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Document - Historical information/data - Information on the research and development of the first history book about Eagan "Lone Oak Years" - 1/1/1983I August 23, 19a14 Mr. Thomas L. Hedges, City Administrator, City of ?agan 3g30 Pilot Knob Road Fagan, Mn 21199 Re: !agar Manuscript Dear Tom: While reading your letter to Lisa, August 13, 19g14, I was not sur- prised to see that Lisa was back in the picture in regard to our nanu - script on the history of Fagan. James Smith and Tom l agan, both on the council, have done every - thin poesible to road block our nroi;ress. They have even accused the chairman as not being qualifed to by chairman. The Fagan history committe is also quit• disturbed that our mayor, Bea Bloomqulet, acting with her pretentious deliverance as a caring and human individual, never bothered, during her tenure to stop in and show her interest in our project, when our meetings met on the same evenings as the council. I'm not surprised that professional writers were gun shy, when ads were placed to find assistance to complete the book. Off the record, with the various mediae, every one knew how the Fagan History Committee had been treated by the Fagan City Council. Council members critized and bitched about material unkowing to them had been changed, and in their complete ignorance were stifeling our progress. This was done by James Smith and Tom Iagan. Where do the politicians find these kind of people? In regard to Lisa's subject memos, it appears that she thinks that the history committe has finished its work. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am sending Lisa, a copy of this letter along with our agreement with the city of Fagan, May g, 1904. This document lays out very, specif- ically, our remaining interest in the project. The document has been signed by an. authorised representative of the city of !agar, has two signature witnesses, it is a legal document and is enforceable iu a court of law. In regard to Lisa's, subject memos) 1. I find very little for us to talk about here. 2. Many of the sources are now dead, well you can imagine after almost seven years. Remaining family siblings may only distort our in- vestigation, so eliminate Lisa's concern here. 3. The manuscript has already been proof read by an experienced English teacher. However there could be some reviewing because of changes made to meet the May Sth dead -line. 4. I realise that dimensions and copy with photos need revision. As far as specifications are conderned. The history committee must also be involved. 5. Proof reading will have to be done. But extremely accurate proof reading should be done before it goes to the printers. Lisa's inexperience as a professional is extremely conspicuous. She has left out one of the most significant parts of our book, the index, and a history book without an index, to another historian isn't worth a damn. 6. Here we will all need cooperation, the city coucil maybe able to partially redeem themselves here. Reasons why Lisa should not go back to the old families and their histories: 1. Some of our early pioneer families had syndrome babies, and many of the younger generation know nothing about this part of their ancestry, and older siblings should not be pestered. Becuase that is exactly what she would be doing. 2. One of our pioneer families began with an illegitimate great great grand parent. This issue alone has split this particular family to the present day, one hundred and twenty years later. 3. Other families have been embarrassed by incest, and have, no desire having their former family problems made public. You know what they say leave sleeping dogs ly, expecially here. From these explanations, I'm sure Lisa sees our sympathetic rea- soning. Lisa mentions what an excellent job we did on the manuscript, but left me inform you all, it was no accident that I joined the committee. I felt, I had an inside track that would assist me in talking to those families. ,And sociologically I was correct. 1. Having been reared in a Frech Canadien family, I had the herit age to communicate with these people. And my association with Ronald C !ustice, gave me to information on many of the early French Canadians that no other mem'aer of the committee could have obtained. 2. Being born half Irish was a tremendously positive factor in gathering information from the Irish. 3. Being married to a girl who was a niece to the late Andrew Denser, Dakota County Commissioner for nineteen years was no small factor for gathering information from the German community. 3 I hope Lisa will by cooperative as we all expect to be,, but we must remember that Lisa is a graduate in journalism, so far it has only given her a degree to put her into a professional status. Some call her a professional, a professional is one with experience and for $5.00 per hour, one can readily see she is striving for it. She make the grade some day and shq'll do well to, but for some councilman to say they have hire a professional is only disilluasing remark, that can make future negative circumstances extremely pain - full. Lim sure that Lisa will have few problems with us, we are an extremely didicated group and the loyality I have enjoyed from those on the committee with me has been overwhelming. I'm sure,Tom•, you will agree the committee has been dedicated, sympathetic and compassionate, and all the time that was all we really want.d from the Ilagan City Council. Best personal regards. P S. have Lisa give me a call. Thank you. city of ecigcin 3830 PILOT KNOB ROAD, P.O. BOX 21199 EAGAN, MINNESOTA 55121 PHONE: (612) 454-8100 August 16, 1984 FRANK DEMBROSKI CHAIRMAN EAGAN HISTORY COMMITTEE 1040 MCKEE ST EAGAN MN 55121 Re: Finalization of Eagan History Book Dear Frank: BEA BLOMQUIST Mayor THOMAS EGAN JAMES A. SMITH JERRY THOMAS THEODORE WACHTER Council Members THOMAS HEDGES City Admirrstrotor EUGENE VAN OVERBEKE City Clerk At a special City Council meeting held late this spring, action was taken to hire either an historian or journalist with editing experience to review and prepare the City of Eagan history book for publication. The City advertised by sending official notices to several colleges and universities in hopes that a professor would be interested in working on this project during the summer months. Contacts were also made at the two largest newspapers asking for applications. The City used the month of June and early July to allow for applications. Unfortunately, there were no candidates. Realizing the dilemma, the City Council was approached and it was decided to ask Lisa Fleming, who has a journalism degree, has worked with the City of Eagan document and is currently involved professionally with publication editing with Prodential Life In- surance Company, if she would be interested in editing the document. Ms. Fleming was contacted in mid -July and has agreed to serve the City is that capacity. At the last regular City Council meeting, Ms. Fleming was hired to serve as a consulting editor/writer to coordinate and complete the Eagan history book. A copy of her letter to the City and response to Ms. Fleming as a result of the City Council action are enclosed for your review. The City is hopeful that the document will be completed within the six months, that publication will occur this fall and that possibly the History Committee in conjunction with the City Council can plan for release of the document in late 1984 or early 1985 to celebrate the City's 125th birthday which is 1985. THE LONE OAK TREE... THE SYMBOL OF STRENGTH AND GROWTH IN OUR COMMUNITY City of Eagan/Frank Dembroski August 16, 1984 Page Two The patience of your committee is greatly appreciated. Again, on behalf of the Eagan City Council, the committee's work, and es- pecially yours, Frank, on this project is not only appreciated but will be very clearly recognized as a part of the Eagan history document. Sincerely, (1-3/1v1_ Thomas L. Hedges City Administrator TLH/hnd cc: All members, Eagan History Committee Mayor Bea Blomquist Eagan City Council Members 2:30 P. M. May F, 13g4 TO WHOM IT MAY COJC/RN: The covenants in this agreement $re requested by y the agan History . because of serious past misunderstandings with the Fagan City Council. (7CC). The following covenants are not new to the City Administrator or the !CC. They are: 1. Any changes in our manuscript must be apprcved by the m". H. 2. AliC C. referonces and by lines ar. to r41main in manuscript P and book. 3. Book must contain contents and index. 4• F• H. C. wants representation at publishing house for bids. ds . 5. F. H. C. Holds to 12 point size printing. 6. 4• H. C. met ire on paper qualityfor book,and book size. 7. Binding of the gook will be in hard cover. Per Herbert Pol F. Picture zin. s of the F. H. C. will be raider fore front cover. 9. All material added to the book by the 7CC. must be informative and unbiased. 10. The costs of Lisa Flemings efforts must be approved by the 7HC. 11. The acknowledgement will be written by Francis J. Dembroski. 12. The significance and sensitivity of the manuscripts material contents it requires a copywright and Library of Congrass card. This agreement is being signed by an authorized representative for the City; of y'agan. Authorized signature City of Pagan Witnesses • August 23, 19?4 This portion of the correspondence has to do with the council and history committee meeting on April 24. 19c*. The minutes for that meeting is incomplete and is therefore fraudulent, yet approved by the city council. What the minutes don't tell us is that at the meeting, James smith gave thhistory committee in ruthlessly bold terms that if we didn't succub to his coercion, the committee would be disolved and said we could take it or leave it. When I told Jim S. that we would leave it, because wP did not need the Eagan City Council to publish our manuscript, The city Council members were all stunned. Themayor sat there with her mouth wide open, it was the first time I had seen Smith unable to speak for several minutes and T. E'gan actually turned green in color. This was the reason for the city council agreeing to compr- miss. It was by the violent jolt by the chairman of the history committee, that the pagan City Council, began to see that coopera- tion on their part was indeed an ingredient that was needed all the time. Lets hope that the Fagan City Council has le ed something from that meeting, but most of all, let us hope that they do not soon forget. -"Francis J/ mbr ski Chairman gan History Committee SUBJECT TO APPROVAL MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL EAGAN, MINNESOTA APRIL 24, 1984 A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on April 24, 1984, at 7:00 p.m. in the lunchroom of the Eagan Municipal Center Building. Those present were Mayor Blomquist, City Councilmembers Egan, Smith, Thomas and Wachter. Also present was City Administrator Hedges. HISTORY COMMITTEE/PROPOSED HISTORY OF THE CITY OF EAGAN The City Council held a joint meeting with the History Committee in an effort to agree on the publication of a manuscript that provides the history of the City of Eagan. Those members of the History Committee that were present were as follows: its Chairman, Frank Dembroski and members Jim Diffley, Elizabeth Kennealy, Art Rahn, Arnold Carlson. Mr. Dembroski provided a chronology of meetings stating that the history manuscript, as prepared by the Committee, has been ready for publication for several months; it is time to publish that document. He further criticized the City for holding up publication of the document, suggesting that their committee will proceed with the publication of the document regardless as to whether the City Council agrees or sanctions the publication of the History Committee's manuscript. City Councilmember Smith stated that the City Council has not agreed with the style of the History Committee's manuscript and continues to support the professional revision that was compiled by Lisa Fleming, a journalist hired to edit the manuscript. He stated that if the History Committee desires to publish their manuscript, it should be finalized by the Committee without any City Council input or acknowledgment. City Councilmember Smith further stated that if the History Committee will turn over pictures and other information pertinent to the revised manuscript, as accepted by the City of Eagan, the City will then assume full responsibility for publication of that document. Mr. Dembroski stated that the City Council does not have control over the final edification or publication of the history document. He stated that the original intent by the City Council was to allow the History Committee to prepare and publish a history book without any approval by the City Council. City Councilmember Egan corrected Mr. Dembroski's interpretation by stating that official City Council minutes define the intent of the History Committee as 1) collecting local historical data, 2) directing the research of the historical document, and 3) identifying and preserving information, articles and sites of local historical value with the further interpretation that the City Council will, through its staff, coordinate the information and write the final history document. It was further clarified by the City Council that all commission and committees of the City are advisory and the City Council does represent the final position of the City which is applicable to a book published for the history of Eagan. A discussion followed that presented the difference in the documents between the one prepared by the historical journalist hired by the City and the History Committee. cThe Mayor expressed disappointment in the impasse that was reached by the two groups and suggested that a workable solution be discussed so that the main objective(( of publishing the history of Eagan could be pursued. Arnold Carlson suggested that a third party be hired to review both documents and produce a workable manuscript agreeable to both the City of Eagan and History Committee. City Councilmember Council Minutes April 24, 1984 Smith and Mayor Blomquist both expressed agreement that a journalist could be hired for the summer with the understanding that the revised manuscript as prepared would then be published as the history of Eagan. After further discussion and in a motion by City Councilmember Smith, seconded by City Councilmember Egan, with all members voting in favor, tjh.e.