key figures in shaping the Northwest: Readers will learn about the lives and contributions of significant individuals who helped shape the Northwest, providing a detailed historical perspective.

Historical Context:

Folsom’s account unfolds during a period of significant historical shifts:

The expansion of American influence: The United States was expanding westward, acquiring new territories and engaging in conflicts with Native American tribes.
The era of Manifest Destiny: This period saw a belief in the inevitability of American expansion across the continent, driving westward migration and shaping relations with both Native American populations and neighboring nations like Britain.
The growth of the lumber industry: The demand for timber, fueled by the expansion of cities and industries, spurred the development of the lumbering industry in the Northwest.
The pre-Civil War period: The Northwest was facing the growing tension over slavery, which would ultimately lead to the Civil War.

Facts:

First exploration of the Upper Mississippi: The earliest exploration of the Upper Mississippi is attributed to Hernando de Soto in 1539.
Early French claims: The French, through explorers like Verrazzani and Champlain, established claims to the territory now known as the Northwest.
The first fort in Wisconsin: Nicolas Perrot, sent by Governor De La Barre, built Fort St. Nicholas at Prairie du Chien in 1683.
The first American settlers in Wisconsin: Green Bay, Wisconsin, was settled in 1796 after the English surrendered the western posts to the United States.
The Selkirk settlement: The Selkirk settlement, founded in 1811, was a mix of Scotch, French, and Native American settlers who lived in present-day Manitoba.
The Indian payment at Stillwater: In 1848, over 1,100 Chippewa Indians received their annuities at Stillwater, leading to a tragedy when the river froze up and many died from overeating or exposure.
The first steamboat on the St. Croix: The steamer Palmyra, captained by Middleton, brought materials and settlers to St. Croix Falls in 1838.
The discovery of Itasca Lake: Henry R. Schoolcraft and W.T. Boutwell identified Itasca Lake as the source of the Mississippi River in 1832.
The founding of St. Cloud: John L. Wilson, who bought a claim from a Norwegian settler in 1854, platted the village of St. Cloud.
The St. Cloud dam: The St. Cloud dam, built in 1886 at a cost of $200,000, is a major infrastructure project that harnessed the power of the Mississippi River.
The founding of Minneapolis: The first settlers in the area that became Minneapolis were Joseph R. Brown and Major Taliaferro, who made a farm on the shores of Lake Calhoun in 1829.
The first white child born in Minnesota: The first white child born in Minnesota was the son of Anson Northrup, born at St. Croix Falls in 1844.
The first marriage in Minnesota: The first marriage in Minnesota was celebrated at Fort Snelling in 1835.
The first steamboat on the Red River of the North: Anson Northrup successfully transported the steamboat North Star by land from St. Cloud to the Red River, where it became the first steamboat on the river.
The first state capitol in Minnesota: The first state capitol in Minnesota was built in St. Paul in 1853, and it was destroyed by fire in 1881.
The first organized church in Minnesota: The first organized church in Minnesota was a Presbyterian church with seven members, organized in 1837 at Pokegama Lake.
The first hotel in Minnesota: The first hotel in Minnesota, the Chisago House, was built in Taylor’s Falls in 1851.
The first jail in Minnesota: The first jail in Minnesota was built at St. Croix Falls in 1851.

Statistics:

