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Exploring Minnesota. Chapter 7: Minnesota’s Newcomers. Introduction. Until about 1850, most Minnesotans were Indians. By the 1860s, white settlers were in the majority. In 1851, about 6,000 By 1854, about 30,000 By 1857, about 150, 000
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Exploring Minnesota Chapter 7: Minnesota’s Newcomers
Introduction • Until about 1850, most Minnesotans were Indians. By the 1860s, white settlers were in the majority. • In 1851, about 6,000 • By 1854, about 30,000 • By 1857, about 150, 000 • Between 1849 and 1858 MN was the fastest growing place in the U.S. • The newcomers made a new Minnesota changing it in countless ways.
Transportation • By the 1850s, people had a few more transportation options than the previous options of foot or canoe. • 1847, steamboats begin making regular stops at St. Paul (village). – carried people and supplies. People would take trains to Illinois and then travel upriver to St. Paul. • People could travel during winter by stagecoach but could be tough due to weather. • Red River Oxcart Trail – see page 92.
The New England Schoolteacher • Harriet Bishop – Opened first school in St. Paul. See page 92-93.
Strong Feelings • Harriet Bishop did more than just teach children. • Established first Sunday school • Organized a temperance group, whose members believed that drinking alcohol was harmful and should be illegal. • Led several women’s organizations that raised money for community projects • She believed that all of these things would help “civilize” Minnesota. See writing on page 93.
Strong Feelings continued….. • Bishop was one of many New Englanders who were making homes in Minnesota. Many worked in the lumber industry and were looking to take advantage of MN’s vast timberland. • Most had strong feelings about democracy, laws, schools, and churches. Also had big plans for MN’s future. Many became leaders in towns along MN’s rivers. Because of them, MN was often called the New England of the West.
Minnesota Territory • In 1848, 61 men met in the growing lumber town of Stillwater, along the St. Croix River, and agreed to send a delegate to Washington to ask Congress to make MN a legal territory with a governor, a legislature, and courts of its own. The chose Henry Sibley.
Minnesota Territory continued… • MN became a territory in 1849. • Now the citizens could send an elected delegate to Congress – again they chose Sibley. • Also governor chosen by the President, Zachary Taylor – chose Alexander Ramsey. • Among the first goals was to get the Dakota to give up their lands in southern MN – did so by way of the treaties of Traverse des Sioux and Mendota.
Turning Point • With 1851 treaties, white settlers began to pour into the land, even though treaties said they could not until 1854. • Began claiming land in hopes to buy it when it became legal to do so. Settlers had little regard for the Indians who were living there. • Majority of settlers came with hopes of owning land and being their own boss. Many considered land ownership to be a source of wealth and/or status.
The Reservation System • See page 95.
The Swedish Immigrant • Hans Mattson – Read page 97 on own.
A Community Grows • Mattson began writing a series of letters that would be published in a Swedish language newspaper in Chicago. • Described life in MN and urged other Swedes to come. See page 98. See also Attracting Newcomers page 98.
A Community Grows continued… • Thousands arrived each year, seeking a better life. Norwegians, Irish, Germans, etc. • Soon there were communities like Vasa, where nobody spoke English – New Ulm, New Prague, St. Patrick, Scandia, Heidelberg. • MN no longer just the New England of the West, also New Sweden, New Norway, New Germany, New London.
Minnesota Statehood • With population exploding, began a drive to statehood. See chart on page 99. • Advantage – could control own finances and be in better position to attract railroads. Also voice in national affairs. • May 11th, 1858 MN becomes 32 state of Union. See Sibley’s speech on page 99.