�i.t will agree to hire a journalist who will revise and edit the history manuscripts. working with the History Committee and City Cnnnrilmember Wachter, as a City Council liaison, to submit to the City Council for final approval, the history of the City of Eagan manuscript conditional upon the History Committee turning over to the City of Eagan all manuscripts and pictures by May 8, 1984, or the Eagan History Committee is abolished. PERSONNEL EVAL !J!TTnN ANn COMPFNSATTON ST1)DY City Administrator Hedges presented the final draft RFP for considering a consultant service that will perform an independent personnel evaluation and compensation study for the City of Eagan. The RFP was reviewed in detail and after discussion by the City Council, a motion was made by City Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Wachter, with all members voting in favor that the request for proposal to provide consulting services for the development and performance of a job evaluation study and salary compensation plan for the City of Eagan was approved. In a motion by City Councilmember Egan, seconded by City Councilmember Thomas, with all members voting in favor, it was determined that the whole City Council will interview those consultants who are considered finalists for developing the job evaluation study and salary compensation plan as recommended by the City Administrator. PARK DEPARTMENT MANPOWER City Administrator Hedges presented a request to change the approved 1984 budgetary request for a park maintenance employee classification to an assistant park director classification. He stated that the needs for the Department are changing and the Parks and Recreation Director has recognized through a proposed"reorganization that a full-time assistant, park director and the reclassification of the City Forester and Park Foreman to absorb more maintenance instead of administrative responsibilities is needed for the Deparmtment. Mayor Blomquist stated that with the amount of park development and expansion, it was clearly stated in the 1984 budget presentation that additional maintenance was required. She further indicated that a change in the organizational plan should be considered when the 1985 budget is developed this year. The City Administrator was asked to further explain the job responsibilities of the assistant park director and whether the maintenance division will have adequate help if the full-time maintenance employee is not hired during 1984 as budgeted. It was suggested that the Parks and Recreation Director be authorized to hire a part-time maintenance employee to meet the short-term needs of the Department and that the position of a full-time, assistant park director be further examined after the park referendum or at 2 October 25, 19141. Mr Thomas Hedges, City Administrator City of Eagan, 3!30 Pilot Knob Road Eagan, Mn 55121 Recently I have gotten numerous calls in regard to Lisa's editor- ializing of the (History of Eagan manuscript.) Mr Rollie K Johnson, a trustee, of the Lone Oak Trinity Church and responsible for the church history to be put into the book, physically came over to my house to inform me that Lisa's version of their church history is completely unsatisfactory. Hp is sending you his comments. John Klein was completely aghast, at what Lisa had done to his article on ?agan Government History. He said he called you, and he said that I, told him, his article would be published as he wrote it. Thats very true. You see, Tom, Leo Murphy and Herb Polzin had assured the memeb'rs of the history committee that our material would not be changed providing it was satisfactory with the families and outside writers. Mr and Mrs. S W Hart received your letter on the stage -coach lines, they were both quite instrumental in assisting me with this article. Lisa's version does not tell us how the stage coach got to the top of the cliff from Harriet Island. My version does and its docucp mented by the Secretary of States Office. The Shield boys, both Art and Martin, have displayed some concern why their family history has too be rewritten. They don't Bee any reason for it at all. Asked them. Many are stating once again that Lisa is not capable of handling a community history. She lacks the sensitivity and compassion that we had given the families, an ingredient so necessary to the elderly and their ancestors. I am asking you most 1 rriCi'rc'sieIl�.�ji t' to cast all predjud ces aside and bring theis diabolical situation to an empasse. You and Ted W. will have to put your heads together and resolve this problem soon, community reaction is all -ready causing reprecussions, by negative re -action to even buying the book, if it ever is published. 2 C This is a little personal Dembroski family history that has been presented along with all the squabbles of seven members in city hall. !ig?it if you want to call the attorney, for he has done absolutely nothing. On May 3rd, 19R3, the ragan Amhulance service, took my wife to the hospital with a blood pressure reading of 60 over 10. Serious, you bet it is. On October 16, 1514, the same service took my wife to the hosp— ital at approximately, 3:30 A M, and within a couple of hours, she had an exploratory operation. She is still in special care. Most of the neighboring community know this, what they can't understand is that City Hall, keeps being arrogant and obstinate because of egotistical preferences. You don't need a gun to kill people, but your trying. I, want you to know that with my high blood pressure, along with every thing else, Iv'e had my bad days too. Sincerely, Francis Jil»mbroski, Chairmaniof the Fagan HistoryCommittee 1040 McKee Street Eagan, Mn 55121 I�, EA Ht5i�& Twin Cities' scene 1 OS Midweek Week of August 22, 1983 Eagan's past might surprise even residents Magnuson r Francis Dembroski is chairman of a citizens' committee that has spent five years working on a book'of Eagan's`historv:' By Lucy Dalglish -~Staff Writer ";__ Here's a short quiz for Eagan .' ':_''history buffs. • Were: did .four members of the ames `gangop in September 1876 to water their horses while on - their way to rob the bank in North- field? What is the current name of the Dodd Road establishment that was originally owned by Jean Baptiste Faribault and used as a stagecoach stop from1854 to the early 1870s? At one time, Eagan was the larg- est producer in the upper Midwest of which vegetable? If the your answers were the Pa- trick Quigley Estate, Stark's Hall- way House restaurant and bar, and onions, you probably cheated and obtained an advance copy of an :Eagan history book that a commit- tee. of city residents spent five years assembling. The 350-page book was commis- sioned by the Eagan City Council in 1978 and•is ready to be published, said Francis Dembroski, "commit- tee chairman and the book's chief writer. The City Council could choose a publisher this fall. The book's size and selling price have not been es- tablished. Dembroski, an anthropology and geology buff, traced . the city's de- yelopment from the: glaciers that formed hundreds of := rolling hills and picturesque ponds to the mid- 1960s, when large-scale tract Mus- ing was introduced. The city's Status as the fastest growing, most developable city in the metropolitanarea might make it hard for people to believe it has a rich history_ Demhrncki cam "Eagan is the cradle of Minneso- ta, really," he' said. The city shares its roots with the city of Mendota; Unti1 1860, Eagan was part of Mepdota;Dembroski csaid: , Eagan is' named after Patrick Eagan, the first treasurer of Eagan Township who homesteaded a farm in the city's southeast corner in the early 1850s. Although the city is named for an Irishman, the first Eagan set- tlers were French Canadians who arrived in the late 1830s and were closely tied to fur trapping. They founded St. Peter's Catho- lic Church on the bluff across the Minnesota River from Fort Snell- ing in 1839. The historic . church still stands on the Dakota County end of the Mendota Bridge. Irish settlers moved to the area in 1849 and were followed by Ger- mans in 1859, Dembroski said, The book's biggest selling point • probably will be its pictures, Dem- broski said. Nearly all of the school children and family members in the more than 150 pictures are identified. "That's what will sell the book," Dembroski said. Most of the pictures came from descendants of early settlers who were interviewed by Dembroski and the other six committee mem- bers over the last five years. Some descendants offered amus- ing anecdotes like the Jess James gang story. Others were able to verify information Dembroski dug up along the way. "The stories vary, but they no doubt happened," he said. utors is recently retired Eagan po- lice chief Martin Des Lauriers. Des Lauriers found a picture of his fa- ther,=Louis, driving his first milk truck'in 1924. He used horse-drawn wagons before that. Dembroski, a 27-year Eagan res- ident, keeps the original pages of the book filed in a large accordian file. Most of his writing was done at the kitchen table or a card table in the living room of his home at 1040 McKee St. The information in the book was carefully screened, he said. "We don't have scandal," he said with a Win. But there is a tongue-in-cheek chapter in the book about Eagan during Prohibition called "Eagan's Subterranean Industry."It in- cludes pictures of federal officers inspecting a farm for a still. Another accompanying picture of a still in the woods is credited to "Some of the Eagan Old -Timers.". ommunity Minneapolis Star and Tribune Thursda River South 6 Apple Valley Lakeville Bt.msville Mendota Eagan Mendota Heights Prior Lake Shako Rosemount Savage agan history being gather• ners knew r onions Sundstrorn !r was pretty much the on- 1 of the United States until about 1920. ches stopped there the 1850s and '60s and '70s, until the railroads t settlers were French in the 1840s; they were y the Irish in the late the Germans in the mbroski has accumulat- tcts and more as chair - Eagan History Commit - has been gathering data five years for a book ity's history. His manu- .1h he says would fill 350 pages of the book, an's history from the ;h 1965. listrator Tom Hedges sects it will be several ore a history book is rowever; the city coun- ist decide how many be printed, what the be and the procedure luotations or bids from Council members are ►anuscript final review bout 135 pictures for ►embroski said. "Some of school kids back to 95 percent of the peo- ltified by people who Staff Photo by Darlene Pfister ontinued on page 4 Francis Dembroski worked on much of his history -of -Eagan manuscript at his kitchen table. Beautiful Elms CH ELM DISEASE e for injection if they are. 1 • Healthy trees rger 10°b infected appearing ofessional opinion! 'oven effective M and us [E NATURE CLINIC (612) 874-9670 ,a.u..,o,m and eel...1 .11.IO,, norm.it to 2 Community /River South (6) Minneapolis Star and Tribune!Thur., June 30, 1983 Burnsville police report Burglary A stereo and camera equipment valued at $8,000 were stolen June 16 from the home of Ronald Schmidt, 13609 Knox Dr. A television set valued at $500, a jewelry box and jewelry valued at $4,000 and a camera valued at $500 were stolen June 18 from the residence of Bertrum Butts, 2709 Dana Dr. Stereo equipment valued at $1,077 was stolen June 22 from the home of Kenneth Williams, 2150 Cliff Rd. Golf equipment valued at $1,061, $10 in cash and jewelry valued at $75 were stolen June 23 from Richard Blanchard, 13000 Nicollet Av. S. Theft A 20-year-old woman was ticketed June 17 for shoplifting at Cub Foods, 3150 W. Hwy. 13. A radar detector valued at $350 and sunglasses valued at $50 were stolen June 17 from a car belonging to O.B. Marrs, 13628 Oakland Av. S. N ple-T rTRING AND MST STYLE 'ecifice pants comes nd red in sizes 28-38. $19s9 FED SUITS! to $175. Asst. )y wool, 36-46 reg., 68999 (1BE SOCKS. yfic/9% poty/3% span- 4: 1 all white, 1 navy/ royal/gold. One size HTWEIGHT lured in poy cotton, t1-L•XL. norm Sale and Clearance SPORTCOATS SBk and Silk Blend Cool lightweight 100% silk and silk and poly blend is perfect for summer. 99 ERICAN'Van eusen and John Orig. $95 to $12559 CLUB KNIT SHIRT. cool short Henry® Long Sleeve Dress HOPSACK BLAZER. Dacron sleeve 100% cotton in solid color (only) with Shirts. These famous shirts come in the famous Eagle logo. S-M-L-XL, navy. stripes, checks with reg. collars, button poly and wool featured in yearround weight white, red other solids. Reg. $23.00. downs and white collars, 141-17, fitted and in navy, gray, It. blue, chocolate and ecru $11QQ full cut. Reg. $22 to $25. $ 99 Sizes 36-46 reg., 36-42 short, 38-46 long. ✓7 2for$25 12 Orig. $ 95 2 for $ 22.99 MEN'S AND YOUNG MEN'S CASUAL .SLACKS. Brands like Farah, Levi Haggar, RPM (oth ers). Our entire stock reduced to lessen our inventory! 29 to 42 waists. p� oe$292 C 25 /O OFF aftbst FROM THESE GREAT $ 099 - VALUES FOR krVeli. °6999 DRESS SLACKS OF POLY/ WOOL. Featured with belt loop '/ top pocket styling in tan, navy, brown, gray blue. Sizes 32-42 reg. $ Orig. $ 45 NECKWEAR. Wembley, Damon, Oleg Cassini featured in polyester fan- cies, solid cotton knits, solid linen look in asst. colors. Reg. $10 to $14.50. A 15-year-old girl was referre nile court for shoplifting June Target, 810 W. County Rd. 4: A photographer's bag and eq valued at $690 were stolen Ji from a car belonging to Roy T 810 W. County Rd. 42. A 16-year-old girl was referre rule court for shoplifting June Target, 810 W. County Rd. 4 A 12-year-old boy was referr juvenile court June 18 for sho Target, 810 W. County Rd. 4 An AM / FM cassette player ers valued at $700 were stol. from a car belonging to Mich. 201 W. 136th St. Sixty sheets of plywood and valued at $1,550 were stolen from the Halek Construction County Rd. 11 and 138th St. A pickup truck valued at $8, ing to Phillip Worcestes was June 21 at 101 1 E. Cliff Rd. Two boys, ages 13 and 16, referred to juvenile court Jun shoplifting at Target, 810 W Rd. 42. A 40-year-old man was tick( 21 for shoplifting at the C.O. 3070 W. Hwy. 13. A boat and two motors belor Barbara Plante were stolen from 725 E. Crystal Lake R< was later recovered without tors, valued at $2,135. A boat motor valued at $45( to Donald Birkholz was stok from Lot 285 at Camelot Ac A 23-year-old woman was t June 23 for shoplifting at Su South, 898 W. County Rd. E Other Two 13-year-old boys were juvenile court June 16 for sii at 1044 Burnsville Center. A 17-year-old boy was ticki for having an open bottle at south of 122nd St. An 18-year-old man was tic 19 for possession of alcohr Nicollet Av. S. A 29-year-old man was tick 22 for disorderly conduct a Nicollet Av. S. $ -- 4 Community ' River South (6) Minneapolis Star and Tribune/Thur., June 30, 1983 Dembroski Continued from page 1 still live here and remember." In 1978, seven volunteers were ap- pointed to the history committee by the Eagan City Council, Dem- broski said. Herbert Polzin was chairman and worked on the histo- ry for about a year and a half before he became ill. "The work had just about stopped, so I asked him if he would mind if I picked up were he left off. He was delighted," Dembroski said. Polzin died in June 1981, and Dem- broski has been in charge of the project since then. Other committee members are Ea- gan residents Arne Carlson, James Diffley, Art Rahn, Elizabeth Ken- nealy, Ken Damlo and Roger Slater. Diffley, Rahn, Kennealy and Slater are descendants of Ea- gan's pioneers. A journalism intern working with the city last summer also helped with some of the writ- ing. Francis Miller of the Dakota County Historical Society has di- rected the committee to various families and historical sources. "Everyone that has helped is being given credit for it. We don't want to miss anyone; if we do it's just an error," Dembroski said. "It has been a tremendous experi- ence. I've gotten to know so many fine people," said Dembroski, a former accountant who retired four years ago. He said much of what he's written for the book has been done on his kitchen table; he's spent about 4,000 hours on the project, he said, all of it volun- teered. "I got to be something of a history buff," he said. He said he asked descendants of the early settlers for family histor- ies. After recording the reminis- cences, he sent them back to the families for approval. Dembroski said many of the facts provided by families are docu- mented, but admits that a lot of family skeletons remain buried. "We've been very careful about any scandal of any family. We don't have any of that in our book, even though we ran into it all the time," he said. Nonetheless, he maintains that the omission of "scandals" doesn't make the history incomplete. "I don't think anything we left out had anything to do with changing history," he said. "They were just real personal things." Not so personal were the onion farms. There were about 30 farms in Eagan that had rows and rows of onions, according to documents found by Dembroski. "A Mr. Bernier down in Mendota had said he would finance farmers with some of the seed (in 1898)," he said. "A few tried it and it was such a success many others went into it. "Mostly what they planted was something called the red globe on- ion. It was a good keeper and was shipped all over the United States. Some of the farms in Eagan had as much as seven acres devoted to onions," he said. The bigger onion fields probably belonged to the community's larger families, he said. "with lots of kids to pull the weeds." Harvesting was a big job, and rail- road cars were loaded up with on- ions from Eagan for more than 20 years. Then in 1920, Texas started shipping onions nationwide year- round, and onion -growing in Eagan declined, Dembroski said. Thereafter, the farmers in the community turned to diversified farming and dairy farming, he said. "There was a lot of truck farming, too, since they were so close to the city." The first suburban housing devel- opment went into Eagan in 1956, "that's when it began changing," said Dembroski, who moved to the city in 1957. Population was about 1,200 in the community then, he said; it's about 23,000 now. Another chapter for the book is devoted to Eagan's stagecoach years. Minnesota's first stagecoach- es went from St. Paul to the village of St. Anthony (the birthplace of Minneapolis) in the winter of 1848- 50. Dembroski said. By 1855, an M.O. Walker had moved to Minnesota from Chicago and established a stagecoach line in the Minnesota Territory that eventually went from St. Paul all the way to Dubuque, Iowa — through Eagan, Dembroski said. And one of the first relay stations outside