CHATPER XXVI
ORGANIZATION OF THE TERRITORY OF MINNESOTA
THE entire North-western
Territory had been under the jurisdiction of Wisconsin
previous to its admission as a State in 1848.
After much agitation the St. Croix river was determined
upon as the lower portion of the northwestern boundary.
The people not embraced
within the State organization determined to assert
their right to be represented in Congress, and the
subject was agitated by various meetings called for
the purpose. A call for a convention was signed by
twenty individuals, and was responded to by sixty-two
delegates from different parts of the territory, and
a petition to Congress, for representation there,
was signed by every member of the body. In October
of the same year, John Catlin, secretary
of Wisconsin, and governor ex-officio of
Minnesota, issued a proclamation for the election
of a delegate to Congress, and Henry H. Sibley
received the almost unanimous vote of the people.
The struggle to obtain a seat was a severe one, and
to his influence are we indebted for a territorial
organization in March, 1849, with liberal appropriations
for organizing and sustaining its government.
Alexander Ramsey,
of Pennsylvania, a man every way worthy the trust,
was appointed governor, who, by wise counsel, judicious
management, and a prudent course, made even his political
enemies to be at peace with him. None ever filled
the "Chair of State" with more dignity.
Facing page 125
Hon. Alexander Ramsey
(click on image for larger size)
125
This was the glorious birthday of our
territory; the great epoch in its history. Immediately
the tide of emigration set in this direction. Tradesmen
of every craft came with the swelling tide; professions
were crowded; every dwelling was put in the requisition,
and, indeed, whatever would afford a shelter. No longer
did our citizens wonder whose might be each strange
face, for strangers literally crowded the one
street of the metropolis of Minnesota.
The demand for enlarged
accommodations resulted in the appearance of the "American,"
and "Central House." Streets were opened
and buildings went up as by magic. The sound of the
hammer ceased not day or night. Instead of a semi-monthly
mail, with one letter only, the contents of the mail
bags were estimated by the bushel, on its tri-weekly,
and finally, daily arrival. New life was diffused
into every element of society, and onward rushed improvement
with rapid strides.
Among the early arrivals
of the season came James M. Goodhue,
who brought with him a printing press, prepared to
issue the "Minnesota Pioneer," the first
enterprise of the kind in this new territory. His
office was an unfinished carpenter's shop, quite open,
and the first number of his paper appeared 17th April,
1849.
The natural advantages,
resources, and beauties of this new country, delineated
by his racy pen, presented great inducements to immigration.
That James M. Goodhue was a true
friend to the territory, devoted to her interests;
a man of strong mind, of decided character, and great
energy, are undisputed facts. He was true to his friends,
severe upon his enemies, and indifferent to none.
Cutting sarcasm was his peculiar forte. His editorial
career terminated July, 1852.
126
In 1853, Governor
Ramsey's term of office having expired, Willis
A. Gorman took the executive chair, under
the appointment of President Pierce. The interests
of the territory have been safely guarded, and he
has done much to advance the superstructure to its
present beauteous proportions, the foundations of
which was laid by other hands.
We are quite sure that
no territory ever had so precocious an infancy, and
are equally sure, that no executive officers have
done more to produce so desirable a result, than have
the first two governors of Minnesota. The names of
Ramsey and Gorman
will live and be honored long after they shall have
passed from earth. May their names be registered in
the Book of Life, and the plaudit "Well done
good and faithful," secure them admission
into that city "Not made with hands."
Chapter XXVII
Return to top