Population of Wisconsin Territory in 1836: 11,883
Population of Minnesota Territory in 1849: 4,680
Population of St. Paul in 1855: 4,716
Population of St. Paul in 1886: 138,074
Number of farms in St. Croix county in 1885: 2,289
Value of improved land in St. Croix county in 1885: $7,015,198
Annual production of lumber in St. Croix county: 50,000,000 feet
Annual production of flour in St. Croix county: 160,000 barrels
Value of St. Croix county agricultural products in 1885: $1,815,266
Annual production of lumber in Sawyer county: 35,000,000 feet
Annual production of lumber at Shell Lake: 50,000,000 feet
Annual production of lumber at Cumberland: 30,000,000 feet
Annual production of lumber at Hayward: 35,000,000 feet
Population of St. Cloud in 1886: 10,000
Population of Duluth in 1886: 26,000
Value of iron ore shipments from Tower in 1886: 304,000 tons
Annual production of lumber in Aitkin County: 75,000,000 feet
Total population of the original Northwest Territory in 1880: 12,989,571
Number of farms in St. Croix county in 1885: 2,289
Number of farms in Hennepin county in 1885: 2,289
Estimated cost of the St. Croix-Lake Superior Canal: $8,000,000
Average cost per mile of the St. Croix-Lake Superior Canal: $40,000
Number of steamboats plying on the Mississippi in 1884: 175
Number of logs floated down the Mississippi in 1884: 1,366,000,000 feet
Total number of logs floated down the St. Croix in 1887: 325,000,000 feet
Value of lumber production on the St. Croix in 1887: $2,393,323
Number of steamboats engaged in towing logs on the St. Croix in 1887: 51
Number of steamboats plying the St. Croix in 1887: 3
Total number of railroad miles in St. Paul and Minneapolis in 1887: 8,476

Terms:

Pre-emption: The right of a person to purchase government land, even if the land has not yet been officially put up for sale.
Squatter sovereignty: The belief that a person who occupies land, makes improvements, and lives on the land has the right to the land, even if the government owns it.
Surveying: The process of measuring and mapping land, establishing boundaries and dividing land into lots and sections.
Boom: A floating barrier in a river used to collect logs as they float downstream.
Scale: To measure the volume of timber, using a specific system of measurement.
Log drive: The process of moving logs down a river, with men working to keep them in the channel and clear jams.
Boom master: A person responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a log boom.
Tramway: A narrow gauge railway built on wooden beams, used to move logs and other materials over uneven ground.
Trappean: A type of rock formed by volcanic activity, typically characterized by its dark color and ability to break into angular fragments.

Examples:

The story of the settlers at St. Croix Falls: This story illustrates the challenges and hardships faced by early pioneers, including conflicts with Native Americans, lack of supplies, and harsh weather conditions.
The tale of Muckatice: This story, told by Mrs. Worth, highlights the dangers of the liquor trade and the potential for conflict between settlers and Indians.
The St. Croix Falls Lumbering Company: This example illustrates the challenges of operating a business in a frontier setting, including the complexities of managing labor, securing supplies, and dealing with legal issues.
The Red Bird Indian War: This historical event, recounted by James H. Lockwood, showcases the brutality and violence of Indian wars, emphasizing the need for careful negotiation and conflict resolution.
The Battle of Pokegama: This story, recounted by Mrs. Ayer, illustrates the ongoing conflict between the Sioux and Chippewa tribes, as well as the impact of this conflict on early settlers.
The journey of the Palmyra: This account describes the arrival of the first steamboat on the St. Croix River, highlighting the significance of new technologies in opening the region to settlement.
The story of the first settlers at Hudson: This story describes the early days of Hudson, demonstrating the resilience and persistence of settlers who established a community in a challenging environment.
The tragedy of the St. Croix Falls Lumbering Company: This story, recounted by Gov. Holcombe, illustrates the failures and challenges of managing a large business enterprise in a frontier setting, highlighting the importance of teamwork and careful planning.
The execution of the Indian murderer: This story, recounted by Calvin Tuttle, highlights the harsh realities of frontier justice, emphasizing the severity of punishment for crimes.

Conclusion:

“Fifty Years in the Northwest” offers a compelling and detailed glimpse into the transformation of Wisconsin and Minnesota from a largely uncharted wilderness to thriving communities. The book captures the spirit of adventure, hardship, and innovation that marked the early years of settlement. Through Folsom’s vivid descriptions and biographical sketches, readers gain a deep understanding of the key events, individuals, and challenges that shaped the Northwest. The book highlights the importance of lumbering as a driving force, the intricate relationship between settlers and Native Americans, and the ongoing struggle to establish a stable and just society. Ultimately, “Fifty Years in the Northwest” provides an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of the region and the pioneering spirit that shaped its destiny.

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