St. Paul was in Eagan, near what is now the intersection of Hwys. 49 and 55, he said. "This is where they exchanged horses. They had quality horses because some of those stagecoaches carried heavy loads. Some were able to carry 15 people plus luggage. When it was level, four horses could han- dle it, but from St. Paul up the bank of the Mississippi, it was a pretty steep grade. Then they'd have to have six horses. "Good horses were expensive for those days; $200 to $300 for a horse in the 1850s and '60s. They'd travel about 15 miles in an hour, then stop at a relay station for an ex- change. We found documents that by the winter of 1865, the Minneso- ta Stage Co. was using 700 horses and 200 men as drivers, stablemen and stationmasters. An early railroad station was Wes- cott Station, near where Hwy. 149 and Wescott Rd. intersect now, "run by a man named Wescott who had some property and an enter- prise of some sort there," Dem- broski said. Later, he said, the Nichols station opened as trains moved westward. "You used to be able to catch a train at Wescott and ride into St. Paul for 14 cents in the 1880s and 1890s." Some of the early settlers' names are still familiar today because they're carried either by descen- dants or by roads and landmarks, and the city itself. Patrick Eagan was the first town chairman when the township government was es- tablished 1856. Pat Diffley, after whom Diffley Rd. is named, was the first treasurer, according to Dembroski. Community/River South (6) Minneapolis Star and Tribune/Thur., June 30, 1983 Staff Photo by Regene Radniecki The House of Prayer charismatic -renewal group meets Sunday evenings at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville. Priest in background is the Rev. Donald Burns; to his right is leader Vince Setten. by a rain of strange, unfamiliar syllables falling from men's and women's mouths. Eventually a har- monious, spine -tingling hum envel- oped the room, only to subside gently into whispered praises. Prayers of confession were heard: "Forgive me for my selfishness, and for my self-righteous attitude," said a leader. "Lord I ask you to forgive me for false pride," a mid- dle -age woman prayed. A psalm of repentance was read; the song, "Je- sus, I Adore You," sung. The usual sharing of answered prayers was skipped tonight be- cause of a longer -than -usual, 40- nute_teaching on evangelizing healing. counselors, but we pray and let the Lord reveal to us what to pray and "They are really talking to God," share with the person_ said one womad started attendir "They have a prayer that ci You have to b( sit there and it in a different w world, but I'm my foot in the c "God deals wit people," said asked not to be member Jean for the healin including a tr she had as a • Petrak will prepare in the coming year to join a Maryknoll mission in Francis Dembroski, chair of the Eagan History Committee in the early 1980s, did extensive research into Minnesota, Dakota County and Eagan history. These pages include areas of his research outside of Eagan . 7y‘ Zd, PREFACE Loyalty of every kind is more intense when it is intelligent. Loyalty to country is rooted in a knowledge of its history. The character of its institutions, and the purpose and spirit of its environment. In order to foster civic pride and loyalty in the pupils in our schools, along with the many manifestations in those intrusted with the education of all our children must, that in keeping with the common effort develop more intelligent and loyal citizens. It is also devotionally proper to make a study of our city and the rich heritage, we in Eagan can so proudly associate ourselves. The customs and our cultures here in Eagan has blended into a harmonious atmosphere of determination, to do good, to better our contributions and develop a greater sense of hope and charity to our fellow citizens. The administrators and instructors of our youth, must continue with their attention and purpose, expected of them in their positions to care. To see that we have good schools, clean schools and to assist the student that has fallen. To advise against the pitfalls of life and to appreciate, that an educator can become a stewart in advising them against the vicissitudes which can and often do overwhelm human nature. We must train our youth to respect our country and our flag. To weigh the evidence before they join, or condem, and to teach with dedication and above all loyalty. In truth, we grow to love persons with whom we become well acquainted. It is true also, that our youth should look back on their years of educational preparation for life as truly worth -while enjoyable days, and with solidarity a new enthusasism, that will find an expression, the greater devotion and loyalty from every girl and boy for our country. Francis J. Dembroski INTRODUCTION Historians recall thr'e major migrations of human beings. The first was the barbarian swaPp over ?urope and the capture of Rome. The second wa 3 the Mongolian invasion of the Wastorn world lad by Genghis Kahn. The third was during the century following 1P120 when near— ly twenty—eight million people crossed the Atlantic 0coan to seek a naw home in Amarica. These human beings, and thoso who pracodod them, took part in tha largest population movom*nt in human history. Thp march from Europe to America changed theco.urae of evants. This new venture brought mora human beings into the sparsAly settled North American continent, and fostered the growth of a dynamic group of settlers that had to adjust continually to the frequently changing conditions. Besides, the axcpptional exodus from Europe, rpliPvAd the political prPssuras caused by the Industrial Revolution and the over crowding of the old world. BAtwean 1650 and 1950 the population of Europe grew from 100 Million to 560 million, not including the 40 million in— dividuals who emigrated to America. In our book, we write about thrp* distinct nationalities Who', came to America and ?agan because of troubled times. The French Canadians of Canada, by their refusal to be dominat'd by British Rule. The Irish, bAcauso of crop failures and tho insonsitivitips of the British/ and the Garman, no loss inspired by a militar— istic regime. Francis J. Dkmbroski FORWARD As early as 1680, fur traders, missionaries and voyageurs had traveled through the wilderness of Minnesota. The reputation of the abundant game, numerous lakes, forest and agricultural potential, rapidly spread throughout Quebec. By the mid 1800's economic and political circumstances in Canada especially in French speaking areas, had deteriorated to the extent that emigration provided the most attractive solution to the immediate problems. Hundreds of French-Canadian families migrated to Minnesota, beginning in the 1840's and continuing until the turn of the century. The oldest settlement in Minnesota is Mendota, which served as the main center of commerce and the artery from which further settlements in Minnesota spread. 0ssoe, Anoka, White Bear Lake, Centerville, Hugo, Stillwater and Somerset to name just a few. While the French Canadians did some pioneering in Eagan, many of the farms were cleared by the Irish, who immagrated into Eagan in the early 1850's. The Germans in the early 1860's 70's and 80's. The scandinavians made their appearance around the turn of the century and a little later. Mendota and Eagan were considered a governmental unit until 1860, this should cause us to appreciate the great heritage given to us by these early settlers, and to be conscious for the great influence they have had on the development of the area. We hope you will find this book interesting and informative. Many, many hours have gone into the History of Eagan. Letters have been written and permission granted to utilize certain pertinent information used in this book and I especially want to take this opportunity to thank Ronald F. Eustice for his tremendous assistance on the history of the early French Canadians, without this assistance it would have been impossible to assemble the unique history of these incredible early French settlers. Thousands of calls were made and received. Co-operation has been excellent and we of the Eagan Historical Committee, thank you most sincerely. Francis J. Dembroski ERA THE GEOLOGIC TIME SCALE* PERIOD EPOCH CENOZOIC MESOZOIC. PALEOZOIC RECENT QUARTERNARY PLEISTOCENE PLIOCENE MIOCENE TERTIARY < OLIGOCENE EOCENE PALEOCENE CRETACEOUS JURASSIC TRIASSIC PERMIAN PENNSYLVANIAN MISSISSIPIAN DEVONIAN SILURIAN ORDOVICIAN CAMBRIAN MILLIONS OF YEARS AGO (APPROX.) I 0-1 1-12 12-28 28-40 40-60 60-130 130-155 155-185 DURATION IN MILLIONS OF YEARS (APPROX.) 1 11 16 12 20 185-210 210-235 235-265 265-320 320-360 360-440 440-520 70 25 30 25 25 30 55 40 80 80 PRECAMBRIAN UPPER MIDDLE LOWER Although many local subdivisions are recognized, no world-wide system has been evolved. The Precambrian lasted for at least 21/2 billion years. Oldest dated rocks are at least 2,700 million, possibly 3,300 million, years old. °"Recent refinements of the geologic time scale based on radiometric determin- ations give the following beginning dates for the post -Cambrian periods: Ordovician, 490 million years; Silurian, 430 m.y.; Devonian, 410 m.y.; Mississippian, 355 m.y.; Pennsylvanian, 330 m.y.; Permian, 275 m.y.; Triassic, 220 m.y.; Jurassic, 180 m.y.; Cretaceous, 135 m.y.; and Tertiary 70 m.y. The beginnings of the Tertiary epochs have been dated as follows: Eocene, 55 m.y.; Oligocene, 34 m.y.; Miocene, 25.7 m.y.; and Pliocene, 12 m.y. Although these dates appear to be more accurate than former ones, they must be checked before they can be accepted as final." 120 Organizing the Record RELATIVE DURATIONS OF MAJOR GEOLOGICAL INTERVALS CENOZOIC MESOZOIC PALEOZOIC 1 ORDOVICIAN OUR GEOLOGIC HERITAGE Historical geology is a mental excursion through the vastness of prehistoric time. The purpose of this introduction explaining the topography of the Eagan landscape is to assist our citizens, by careful explanation, the progress of our geological landscape development and pre -historic events that the limestone bastions in our midst, to a certain degree, survived for posterity. There probably is no better time in the geological timetable in our area than to commence with the Ordovician period of time. The rocks and formations of the 0rdiovician are quite prevalent along the banks of the Mississippi River at Mendota, the Shiely Quarry, Lilydale, the north end of the I-35E bridge at the W. Seventh Street exit and the north end of the Mendota Bridge turning right down the exit to the west Seventh Street bridge into St. Paul. At these various locations we can get a real serious glimpse of the prehistoric past. Gazing upon the St. Peter sandstone, the Platteville limestone and shale which has hidden fossils for our discovery, imagination and pleasure, that takes us back into the geological timetable almost 500 million years or one-half billion years into the past. This chapter on the Ordovician period to the present day in our vicinity requires a certain amount of technical words and phrases for its description, however, do not become disturbed by their presence. One of the processes in attacking large words, is breaking them down to their constituency to other words, phrases and sounds. Let us take the word "foraminifera". Phonetically, we discover what words really are. This short exercise will assist out younger readers in mastering the reading of this chapter in a very short time and will make reading a pleasure instead of a challenge. Let us go back to the work "foraminifer. FOR AM IN IF ERA. See all the words you know in its construction? Now all you need is the rythym to put them together. Most words can be attacked in the same way. Foraminifera is an important order of one -celled animals, protozoa, that have left an extensive fossil record in rocks of ordovician and younger age capable of fossilization. Being small, their remains are readily discovered from drilling well cores and cuttings and have become very important in correlating oil bearing rocks. Thousands of fossil species have been discovered and they are especially useful as guide fossils in rocks. The ordovician period holds the answer to almost the infinite past in the thinking of time. It has preserved some of the first small shelled animals on earth, the BRA CHI OPODS, and the invertebrates belemnites and CEPH ALO PODS. Cephalopods include the giant squid made famous by Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The octopus, with its writhing arms, keen eyes and intelligent behavior, indicates a high degree of development. Last, but not least, one cannot forget the pearly chambered natilus whose shell has long been one of the supreme prizes of the shell collector. It is believed that the cephalopods developed a jet propulsion type of locomotion in the ordovician, but it is doubtful if it was as efficient as it now is among such shell -less animals as the squid. Other creatures of the ordovician were graptolites, floating organisms that could be carried by the current, and the blind trilobite was a dumbell like looking specimen, head and tail similar in size and outline, it died out in the ordovician period. In our ordovician rocks, horn coral and BRY OZO ANS can be found in abundance in the shale at the south end of the Mendota bridge. It was during the ordovician period that a sea covered most of southeastern Minnesota and at the same time, the sea bottom was accumula- ting fossils in quite a variety of specimens that was forming the limestone that we see today. Limestone is a sedimentary rock consisting chiefly of calcium carbon- ates. It is a solid rock and is formed mainly by the shells and skeletal material of lime secreting plants and animals. The greater amount of shells in the composition of limestone the more durable it is as a building product. One short piece of road outside of the City of Rome, has a limestone surface that has been in existence since early Roman times, composed of small shells. Geologists have calculated that the average rate of accumulated sedimentation for the forming of limestone is approximately 2200 years for each foot of rock. The thickness in our vicinity, including the top shale, is between 16 and 18 feet thick. With a little mathematics we can discern that the sea in this area and the surrounding territory was here about 35,000 years. In passing limestone will effervese when it comes in contact with HC 1, when cold. Information this far has given us evidence of the animal inverter- brates but little else in the animal kingdom. However, it was a period of great physical disturbance within the earth. It was during the paleozoic era of which the ordovician period is engulfed that the Rocky Mountains or the cordilleran geosyncline in the west and the Appalachian geosyncline in the east that the down sinking in these two prominent areas of the earth appeared. The earliest known fossil of a bony animal was a small jawbone about 1/3 of one inch long found near the end of the ordovician period in rocks in Missouri and is the oldest known evidence of fish. So far, late ordovician has yielded very little information about vertebrates. Unlike the other continents a great deal of oil and gas is derived from ordovician rocks in North America and ranks third among systems in known oil and gas yields and reserves. This ends the ordovician period, now kindly remember the limestone citadels that were mentioned in the beginning of this chapter, for history that has passed since their creation has done so in their presence. While there was seven periods in the paleozoic era and the ordovician was the second, we now enter the five remaining periods consisting of approximately 175 million years. We begin with the silurian period, which was much shorter than the ordovician, its layers of sedimentation follows closely to the ordovician, but are not so thick or widespread. This period is responsible for the salt deposits in the states of New York and Michigan and these beds are extensively mined today. Huge deposits of potash were discovered in the very heart of Saskatchewan during oil drilling operations from this period. At the close of this period an extensive mountain building interval called the caledonian revolution affected various parts of the earth, with considerable activity in northwestern Europe. The devonian was the period that the vertebrates really made their debut on earth, for this period is known as the age of fishes. About 4000 different fossil species have been defined by science. Fishes and fishlike vertebrates make up about 50 per cent of the eight classes of vertebrates. Fish are the earliest known representatives of the vertebrates and are considered to be the basic stock of all so called higher elevation of animal forms. Fish were so prevalent during this period that devonian experts have had great difficulty in properly classifying them. They range in size from very minute forms to giants of thirty feet long. Sorpions, centipedes and perhaps insects assisted the fish to become amphibians during that period. Scientists have described over 20,000 living species of fish in existence today. The following periods are known as the Mississippian and the Pennsylvanian or Mississippian referred to as the lower carboniferous and the Pennsylvanian referred to as the late or upper carboniferous or the coal making periods. The evidence that has been gathered indicated that the coal beds consist of altered plant remains. All stages of the process of alteration has been thoroughly studied from green plant life to decomposition. Today we find that peat is still in the process of formation. Coal has four ranks; lignite, sub -bituminous, bitumious and anthracite. A rank depends upon the conditions to which plant remains have been subjected to after they were buried. Higher ranking coals contain greater density and less moisture and volatile gases, consequently they have higher heat value than the lower ranks in coal. Anthracite is a hard coal. Peat is the parent material for coal and begins as a spongy water soaked mass of vegetation. In making coal the greater the pressure, and higher the heat, better the coal. These two periods of geologic time have served our industial development most handsomly in the fields of lubricants and energy. Most petroleum consists of 82 - 87 per cent carbon and 11 to 15 per cent hydrogen. The Mississippian and Pennsylvanian periods are usually mapped to- gether. In regard to sedimentation, the most complete and continous accumulation of the Pennsylvanian and permian rock is in Utah, where one formation, the oquirrh, is over 30,000 feet thick. The permian period is the last of the Paleozoic era. It is during the late paleozoic that plants with seeds began to replace those with spores and the dependancy of water was noticeable. Seeds were becomming more adaptable to the climate and were superior to spores because they contained concentrated food. This supply greatly increased the embryo's changes for survival. The vertebrate of the late paleozoic is closely tied to the evolution of the forests. Amphibians depended directly or indirectly on plants for survival and protection. The transition from amphibians to reptiles was a distinct advance, thus showing the weakening attachment to water. Moist skins were substituted for scales, and the appearance of the shelled egg enabled the land animals to survive with less moisture. While the verte- brates made terrific progress during the last stages of the paleozoic era, they were matched and even overshadowed by land dwelling arthropods, such as insects and arachnids. The arachnida is a class of annulose, wingless animals, intermediate between the insects and the crustacea, including spiders, mites and scorpions. A short description on the amphibians at this time should assist our readers in visualizing their many types. They ranged from lizard - likes in shapes, some resembling snakes, others much larger with contours resembling crocodiles and salamanders. Last, but not least, let us not forget the tadpole stages. This ends the palezoic era, a measure in time that we have covered thus far is approximately 255 million years. FOOTNOTE: 1. A geo-syncline is a long trough, like a deep valley some times wide and other areas narrow that accepts sediments from the parent conti- nent and with this terrific load, the earth's plastic surface is warped down during long periods of accumulation. 2. By the end of the paleozoic era, the Appalachia geo-syncline was rather advanced, and it is belived that it had begun its Orogeny, the formation of the mountain chains. The next era, the mesozoic period, contains three divisions in geologic time. The triassic, jurassic and the cretacous and these three time zones cover approximately 125 million years. Three significant changes occur during this era: 1. Plant life 2. Dinosaurs and birds 3. Mountain building The mesozoic era was a time of transition and change in the plant kingdom. Late cretacous vegetation bears little resemblance to triassic flora. Truly revolutionary changes occurred during these periods. By comparison, the changes between late cretaceous and present day vegetation are relatively minor. Plants such as seed ferns, lycopods, and horse- tails -- all common in carboniferous coal forests -- are represented in the mesozoic only by small, insignificant species. It was during the cretaceous that the flowering plants reproduced by means of flora structure. This is when the seeds are fertilized by pollen and developed within special protective coverings. Angiosperms are diveded into two groups: The dicotyledons and the monocotyledons. The dico-tyle-dons include such diverse plants as oaks, maples, buttercups, sage brush, peas and violets. The mon-coty-ledons are grasses; palms, lillies, iris, orchids, bamboo is a grass. It was in the mesozoic era that the dinosaur has attained a position of popular fancy unsurpassed by any other extinct group. He was the most spectacular of all prehistoric animals. The first dinosaurs walked on their hind legs and were balanced by a huge long tail. The dinosaurs are reptiles like the crocodiles, turtles, snakes and lizards. It is believed that they were egg layers, cold blooded and without hair of feathers. During the jurassic period, dinosaurs were unquestioned masters of the lands. The landscape was of shallow seas, low lying swamps and vast alluvial plains. It was during that period, however, that became the high point in dinosaur evolution for now the suaropods were the most characteristic forms. They had change from the small, to the long-tailed, long -necked, four footed dinosaur, exceedingly large and lizard like in shape. They were adapted to live in marshes, rivers and lakes. They browsed on abundant vegetation, growing larger and larger with the passage of time until they became the greatest creatures to ever walk the earth. The dinosaur, being a reptile, kept on growing until he was buried by huge land or rock slides or was killed. The duck-billed dinosaur was a cretaceous creature with as many as 2000 teeth and as they wore down other teeth were growing underneath so it could have three layers of teeth, one on top of the other. Up to this point, we have been mentioning mostly herbivores; plant eating dinasaurs.However, there were some very ferocious carnivores that reached tremendous size and fought herbivores devouring them for food. Tyran-no-saurus was a meat eater and other dinosaurs were his meal, but breaks and scars in fossilized dinosaur bones indicate that fierce battles did take place and he apparently did not win every contest. During the cretaceous, other monsters came on the scene and one was tri-cero-tops, late cretaceous, carrying two frontal horns and an armoured plate body, ground relinquished by this beast usually must have been on his terms. The St. Paul Science Museum has a skeleton of tri-cero-tops that was discovered by members of the Geology Department at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Robert Sloan of the Department and one of my professors was a member of that discovery team. This skeleton of tri-cero-tops was found and dug out of shale in the Montana wilderness. Some instruments used to dig out this monster were actually as small as dental picks. This is one area of prehistoric investigation that blasting powder is out of the question. Dinosaurs disappeared at the close of the cretaceous and as a group are strictly confined to the mesozoic era, which ended about 60 million years ago. These reptiles were dominant on earth for 125 million years. Paleontologists believe that there were over 500 species of dinosaurs, but that may be a minor fraction of the total. It is believed that it may have taken several thousand or several million years for them to com- pletely disappear and then again a cooling climate sped by the effects of and exploding super nova, may have done them in. The first birds appeared in the fossil record during the late jurrasic period, or approximately 125 million years ago. It was at this time that the feathered birds and the leathery -winged reptiles called ptero-bactyls took to the air. The ptero-dactyls appear in the fossil record slightly before birds and if their remains are a reliable guide, they outnumbered birds in the jurassic and perhaps also in the cretaceous. The fossil record of both ptero-dactyl and birds are rare since each had light and delicate skeletons and were apt to live and die in places that were unfavorable for burial. The ptero-dactlys ranged from sparrow size to giants with a wing -spread of twenty-seven feet. A comparison of the wings plainly reveals why birds succeeded and ptero-dactyls failed. The ptero dactyl's wing was formed of membrane and was difficult to repair and was adapted soley for gliding, but a bird's wing is composed of many individual feathers that can be renewed and replaced as needed to keep the wing in a state of constant efficiency and permit true flight. Some scientists theorize that the chicken has a reptillian ancestry, possibly the dinasaur. Birds may be characterized broadly as warm-blooded, egg -laying, feathered bipeds. Over 7000 species have been identified. The earliest birds known are the archae-opteryx and the archernis are truly immediate between reptiles and birds and if their skeletons were not accompanied by clear impressions of well developed feathers, they would have probably been classified among the reptiles. A key adaption in the evolution of birds was the growth of feathers, for feathers constitute the unmistakeable trademark of the entire group. Mammals, like birds, arose from reptillian ancestors during the mesozoic. Mammals are warm blooded vertebrates that have a covering of hair, bear their young alive, and supply their young with milk during their youthful stages. The smallest of the group is the 1/8 ounce mediterranean shrew, while the largest is the 50 ton sulphur bottom whale. Over 3,500 living species and 3,700 fossil species of mammals have been classified. No fossil remains of the land ancestors of the whales have been discovered as yet, but blood tests indicate a relation- ship with artio-dactyls, the group to which cattle belong. The geologic time table we enter into now is the cenozoic era which began approximately 60 million years ago. This era is broken down into two periods, the teritary and the quartenary. The tertiary has a time span of approximately 59 million years and this time is made up of five epochs; 1. paleoncene, 1. eocene, 3. oligocene, 4. miocene, 5. pliocene. The eocene was a transitional period in which archaic mammals were rapidly eliminated and modernized forms began to spread. Thus, the oligocene fauanas are notably different from eocene types. A few indestructible forms such as the oppossum, has changed little in the last 50 million years. Moles and shrews continued to survive and were joined by ohther small animals such as the beavers, rats and mice. Two extinct rhinoceroses were abundant in the eocene and the oligocene and both were relatives of the horse. Creatures resembling the hippopatomus has its ancestry back in the oligocene and is also related to the horse. The inefficientcreadonts dissappeared in the oligocene, but few families appeared among the artio-dactyls and peris-socactyls; and horses, deer, tapir, rhinocerous, camels and antelopes as well as true cats and dogs were clearly recognizable. Theplio-hippus, probable ancestor of the modern horse and a common inhabitant of the American west is evident during the pliocene and the early pleistocene, the first epoch of the quartenary beginning about one million years ago. The giant redwoods of the North American west were making their debut on earth in the middle of the cretaceous and the fossil records disclose that they have been on earth some sixty million years. The primate, monkeys and apes made their appearance during the paleocene - eocene and have been efficient enough to withstand the fissitudes of nature to the present day. The greatest problem of all it appears is to place the advent of man. While he goes back in time several million years, one thing seems recognizable; men in appearance are more ape like than monkey like. While being classified as a mammal, man seems to be the only vertebrate that can think when he talks, but that doesn't necessarily mean, that because he talks, he always makes sense. While science struggles to unravel the mystery of man, and science is divided on the occurrance of man on earth, it is within, the keeping of many, that Genesis also acceptable for man's appearance on earth. While man seems to have made his entrance on earth with the anthro- poids, many scientist can give you a strong rebuttal, for after all, modern man can swim, run and climb trees. Many ocurrences in the scientific vernacular remain unsolved. Do we equate, however; that Genesis, the first book of the Penta teuch of Moses, describing the creation of man, the Deluge, and the call of Abraham, equally important too solving our heritage in the beginning? This article has been written by special permission from Prentice - Hall Inc. Their text on "Essentials of Earth History" as an Intro- duction to Historical Geology. For this I extend to them my many, many thanks. /1 Ordovician is the result of months of study from sources highly accredited in the Scientific Field of Geology. Facts have been held in their highest esteem, and written without knowledgeable personal opinions. The student should find this material precise, factual and interest- ing. Hours spent well, are well spent. For greater effeciency in understanding the vast timetable, that reaches back to the Ordovician, the Geologic time scale at the beginning to the article will assist you immeasureably to understand the various Era's, Periods and Epoch's. By Francis J. Dembroski OUR GLACIAL TOPOGRAPHY The ice age in Minnesota began about 500 thousand years wee—erto+ -Rc4.4e.axi �irtt 11 ,irGCo� . ii±e SLULCtie— 1 . -Mo 6 t. rT kowavax, and that coo axc mee,ly in •irr-,.4-.w a .._w-deve1ep iertt, rL- b- L.. _ .L. --_ ls._ti You should untier— a - - e,T ' l. „ '" - c.4Pec7ed 7� Of *Ile four invasions, the"Wisconsin"glacial invasion left iLa topographical development in our area. This invasion lasted about or'e fs4.4.1^4,tea Qn4IK sdpw,e Mtv►Q s t 773.r. Oft thousand years and came a ;al.t thousand years ago. has been estimated that the glacier was about 2000 thousand feet thick, which resulted in enormous weight.) ��iar a sidex- ng he €epee rt� �_ zh rh�,.�— �nf ;4"-PG4R4&,-"t"le.eieC'44#004d�exert'a pressure of approximately -5G imwoOmmee 500 tons per square yard. -ie glacier tkat it extended from the Ohio river on the east to the Missouri river on the west. This covered most of the area in the midwest and a large part of Canada, ,-^voring approximately 4,500)000 square miles. ( .4412a � ,c,� r�.G c.�.ti .c...--L.r0 ce--m. v clan a -�-ac . Eagan shows the affects of a glacial terminal moraine, and is charactized by a typical knoll and kettle topography. The glacial drift has p18yed a great part in Eagaris landscape to the extent that Eagan alone has in excess of 41/250 loam varieties. These loams run from a silty clay loam to fine sand loams and silt loams of various variety and proportions. Red lobe clay, covers most of our city.ft is the clay just below the various loams, and is the result of glacial waters bringing this material here he Lake Superior region. In Eagan the clay runs from a few inches to large deposits that are hundreds of feet thick. Fat�st►ai-s—a��—dac , tt�t; rtee ol_v d.--��aaas. T' au�1e€ weer id rab1e—firer atr-o€ material for S a n There is no remaining evidence of limestone outcrops in Eagan. All limestone was crus'd and washed away by glacial waters, while some huge boulders are buried deep beneath the glacial drift. 7 Sor/ in cala..4 leo y /� P 1 e-v-a4 To b Q �a.'T; l * -dam 741+.. �e�.,►»� c 4•to p S e44,114.431 s dw. a /a-. d eta & ns,/ eoc:Ks TAaT Ta } .714 Zest► rT5 G 1ri✓.e.7,rn, ',r� — r h;i/� <:0�..1J be da..*ga<�»fye ., ew s+►.� The first glacial development of our river beds was the glacial stream that created the Keller Chain and the Lake Phalen Basin. This river ran south eastward in the Johnson Parkway area on the east side h►=" Gt'-y (.:Iowa 5hx444, of St. Paul. It flowed east of Mounds Park)and created the gorge from Mounds Park to Prescott. Geologist today, seem undecided, as to which river is the oldest, the early Phalen flowage or the St. Croix River from Lake Superior. Indications are that the St. Croix River is a very old river. The glacial work by water and grit at Taylors Falls under -scores the glacial action there for thousands of years. g . t,�� cne of a --ang-and might a ee. The Eo — ee� 1— The first Mississippi river was a part of Lake Agassiz1and it r►+oNx1" ran west of the present Mississippi river,^,.th the Minneapolis chain of lakes It crossed into Eagan between 35W and the Cedar Avenue Bridge, then followed a south easterly diagonal pattern back and forth across Eagan until it flowed over a precipice creating a water -fall approximately 80 feet high above Gray Cloud Island, about five miles south of South St. Paul. This river channel to many is known as the Wescott ChanneL'1ie plunge basin in the area of the falls had reached a depth of about 400 feet above sea level. The elevation at Northview School is 938 feet above sea level. 'iis tells us that an enormous amount of glacial action occured later to fill this basin sr-koc47- and form the various valleys hills and ridges its prominent*Ittmigialost of Eagan. and wat The third 21acial river to enter our countryside was the river Warren, today known as the Minnesota River. Its development was due to the northward slope of the valley of the Red River of the north. After the glacier receded over the divide between the River Warren and the Red River of the north, the water accumulated along the south and west margins of the ice, as the ice continued to retreat, the lake increased in size and depth until it eventually reached a height in water level sufficient to flow over the crest of the Contintental Divide, and creating the River Warren at Browns Valley, Minnesota. At its maximum extent, Lake Agassiz was about 700 miles long combined area of all the present great lakes, Lake Winnipeg in Canada and Lake of The Woods on the international boundary occupy depressions in the bed of this ancient lake. While the glacier continued to block the northern drainage so that Lake Agassiz received glacial water, the overflow into the River Warren, produced a broad turbulent stream, and cut its channel 50 to 90 feet below the present elevation of the Minnesota River. At Fort Snelling it was forced to turn eastward and as it plunged into the Phalen River gorge, it created a water fall approximately 90 feet high and lz miles wide, from Mounds Park to the west side of St. Paul. Gradually it washed away all the rock and sediment and dug out the gorge east of Fort Snelling to Mounds Park. Pike Island is a Delta of the Minnesota River. Our fourth great river to intrude into our landscape was the Giant Mississippi. This river also, was formed from Lake Agassiz as the glacier blocked certain passages water ran in another direction entering further north and east than the original Mississippi River. Now it is entering the River Warren basin at Fort Snelling thus creating a water fall almost 100 feet high, by the West 7th Street Bridge,. t J The fifth river to enter our landscape is the present Minnesota River bordering the northest boundary of Eagan. This river too, is a result of Lake Aggassiz disapearing. The River Warren dwindled, and its valley became clogged with sediments over which the present Minnesota River finds its way. In the area of 35W, you will observe that the present Minnesota River runs in the bank on the north side of the Great River Warren River Valley, its present elevation is 50 to 90 feet above the earlier River Warren basin. Coming in conjuntion with the Mississippi River at Pike Island. This is a rescheduling of the rivers in their chronological order. 1. The Keller, Phalen River Basin and or the St. Croix River. 2. The Old Mississippi River that entered Eagan in the vicinity of 35W to an area east of the Cedar Avenue Bridge, and created, what is known to some as the Wes cott Channel. 3. The River Warren, creating the Minnesota Valley and the gorge from Fort Snelling to Mounds Park. 4. The present Mississippi River joining the River Warren gorge at Pike Island. 5. The present Minnesota River joining the present Mississippi River at Fort Snelling. The presentation of this chapter, has been with the cooperation of the McGraw - Hill Book Company by special permission from their Book "Geology By Emmons Et. Al." To them I extend my many thanks and acknowledgment of their very fine work in the field of Geology. I also want to thank Geologist Bruce Olson and Bruce Bloomgren from the University of Minnesota's Topography Section Department of Geology., for their general guidance in some areas of the rivers chronological order. Francis J. Dembroski In 1850 St. Paul was the territorial capitol, with a population of 1294. The common currency consisted of cranberries and fur pelts, and the only method of transportation was the steamboat, Red River two wheeled ox carts and horseback. The steamboats burned wood and stopped along the shore to chop wood and refuel. The Minnesota Democrat of July 13, 1951, said: "the great river caravan will be here on Thursday or Friday". It consists of 102 carts laden with buffalo skins, moccasins, leggings, coats, ornaments, curiosities and pemmican (dired lean buffalo meat). In 1851 Alexander Ramsey succeeded by the famous treaty of Traverse Des Sioux (St. Peter) in obtaining from the Sioux about 25,000,00 million acres of land. St. Peter's stone church in Mendota was built in 1853. 0n March 4, 1854 St. Paul was incorporated as a city and during the navigable season of that year, as many as 500 to 600 passengers are said to have arrived in one day. This was also the year that two german immigrants started their blacksmith shop and made and repaired vehicles of the day, under the name of Mitsch and Heck. This company stayed in the family name well over 100 years. A grandson Paul Heck still lives in St. Paul, Many of the old timers in Mendota and Eagan had their wagons and buggies made by these people, but much of their trade came from the hill district of the elite in St. Paul. In 1856 there were 838 boat arrivals, 216 of which were steamers running up the Minnesota river by Mendota and Eagan. One May day in 1857 24 steamboats were lying at the levee, all crowed with passengers and baggage. Minnesota was admitted to the Union as a state in 1858, Sibley became our first Governor, and St. Paul the capitol, the Wabasha bridge was completed that year, from 2nd street over the Mississippi to Harriet Island. The first and last woman was hanged in St. Paul, June 3, 1859. The wilderness was in a near state of convulsions. Henry H. Sibley had six children, all born in the same house and in the same room, but the political boundaries were so changeable that each child was born in a different political unit. The youngest being born in the state of Minnesota. By 1860 St. Paul had reached a population of 10,275. Fin I- V LND 1rtn1 C_L L7zc _C Four different cultures have been identified as having existed within Minnesota prior to the coming of the European explorers. The first was the Paleo-Indian culture, which was present throughout North America beginning around 25,000 B.C. It is generally believed that it was about that time when the ancestors of the American Indian first entered the continent, crossing over a land bridge from Siberia into Alaska and moving to the south and east from there. Based on evidence found elsewhere in the state, archeologists estimate that the earliest human existence in this area was from eight to ten thousand years ago. Life at that time was to a great extent dependant upon such large animals as the woolly mammoth and giant bison which were hunted for food. However, affected by changes in the climate (and also perhaps by more effective hunting methods), these large mammals gradually became extinct, and by 5000 B.C. a different culture had emerged. Known as the Eastern Archaic culture, small family groups now lived by foraging for edible plants or hunting small game. Advancements were made in the types of tools which were used, including the use of copper which was introduced about this time in the western Great Lakes region. Also, about 2500 B.C., the growing of domesticated plants as a food source began. First introduced in the area of Mexico, the main crops -- known as "cultigens" -- were corn, beans, and squash. Their use would gradually become common in much of the rest of North America, contributing to the development of more permanent settlements. As the centuries passed, regional differences became more distinct in the way of life of the American Indian, and around 1000 B.C. the Woodland culture was predominant throughout most of the east and upper-midwest. It appears that during this period the social organization and religious ceremonies of the Indian groups became more complex and formalized, and much has been learned about this culture from two important sources: the pottery which first began to be made at this time and the numerous burial mounds (and the artifacts found within them) which were formed by the people of the Woodland era} Life remained highly dependent upon food available in the wild, and in this area included the hunting of deer and buffalo. The use of copper had all but disappeared, as the source of the metal near Lake Superior had been depleted; instead, tools were generally made of stone or animal bone. Although agriculture had become part of the Woodland life in areas further south, in northern Minnesota it was the use of wild rice rather than the growing of domesticated crops which supported a somewhat larger and less migratory population. The Indians living in that vicinity still exhibited a basic Woodland life style when the Europeans first entered this region. Finally, about 700 A.D., a new influence on the way of life here entered this area from the south. This was the Mississippian culture, which originated near the Gulf of Mexico and was much more oriented toward agriculture (supplemented by hunting and fishing)than earlier cultures had been. A different style of pottery was attributed to this culture, although the tools were still made of stone or animal bone and burial mounds remained common. Evidence shows that the Mississippian culture reached as far north as the Twin City area, and had some effect on the type of pottery and tools used in the area of central Minnesota. It has been reported that the Cheyenne and Mandan Indians lived in this manner, and it is likely that they along es USA Select team Staff Report Minnesota Sun Publications Natalie Darwitz has already shown what she can do for the Eagan High School girls hockey team. Now the talented ninth -grader will show off her hockey skills on the U.S. Women's Select team that will compete in 1 the Three Nations Cup in December in Finland. Darwitz turned 15 on Oct. 13 and will be the youngest hockey player to make Team USA. She will join a team with women as much as 12 years older than her, in addition to 11 players who played on the 1998 U.S. Olympic gold -medal hockey team. Darwitz, a 5-foot-2, 125-pound center with good speed and play - making ability, scored 85 goals last season, leading Eagan to the state consolation title. She led the Wild- cats to a state runner-up finish as a sev- enth -grader. She led the state in scoring the past two seasons and was named Player of the Year last season. of Wisconsin, traveling into southern Minnesota at various times. Meanwhile, the Huron and Ottowa had been forced to move west from the region of New York during the mid-1600's by the Iroquois. They eventually reached the Mississippi River, and for a time lived near the present site of Hastings before moving into Wisconsin following a conflict with the Dakotas. Finally, the Chippewa (or Ojibway) Indians were also beginning to move into Minnesota from the northeast. The Dakota Indians were at one time located for the most part in northern Minnesota, in the vicinity of Mille Lacs Lake. The word "Dakota" means "ally", and refers to the loose alliance of several tribes which spoke a similar language. Known as the seven "council fires", and main Dakota tribes were the Teton, Yankton, Yanktonai, Wahpekute, Wahpeton, Sisseton, and Mdewakanton.+T (These last four are all included under the name of the Santee Sioux.) The Mdewakanton, which means the "People of Spirit Lake" in reference to Lake Mille Lacs, later settled in the vicinity of Eagan. & j T1e /7Tk Ce 7w�-� rK"""7 q 7 .4 41vved To 714e Sot71 cJesT wda,Pri To w // e v-,, 7e,a ,8y th , 11 The Dakota who still lived to the north were being increasingly challenged by the Chippewa, and were eventually forced to leave the Mille Lacs area. When the Europeans first entered this region, hostility among all the different Indian tribes was common, and for a long time there were no villages anywhere along the Mississippi between what are now the Cities of Minneapolis and Prairie du Chien, as this route was often used by the various war parties. The story of European influence in this area begins with the explorations of the French during the seventeenth century. Following the establishment of Quebec in 1608, their activities gradually spread throughout the Great Lakes and upper Mississippi Valley region. The reasons behind the interest in this area included aspirations for a western empire, the promotion of the work of religious missionaries, the potential of mining copper and other valuable minerals, and the long existing dream of finding a "Northwest Passage" which would provide a more direct route to the Far East. However, the key to the continued presence here of the Europeans involved the development of the fur trading industry. Montreal quickly became a center of the fur trading activity, as nearby Indian tribes brought the furs to this new city on the St. Lawrence River where they were traded for blankets, iron kettles, and other goods. The governor of "New France" also resided in Montreal, and as official C representatives of the government of France, they had authority over the exploration of the territory claimed by the French and the regulation of fur trading within it. The Iroquois warfare which broke out in the mid-1600's restricted other Indian tribes from bringing furs into Montreal. As a result, a number of French traders, known as coureurs de bois, traveled westward to trade directly with the Indians. Among them were ocllicr3 Radisson o.i J Goo se /he (5) wh o> C� lhAth their expedition in 1659, 1)-a4s-;on and Cr oclli ro are commonly recognized as having been the first white explorers to have entered Minnesota. fnl lowlna that r rol +�� • t:+ar ftar first h th u 1rnr J l ' 11 C ing---t dson' The French did not promote colonization in North America in the same sense as had the British with their colonies on the eastern seaboard. Rather, it was felt that the development of the fur trade and extension of French authority here could better be served through the existence of small outposts located in various parts of the region. In 1671, with a ceremony held at Sault Ste. Marie, much of the interior of the continent was claimed in the name of the French King, Louis XIV. This was soon followed by the establish- ment of a number of forts (used mainly by traders and missionaries) throughout the entire region. Among the earliest French outposts within Minnesota were those built under the direction of Daniel Greysolon, Sieur duLuth. Duluth (as it is commonly spelled) first came to northern Minnesota in 1679 with a trading expedition. P,e ff e 64a r Ie s Also active in this region at the time was Nicolas Perrot.Le Seu e 'f, L aq inter torritnr, :hc f - ex Indians ±rr 17.02. The continuing conflict among the various tribes in this region had caused the French governor in Montreal to ban trade with the Sioux in 1699. In addition, competition from British interests was gradually increasing, and the French were faced with trouble with the Iroquois in the east plus 50 71to4— 4FTQ—I- i 7 0 a war in Europe, ec Lha when Ft L'iit }}}er wi—a�s..r:» 'd there were no official French outposts within this area for the next several years. As circumstances changed, the French slowly renewed their efforts to occupy posts in the Great Lakes region, and in 1727, Ft. Beauharnois was built on the Minnesota side of Lake Pepin. This post operated for the next ten years as an important trading center with the Sioux. Other posts were also being built further north, including Ft. St. Charles by Lake of the Woods which for a time served as a base for further exploration of the country to the north and west. In fact, as late as the 1750's, there reportedly were major French outposts both on Lake Pepin and another near Brainerd, in addition to a number of minor posts including one at the junction of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. However, the French were slowly losing their control over this territory. Extended warfare in Europe plus increasing competition from the British in North America contributed to the French decline here. Finally, with the Treaty of Paris in 1763 -- ending the French and Indian War -- the British claimed ownership of the land east of the Mississippi, and for the next fifty years, it was they who dominated the activities within Minnesota. Technically, British territory did not include the land area of Eagan or any other land to the west of the Mississippi River. The year before the Treaty of Paris was signed, France had secretly deeded this territory to Spain, which retained titled until 1800, when it was returned to French control. Nevertheless, with their extensive trading activities conducted throughout the upper midwest, the British were clearly in control of this region. Fur trading remained the predominant activity within Minnesota and the rest of the mid -North American continent while it was under British control. This was accompanied by continued exploration of the region as the British increased their knowledge with regard to the newly acquired territory. e a When the British took over the French outposts at the end of the French and Indian War, the government at first granted to a party the exclusive right to conduct trade in a specified area. This practice was discontinued in 1767, and the opportunity for independent traders was greatly expanded. A larger organization was necessary, however, for the effective collection and marketing of the furs, and during the 1780's and 1790's, the Northwest Company slowly emerged with practically a monopoly on the fur trading activities throughout the upper Great Lakes region. This was a significant change in the fur industry here, as it was now conducted by private concerns. While Montreal remained the center for the trading operation of the Northwest Company, the outlying posts (which were closer to the source of the furs) took on added importance, and the number of these trading posts within Minnesota increased during this period. Although the British attempted to promote cooperation with the Indians, they were not immune to the threat from hostile tribes. A typical trading post, therefore, consisted of storehouses for supplies and powder, a shop, and houses for the clerk in charge and for the men, all surrounded by a stockade. 0 filled and the goo. came the laborious task o pounds each be to the the g for a shi•. on to Montrea en , a atched from England t e packs at M e in the summe from Montreal in the fall were post on Lake Superior. •-- Y ear a ... . . -.- ., . .._ • en al (of ninety following w fter repacking, rior the ing. Then furs were brought to Gran an d ays, they were marketed. 8 • •. .n.on, w ere, after furt er A large part of the success of the operation of the Northwest Company's system can be attributed to the voyageurs -- the French-Canadian canoemen who transported the goods into the interior from Montreal and returned with the furs. There were actually two classes of voyageurs. The first, known as "pork eaters" (Manageurs de lard), traveled the Great Lakes with their canoes loaded with the 90 pound packs. However, they did not remain in this area during the winter. The other, called the "winterers" (hivernants), stayed here during the winter's trading, as their name implies, working for the clerk in charge of a trading post.ji In 1804, the Northwest Company moved its headquarters from Grand Portage to Ft. William (in Canada), both because it was a more advantageous location for their trading interests and also because the U.S. was beginning to show interest in what was by then American territory. Even so, it would still be several years before the transition from British to American control of this area was complete. By the mid-1700s, the Mdewakanton Sioux had begun to move south from Mille Lacs Lake, both because of the continuing conflict with the Chippewa to the north and also to have better access to the trading posts which were being located in this vicinity. They at first reportedly lived in a single village, called "Tetankatane" (meaning "Old Village") on the banks of the Minnesota River, just west of Eagan. Wabasha was the name of their Chief at that time. As the French and Indian War was ending, British forces began to occupy several of the former French outposts in the Great Lakes region. -rL &ft. t -- The long association of the French with the various Indian tribes of this region was not quickly ended, however, and Indian hosilities limited for a time the British trading activities here. £v•4n tho whether 4theut ha t. (a1t-]tsu + This caused a significant hardship for the Sioux, as by then the goods provided from the fur traders had become quite important to their survival. As a result, Wabasha led a small group to Montreal, where he requested that the trading be resumed. As the story goes, the British were quite impressed with Wabasha and the fur trading was reopened with the Sioux. Then, by about the end of the War of Independence in 1783, Wabasha established a village near Prairie du Chien, and other villages of the Mdewakanton were formed along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Mlao TT gr Ioii' -14-i-ffite5a «-jr. An account written in 1823 lists seven villages, and this same number was given in later descriptions of the Indians of this area. -wets- tuLned uvcr -e tee "e icf ooldicr". The villages consisted of huts made of wooden poles and covered with bark. However, they were basically only summer camps, for during the winter the Indian bands traveled about as they hunted for food and for the furs which would later be traded. Their winter homes were buffalo skin teepees which could easily be moved. c When the treaty of 1783 was signed, marking the end of the Revolutionary War, the United States not only had gained its independence but also had claim to a large expanse of land beyond the Appalachian Mountains. This included the area of Minnesota east of the Mississippi River, which was organized as part of the Northwest Territory in 1787.* The location of the northern boundary of this territory was in question, however, since the 1783 treaty called for it to be a line drawn west from the Lake of the Woods to the Mississippi River (a geographical impossibility). With the approval of Jay's treaty in 1794, non -American fur traders were allowed to continue their activities in this area,although the treaty outlawed foreign trading posts on U.S. land. Even so, since the U.S. had not yet established its presence in this part of the country and the uncertainty still existed with regard to the northern border, British trading posts continued to operate here. This caused the loyalties of the Indians to remain with the British, as they viewed the coming of the American settlers as being a threat to their traditional way of life. American interest in exploring this region was greatly increased following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. (This territory included the land area of Eagan as well as the western portion of what would become the State *Other states formed from the Northwest Territory were Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan,and Wisconsin. of Minnesota). The Louis and Clark journey to the Pacific Ocean is perhaps the best known of the early explorations of this newly acquired land. The first official U.S. expedition into Minnesota was in 1805 under the leadership of Lt. Zebulon Pike. Leaving St. Louis in August 9th of that year with a party of 20 men, his orders were to "follow the Mississippi to its source, to examine the geography and resources of the area, to record the 'population and residence' of the Indians, and to seek sites favorable for construction of American military posts. On September 21, 1805, they reached the junction of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers -- making their camp on the island there which bears his name -- and two days later, a treaty was signed with the Sioux which granted to the United States two tracts of land for possible use by the military. One was a nine mile square site at the mouth of the St. Croix River. The other was described as the area "from below the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Peter (Minnesota) River, up the Mississippi to include the Falls of St. Anthony, extending nine miles on each side of the river."11 Although Pike continued his journey into northern Minnesota, he had little effect on the British trading activities or on changing the Indian loyalties; nor did he find the exact source of the Mississippi. The question of the northern boundary of the U.S. was not settled until 1818, with the designation of the 49th parallel running west from Lake of the Woods to the Pacific, while the Mississippi's source was not discovered until 1832. Nevertheless, the information gathered and the land designated in the treaty would prove extremely important in the later development of this area.* *Pike later explored the central Rocky Mountain region, with Pike's Peak in Colorado named for him. After rising in rank to Brigadier General, he was killed at York, near Toronto, during the War of 1812. However, despite Pike's journey into Minnesota, the continued American presence in this region was threatened by the War of 1812 and the British trading interests which were still active here during the early years of the 19th century. While the Northwest Company continued its operation throughout this area, it was facing increased competition both from independent traders and also from the Hudson's Bay Company. Having long operated further north, this company was beginning to extend its trading posts south toward Minnesota. LYVL l.LL ✓unv �.u, i i h h .7 --4 Le efe oa nt wa Ee1ehed— _.._{-.]- -:La11 vLL�.t"41�t�8 �7r w4t.Il -ILhc II -L77 1,11G JCVUL Y nirkgrn trade w a By the end of the War of 1812, the British were clearly in control of the northwest, occupying several outposts and having the support of most of the Indians. However, due to their losses elsewhere, when the treaty of Ghent was ratified in 1815, the British agreed to withdraw from this region. Even so, "h.. t LL it was realized that the promotion of American interests here could only occur with protection provided by the U.S. Military. * To aid in the defense of the northwest following the War of 1812, a line of frontier forts was constructed which included Ft. Dearborn (Chicago), Ft. Howard (Green Bay), and Ft. Crawford (Prairie du Chien). Then, in 1818 Secretary of War John C. Calhoun proposed the construction of three new forts: one on the upper Mississippi, one on the Missouri River (Ft. Atkinson was later built near the present site of Omaha), and one on the Yellowstone River (this fort was never built). The year before, Major Stephen Long had led an expedition into the Minnesota region to examine the sites designated in the Pike treaty, and the tract at the junction of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers was recommended as being a proper location for the construction of an American military post. In August, 1819, Lt. Colonel Henry Leavenworth arrived here with 98 men, having left Detroit with orders to build a fort in this vicinity.* Shortly *About $200 worth of rum and presents were given to the Sioux at the time the Pike treaty was signed in 1805, with an unspecified amount to be paid at a later date. Congress provided for an additional $2000 worth of trade goods, but it was not until Leavenworth arrived that these goods were distributed. thereafter, new recruits increased the number of men to 200, but many died of illness during the first winter, which was spent in a temporary camp south of the river -- named New Hope -- located near the present site of Mendota. The next summer Colonel Josiah Snelling replaced Leavenworth as commander, and it was under his direction that the building of the fort progressed. The corner stone was lain on September 10, 1820, with construction lastinc six years, although —the soldiers were able to begin to occupy the fort late in 1822. Construction of the fort was done by the soldiers themselves, who at the same time raised crops on the surrounding land to supplement their food supply. The normal size of the garrison stationed here at that time was around 300 men, and they received about $5 per month as regular army pay plus 15 per day for their work in building the fort. First named "Ft. St. Anthony", the post was renamed "Ft. Snelling" by the War Department in 1825, in recognition of Colonel Snelling's efforts in its design and construction. The completed fort was an impressive symbol of the American presence in this unsettled territory. Built on the river bluff in an "irregular diamond shape", the outer stone wall interconnected four corner towners -- one "semi- circular, one pentagonal, one round, and one hexagonal...constructed to assure the best angle of fire against would be attackers".a Also, in addition to the soldiers' barracks, officers' quarters and the commendant's house, the fort contained a "commissaries and Quarter Master's Store...capable of containing four years supply of provisions" (later put to other uses because of its exceeding dampness); a stone workshop building accomodating "Blacksmiths, carpenters, wheelrights etc. and a bake house"; a schoolhouse which later served as a chapel and billiard room; a guardhouse with "two cells for solitary confinement"; a vaulted, double roofed powder magazine with walls iix feet thick; (and) a sutler's store (similar to today's PX)... who operated close• to the fort's protective walls. For over thirty years following its completion, Ft. Snelling would serve as a focal point as the United States extended its influence into the upper midwest. It was here that the first school in Minnesota was taught, the first protestant church established, and the first hospital and library were located. It served not only a military purpose but was also a center for civilian activities, including the fur traders and missionaries �'0 i,14 mLyt• .���� 3i�3�����enT-3X Pike's treaty in 1805 had designated a large tract of land around the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers for possible use by the army, but little attention had been given to its specific boundary even after Ft. Snelling was built. Then in 1837, Major Joseph Plympton -- commandant of the fort -- declared that much of this area was to be included in a military reservation, and all unauthorized individuals living there at the time were forced off the land.* The outline of this reservation extended *west five miles from the mouth of the Minnesota River, north through Lakes Harriet and Calhoun to the Falls of St. Anthony, east across the Mississippi for five miles and south again to the Mississippi. This included about a mile -wide strip of land south of the Minnesota River through Mendota Heights and Eagan. Among the reasons for this action was the increasing problem caused by the liquor which the soldiers were obtaining from the nearby traders. *Mendota was held under a trader's license at the time and was not a part of the eviction. The. S,w- s ' c sits h c Ct Paw] e - rrtua y de e xp 4—.. j In addition, the fort's supply of timber (used for fuel) was threatened by the growing number of people settling here. Finally, with the treaty of 1837 opening the way for settlement east of the Mississippi, this can also be seen as a speculative move, as Plympton and several other officers at the fort acquired, and later sold, a portion of this reservation.At The importance of the function served by Ft. Snelling gradually diminished during the 1840's. The population of this area was growing, and in 1849 the territory of Minnesota was formally established. This was followed by the treaty of 1851, by which the Sioux were moved further west, and the newly built frontier posts of Ft. Ripley and Ft. Ridgely reduced the purpose of.Ft.Snelling to little more than a supply depot. The size of the military reservation was also cut in 1851 to about 1/3 of its original size (eliminating the portion previously within Eagan). Then in 1857, under rather questionable circumstances, the fort and surrounding land was sold by the Secretary of War to Franklin Steele for a price of $90,000. With visions of founding the "City of Ft. Snelling", Steele (with backing from business interests in the east) paid $30,000 down but then defaulted on the remainder. Nevertheless, title to the fort was transferred to Steele and on June 1, 1858, the military troops left the post, so that when Minnesota became a state that year, Ft. Snelling was private property. Circumstances quickly changed, however, as the Civil War broke out in 1861, followed by the Sioux War in western Minnesota in 1862. Governor Ramsey commandeered the fort in the name of the State of Minnesota in 1861, and it served as a rendezvous point for the assembling of men and supplies, and the training and dispatching of troops. There were as many as 2000 men C at the fort at a time during the war, and a number of new buildings were constructed, both within and outside the stone walls of the original fort After the Civil War, it was decided that the federal government should retain possession of Ft. Snelling, and a settlement was negotiated with Franklin Steele, who had submitted a claim for $168,000 for the government's use of the facility during the war. Steele received $12,920 for the buildings plus $17,250 as a rental payment, and he also was given the deed to over 6,000 acres in what would become south Minneapolis. As the edge of the frontier moved west following the Civil War, Ft. Snelling resumed its role as supply depot for the newer forts being built in the upper northwest. In 1881, it was designated as the administrative headquarters for the Department of Dakota, with responsibility for overseeing military and civilian affairs in the Dakota and Montana territories. These duties gradually diminished as the western territories moved toward statehood. The fort was an induction and training center during World War I and II. As newer buildings were constructed to meet the changing needs,the original structures of the old stone fort gradually deteriorated or were torn down completely. Then in 1946, the years of service by Ft. Snelling as a military fort came to an end when it was officially retired by the War Department and turned over to the Veteran's Administration. This might have been the end of Ft. Snelling, for in 1956 a proposal was announced to construct a highway through the grounds of the old stone structure. However, the public protest against this plan resulted in the building of a highway tunnel to minimize the disruption of the site and prompted efforts which led to the eventual reconstruction of the original fort. In 1961, the Minnesota Legislature established the Fort Snelling State Historical Park, now a 2500 acre recreational area and nature preserve, including about 800 acres in the northwest corner of Eagan. The restoration of the original fort was begun in 1965* ccx�pl-e r-se ittvit 6 l7 Fort Snelling ca. mid 1F2O's The Island to the right, is Pike Island. This is the ette €e- -- FORT SNELLING Fort Snelling at the junction of the Mississippi and the Minnesota rivers, lies opposite the S.W. corner of St. Paul. Half of the area over the Mississippi river connecting the city with the Fort is with- in the jurisdiction of that city. The site of Fort Snelling was bought from the Sioux by Lieutenant Zebulon M. Pike on September 23, 1805. Fort Snelling, the Falls of St. Anthony and the St. Croix River were the principal objects in our dis- cussion said Lt. Pike. The area covered 100.000 acres for the sum of $200.000 dollars. This deal was replied to by three chiefs. Although the Louisana purchase and the war of 1812 had put an end to British claims south of the Canadian border, the London government complied reluctantly with the agreements entered into with the American government. As late as 1815 and later British influence was almost sup- reme from Prairie Du Chien to Lake of the Woods, and from Lake Superior for hundreds of miles westward. Because of the British, it was not until 1819 that the federal gov- ernment took any active steps to create a military post. The first military post was established by Col. Henry Leavenworth on the Mendota village side of the Minnesota river, in the area of St. Peter Catholic cemetary. At that time the village was known as St. Peter, this was also the name of the Minnesota river. The year before, Major Stephen Long had led an expedition into the Minnesota region to examine the sites designated in the Pike treaty, and the tract at the junction of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers was recommended as being a proper location for the construction of an American Military post. In August, 1819, Lt. Colonel Henry Leavenworth arrived here with 98 men, having left Detroit with orders to build a fort in this vicinity. Shortly thereafter, new recruits increased the number of men to 200, but the first winter 1819-1820 was a very severe winter and the people of St. Peter, (Mendota) suffered considerable hardship, among the soldiers scurvy broke out, and about half of them died. Medical aid was hundreds of miles away. The post was almost in danger of being wiped out. The disease was not only attributable to the lack of suitable food, but Note. This now cantonmont was called Fort Coldwat.r. also the villainy of a number of army contractors, or their agents, in order to lighten their boat loads of supplies, upon leaving St. Louis, poured the brine from the barrels of salt pork and replaced it with river water. In the spring of 1820, indians brought large quantities of spignot root, (an aromatic medicinal root) used when dried and ground, most likey the root of meum of Baldmoney which put an end to the disease. To prevent a recurrence of this malady, gardens were planted, as soon as the weather became favorable, and the abundant supply of vegtables raised, put new life and confidence into the survivors. In the summer of 1820 Colonel Josiah Snelling replaced Leavenworth as commander, and it was under his direction that the building of the fort progressed. The corner stone was lain on September 10, 1820, with construction lasting six years, although the soldiers were able to begin to occupy the fort late in 1822. Construction of the fort was done by the soldiers themselves, who at the same time raised crops on the surrounding land to supplement their food supply. The normal size of the garrison stationed here at that time was around 300 men, and they received about $5.00 per month as regular army pay plus 15C per day for their work in building the fort. Colonel Josiah Snelling selected the present site, perhaps the most beautiful location of any settlement along the whole course of the great river, yet the present location is perhaps the most exposed place to winds, storms and tornados within 50 miles of the twin cities. .'Ca 1820 the ferry boat crossing the Minnesota river from Mendota to Fort Snelling began its operations. A man by the name of Mr. Finley was its first operator. Minnesota Historical Society records disclose that there were two structures on the Mendota side by the landing. One was the ferry boat house, the other a small cabin for his family's living quarters. The ferry consisted of a large type barge, with a rope tied to each end of the ferry, these ropes ran up to pulleys that ran on a rope strung across the river and anchored to solid objects on either shore such as a tree. The rope hung about 8 to 10 feet above the water. In the early days when the ferry made a crossing the rope on the rear end of the boat would be given more length, than the front end of the ferry was slightly headed up stream, and the current would push the ferry and its load across the river. Returning to the opposite shore the procedure on the ropes or chains would be reversed. Another ferry began operation in 1823. This ferry crossed the Mississippi river from Fort Snelling to the east bank which was St. Paul. Abraham Perry was this ferry boat's first operator. In 1823 the first flour mill began operation at St. Anthony Falls. While the ferry at Mendota in the beginning ran at certain hours during the day, this created hardships for the soldiers at Fort Snelling. Many of them were eager to visit Mendota, because in those days it was the hub of entertainment and culture. Mendota was rarely known, if ever to be without strong spirits, nat- urally it had its affects on soldiers losing their equilibrium, so getting back to the fort was no easy task. As the story has been told down thru the years, upon reaching the ferry, many tried rigging a contraption, whereby they could hang from the ferry's main rope across the river by a pulley and rope and try to propel themselves to the opposite shore. Some were successful, others became entangled, lost their understanding of the situation and fell into the river. History descloses that because many could not swim, recordings at the Minnesota Historical Society, reveals that soldiers died by accident- al drowing. The oldest non Indian dwelling in the state was the commandant's residence. Col. Josiah Snelling the fort's commander, had the residence built in 1823. The Col. wanted it built out of wood, but he had a sur- plus of masons and a shortage of carpenters, so he built it out of stone. Zachary Taylor, 12th President of the United States, was stationed at Fort Snelling from 1820 to 1829 and lived in the house for part of the time. When Zachory looked out over the winter scenery of the Minnesota and the Mississippi rivers, he wrote that it was the most miserable and uninteresting country imaginable. Several of the commanders who succeeded Taylor, such as Simon Bolivar Buchner, wound up as Civil War Generals, most of them for the Confederacy. { Later Captain Tecumseh Sherman would be sentencing a half breed soldier at Fort Snelling, to two weeks in the guard house for violation of military regulations. Sherman became second in command of the Military forces of the United States - - during the Civil War for the Union Army. In 1836 Dr. Emerson, an army surgeon was stationed at Fort Snelling, with him he had taken "Dred Scott" his slave from Missouri, a slave state to Illinois a free state, and afterwards to Fort Snelling, then in Wisconsin Territory a part of the former north west territory which was also free territory. Dred Scott, a negro, the plaintiff in the famous Dred Scott case, the most important slavery case in the history of the United States was in Fort Snelling from 1836 to 1838. While Dred Scott was in Fort Snelling he married Harriet Robinson also a slave. Back in Missouri Dred Scott had been told by interested persons that his residence in a free state or territory made him a free man. He sued for his freedom in 1846 and the Missouri State Circuit Court gave a verdict in his favor, but the Missouri State Supreme Court reversed the decision. Eventually it reached the United States Supreme Court. The actual verdict of the Supreme Court was simply, it had no jurisdiction in the Dred Scott case. As a slave, he was a citizen neither of Missouri or the United States. Therefore he could not sue in Federal Court. The court might well have stopped at this, but seven of the nine Justices were Democrats. They seized the chance to record the opinion, that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional and that slavery could not be excluded from the territories. The announcement of the 7 to 2 decision by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney on March 6, 1857 aroused a violent public reaction, and increased the tension between the North and the South. It was one of the important factors leading to the Civil War. In 1861 the state of Minnesota was the first state to offer troops for the Union Army. Having just finished this article at 10:30 P.M. January 7, 1981 a news bulletin over T.V. informs us that the Commandant"s house that was built in 1823 is on fire. I will wait until morning for the extent of its damages. January 8, 1981 all that remains is the stone exterior, the roof is gone and the interior gutted. Most of the antiques and the glass ware was saved. The fire was brought under control about 3:00 A.M. Robert Bender a Coast Guardsman on active duty with the Marine Safety Office in St. Paul, spotted the flames and ruded to the V.A. Hospital to sound the alarm. Back at the compound he then climbed the fence to open the gate to let the Fire Department in, while doing so he sprained his ankle for his efforts and needed attention. * About $200 worth of rum and presents were given to the Sioux at the time the Pike treaty was signed in 1805, on Pike Island, with an unspecified amount to be paid at a later date. Congress provided for an additional $2000 worth of trade goods, but it was not until Leavenworth arrived that these goods were distributed. ** Within the fort a "commissories and Quarter Master's Store capable cf containing four years supply of provisions" (later put to other uses because of its exceeding dampness); a stone workshop build- ing accomodating "Blacksmiths, carpenters, wheelrights etc. and the bake house"; A schoolhouse which later served as a chapel and billiard room; a guardhouse with "two cells for solitary confinement"; a valted double roofed powder magazine with walls six feet thick; (and) a sutler's store (similar to today's PX). References: Minnesota Historical Society David Wiggins St. Paul Location -Development and Opportunities by F. C. Miller Robert Bender USCG. Inver Grove Heights, Minn. By: Francis J. Dembroski Eagan, Minn. * Wi the building of Ft. Snelling, President Monroe appointed M Lawrence Talioferro (pronounced "Toliver") as Indian agent for t area. Talioferro was - native of Virginia and had served in the a since the War of 1812 before a epting this civilian assignment in 819, a position he would retain for the -xt 20 years. As Indian a•-nt, his duties were: To keep the Indian ibes loyal to t•- United States and friendly toward any white mewho might •e in the country, to help them take the first steps •way fr' their ancient mode of living and into the paths leadin• to -rd a civilized society, to protect them from unscrupulous fur . aders, and especially to bring about peaceful relations b wee Sioux and Chippewa.26 In addition, he had the aut •rity to regu..te the fur trade through the issuance of licenses, and o one could legally rade in this area without being licensed and bonded It was said that :alioferro conducted his duties wit the utmost integrity and with - sincere interest in the welfare of the In. ans. He continuously fout against the use of liquor in the fur trade an• more than one tra. r had his license revoked for violating these liquor restricts' s. Also, believing that agriculture was essential for the futur- of the Indians, he established an Indian farming community at Lake oun as early as 1828. Known as Eatonville, this was later operated for s- -ral years as a combination farm and mission by the missiona Gideon Pond. Throughout his st. here, Talioferro diligently purs -d peaceful relations between the Chippewa -nd Sioux. These of - s were highlighted in 1825 when a treaty was signed d nating line through northern Minnesota which was intended to separa • t - two tribes. This would prove ineffective, however, and the blo-•shed continu-: until the Sioux were later removed from the sta In fact, despite his p- sonal honesty and sincere efforts, on istorian had noted that "in the persptive of history... for reasons b:•ond his control, the sum total of his achievemen as Indian agent w- negligible," with this time period viewed as "an era of 1 ndards in Indian Administration."27 As the way was being opened for American interests to move into Minnesota, fur trading was still predominant here. The American Fur Company, organized in 1808 by John Jacob Astor, took over the posts in the mid -west when the British left the area following the War of 1812. Astor had been instrumental in the passage of a law in 1816 that prohibited foreign traders on U.S. soil (except as employees of an American Company). During the 1820`s there were as many as forty American Fur Company trading posts within Minnesota. The U.S. government had once been directly involved in fur trading, having operated a "factory system" of posts since 1795. These government owned trading posts were not intended for profit, but rather were designed to deter excessive foreign influence, to promote peaceful relations with the Indians while protecting them from unscrupulous private traders, and to enforce the nation's western military policy. However, faced with strong opposition, particularly from the American Fur Company, this system was abolished in 1822. Although there had previously been various traders located near the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, it was not until after the completion of Ft. Snelling that Mendota developed as an important fur trading center. Jean Baptist Faribault, who had lived on Pike Island in 1820, moved to Mendota in 1826 and is credited as being the first settler in Dakota County. By 1826, there were several traders located at Mendota, with Alexis Bailey in charge of the American Fur Company's post. Bailey was often at odds with the local Indian agent, Major Talioferro, and in 1834 his license to trade here was revoked, duo basically to continued violations of Talioferro's liquor restrictions. It was also in 1834 that Henry Hastings Sibley first came to Mendota. The year before, the American Fur Company had undergone a major reorganization with the retiring of John Jacob Astor and the appointment of the Company's business manager Ramsey Crooks as president. Sibley was now a partner in the company and was to take charge of the newly formed "Sioux Outfit", which included the area from Lake Pepin to Pembina and west into the Dakotas, with Mendota as its headquarters. The trading operation still depended on goods being extended on credit to those in charge of outlying posts, who would trade with the Indians for the furs and then return the following year to settle their accounts and acquire a new stock of trade goods. The business remained profitable for a time, and although beaver pelts were now only a small part of the trade (having previously been dominant because of their popularity in making felt hats), other furs and pelts handled at the post included muskrat, otter, buffalo, deer, mink, raccoon, fox, and bear, and even some from wolves, C jg badgers, and wildcats. Nevertheless, for a number of reasons -- including a financial panic in 1837, changing fashions, and increased competition -- by 1842 the American Fur Company was approaching bankrupcy. Fur trading would continue for many years after that, but the era of its predominance within Minnesota had come to an end. Even though the United States had acquired this territory through agreements with the French and British, treaties with the native Indian tribes were negotiated before an area was opened to settlement. And, although 5, a c4..X numerous treaties with the Deitota Indians were signed over a period of years -- beginning with the Pike treaty in 1805 -- perhaps the two most significant to the settlement of Minnesota were the land cession treaties of 1837 and 1851. In 1837, there actually were two separate treaties negotiated, one with the Chippewa at Ft. Snelling and the other with the Dakotas at Washington, D.C. The treaties of that year opened much of the area between the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers to settlement (and also led to the development of the lumber industry in the state). Among the provisions of the treaty were promises of annual payments to the Indians and the teaching of farming and other occupations to help them adjust to a new way of living. Then in 1851, a treaty was signed by which the United States opened to settlement some 24 million acres west of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota. This agreement was negotiated at two separate proceedings, first with the western Dakota tribes at Traverse des Sioux (near St. Peter) and then at Mendota with the Mdewakanton and Wahpekute (referred to as the lower Sioux tribes). In accordance with the treaty, the Dal eta e seTo. bands were removed to a reservation on the upper Miccic.cippi River, -in n tQ the fur companica. The ftir ind i ld i i f c �rere-- r although the fighting in Minnesota lasted little more than a month, the result was the removal of the Sioux from Minnesota to lands further west. .c 044J5 o f Ld,•=tsaldY led to the Sioux Uprising in I862; a...d/(I JEAN* BAPTISTE FARIBAULT Jean Baptiste Faribault, the original settler of Mendota was born at Berthier, Quebec/in 1775. His father, Barthelmy was a lawyer and a member of a prominent LeMons, France family. In 1752 at the request of the French government, Barthelmy went to Canada as secretary of the armyi which at that time was under the command of the Marquis de Auguennes. fall., and the defeated 6cn©ral -Monica m w c also killed. Beth mom.. .b.. .�..« - by —the Har d ou}1te--t-I! .uwa, was zne opening to English. repoire with the French dominion gave them b personal relations. One been that the French people were Indian's religious or super man or an A for this preference ons and obse was apt, either to take no pains t said to have pay respects to all ces, whereas an English- nceal his After the defeat of the French army in 1759, Barthelmy went to Berthierwhereon September 3, 1761 he married Catherine-Amable Veronnea uby whom he had ten children. 11 1 tabor raLtie Brit. i thus and *bs island in t1 c ____ -- Jean -Baptiste Faribault was educated in the school of Berthier and then worked for a firm of importers in Quebec. He became an employee of the Northwest Fur Company;in the spring of kt 179611eft Montreal by canoe, together with a party of 13, for the mackinac region. He arrived in the western country in 1798 as a trader working from various posts in Illinois and on the Des Moines River. In 1803 - 1804 he was assigned to a trading post at Little Rapids on the Minnesota River, in what is now Carver County, 44innasa4z. A year later he was present on the island where Lt. Zebulon Pike made ar'agreement with the Sioux Indians to purchase land for the United States. Jean -Baptiste could speak French, English and the Sioux Language; in all probability he was one of the translators for Lt. Pike. Jean Baptiste was a staunch supporter of the U.S. during the War of 1812 and was arrested and held prisoner by the British militia on this account. Almost without exception, traders of the period sided with the British and accepted commissions from them. As a consequence of Faribault's allegiance to the U.S., the British destroyed his property at various outposts. In 1820 Jean -Baptiste built a log cabin on Pike Island and began to cultivate several acres of land. In June 1822, the island became flooded and he was forced to move his family to the east bank of the Mississippi River. Later he moved his residence to Mendota, then called St. Peter's where the family continued to live for many years. He was a medium size man of strong constitution and good health. He is described as intelligent, urbane and dignified. He was trusted by Indians and White settlers alike and was deeply religious. He married Pelagie, daughter of Francois Kinie, the widow of Major Hanse. In later years Jean -Baptiste usually spent his winters at the Little Rapids Trading Post operated by his son Oliver. Jean Baptiste and Pelagie had 8 children. etad er The—U itod St��es iT63r.�3Br h�+rnpu mpint� nno nF tth highe6t Ref : Ronald Eustice, Windsor, Wisc. Minnesota Hist. Society St. Paul Public Library Francis J. Dembroski f This area was included under a number of territorial governments prior to the creation of the territory of Minnesota in 1849. The land east of the Mississippi was first part of the Northwest Territory and later included in the territories of Indiana (1800 - 1809), Illinois (1890 - 1818), Michigan (1818 - 1836), and Wisconsin. The area of Eagan and the rest of the land west of the Mississippi was first part of the Louisiana Territory (1803 - 1812) and then Missouri (1912 - 1821). When Missouri became a state, this area remained unorganized until 1834, at which time it became part of the territory of Iowa. Following the statehood of Iowa in 1846 and of Wisconsin in 1848, there was considerable doubt as to the status of the land in Minnesota. Delegates at a convention held in Stillwater in August 1848 petitioned Congress to organize the area as a territory, and Henry Sibley was to go to Washington as spokesman for this cause. Though not considered at the Stillwater convention, the idea was soon promoted that the land between the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers was still the Territory of Wisconsin, even though Wisconsin had become a state. It is one of the curious items of history that Sibley, after winning an election in October 1848, went to Washington as a delegate from the territory of Wisconsin (he lived in Mendota at the time, which had never been part of the Wisconsin territory), and was given a seat in Congress under that title. This official recognition was important in the promotion of territorial status for this area. The result of these efforts came on March 3, 1849, with the passage by Congress (and subsequent signing by the President) of the Act establishing the Territory of Minnesota. Shortly thereafter, Alexander Ramsey was appointed as Minnesota's first territorial governor. The boundaries of the Minnesota Territory extended west to the Missouri and White Earth rivers in what would become North and South Dakota. The new territory was divided into nine counties, and although Dakotah (spelled with an "h") was one of these, its outline was much different than the Dakota County of today. At first the county extended from the Mississippi west to the Missouri River, excluding most of the present county south of Eagan and with its northern boundary just south of St. Cloud. These lines were soon changed, with Wabasha County designated as the land between the Mississippi and a line drawn south from Pine Bend. Dakota County now was all of the territory west of this line to the Missouri and lying between the Iowa border and a line drawn west from the Elk River. These counties at this time were mainly for the purpose of establishing jurisdictions for judicial and law enforcement purposes. Dakota County, along with several other counties, was established e an organized county by an act of the territorial legislature passed on March 5, 1853. Its area was then only slightly larger than at present, as the boundary generally followed the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers on the north and east, the Credit River on the west, and the Cannon River on the south. The lines (especially on the west) were later changed a number of times before final agreement was reached on the County's borders. The first meeting of the County Commissioners (there were originally three commissioners) was held on July 4, 1853 at Kaposia. At that meeting, they established three election precincts -- Mendota, Kaposia, and Hastings -- and three corresponding school districts. The county seat was moved to Mendota in 1854. Then in 1857, Hastings -- being the largest City in the county at the time -- was designated as the county seat. By an Act of Congress passed on May 11, 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state to enter the union. Henry Sibley was the state's first governor. The month before (April 6, 1858), the county commissioners first authorized the organization of township governments in Dakota County. The county government was also changed that year so that there would be one member of the county's governing body from each township (plus 3 from Hastings and 3 from West St. Paul). This 24-member County Board (nicknamed the "Dakota County Legislature") proved too large to be effective and in 1860 the system of having five county commissioners was established. Book on Eagan's past due out By JEFF BURRILL Back in 1876 — August to be ex- act — eight horsemen rode into the Patrick Quigley Estate in Eagan. They watered their steeds and chatted with the Quigley family, passing themselves off as land speculators. After remounting, the men asked Mr. Quigley if they could cut through his land, as it would save them considerable time on their ride to Northfield. The request was honored. It wasn't until sometime after Sept. 7, 1876, that the Quigleys learned the truth. Those polite, well -dressed riders were in fact members of the Jesse James Gang — including the infamous Jesse himself — on their way to their ill-fated bank robbery at- tempt in Northfield. Like that story? Well it's just one of many tales from Eagan's past recounted in a recently com- pleted, yet unpublished book dealing with the history of the ci- ty. And, according to Eagan History Committee Chairman Francis Dembroski, it's been a long time in the making. "There are seven of us on the committee and we've been at it for about five years," Dembroski explained. "Right now we're finished with our end of the work, and we've got a manuscript which could fill up about 350 pages in a book." In 1978, seven volunteers were appointed to the history commit- tee by the Eagan City Council. Herb Polzin was named chair- man of the group and worked on the project for about 18 months before becoming i11. "At that point, work on the book just about stopped," Dem- broski added, "so I asked Herb if he would mind if I picked up where he left off. He was delighted with the offer." Polzin died in June of 1981 and FRANCIS DEMBROSKI displayed some of the original photographs used in the Eagan history book which he and his committee have worked on for nearly five years. The manuscript of the book is finished and is now being reviewed by members of the Eagan City Council. Dakota, C0. Tr; bkne- $- y- S3 Dembroski has chaired the pro- ject ever since. Help has come from committee members Jim Diffley, Arne Carlson, Art Rahn, Ken Damlo, Elizabeth Kennealy and Roger Slater. All are Eagan residents, while Diffley, Rahn, Kennealy and Slater are actual descendants of Eagan pioneers. The committee has also receiv- ed assistance from Francis Miller of the Dakota County Historical Society, who has directed the group to pertinent families and other historical sources. "We've gotten a lot of help from long-time Eagan families," Dembroski said. "They've told us stories passed on to them by their parents and grandparents, who had the stories passed on to them. And they've also shared photographs with us from family albums." "We've got over 135 pictures in our manuscript depicting everything from grade school children in front of schoolhouses, to wheat thrashers, to a moon- shine still. The photos are well preserved and wonderful to look at. The oldest is from 1903," he added. Dombroski, who retired four years ago after a career as an ac- countant, is now in his 27th year as an Eagan resident. He estimates he's put over 4,000 hours of work into the Eagan history book. "It's been a lot of research and detail work, but I wouldn't give it up," Dembroski con- tinued. "You learn quite a bit in writing history. What takes time is the research, but you end up knowledgeable about what you're writing." In addition to the James Gang's journey through Eagan, a few of the other topics covered in the history book include the Mendota Ferry, stagecoaches, Indians, onion farming, the thrashing machine industry, and the laying of a gas pipeline through Eagan in 1932. "We have a picture of three men laying the pipeline in the Blackhawk and Cliff Road area," Dembroski said. "The welder in the picture was paid $1.25 an hour, while Elmer Perron was paid $8 a day for not only work- ing, but for the use of his two horses and a wagon." The book spans the period of history in Eagan from the 1840s to 1965. "Our earliest settlers were French Canadians who arrived in the 1840s," Dembroski said. "The Irish followed in the 1850s and the Germans came in the early 1860s. Then, near the turn of the cen- tury, Scandinavians settled here. Eagan also had stagecoach ser- vice from the 1850s to the 1870s before the railroads arrived." The future of the Eagan history book is now in the hands of the ci- ty council, which must decide on a publisher, format and number of copies to be printed. Each council member is affording the manuscript a final review this summer, so with all things taken into consideration, it'll still be a few months before the Eagan History Committee sees the end result of its efforts on bookshelves. But it is a certain bet the history book will be more successful in Eagan than the James Gang was in Northfield