()LU CI:?()§§I ~f3 TI:?t=AT'" M t=M () I:? I A L At Monument Grounds, Huot, Minnesota, June 25, 1933
10:00 A. M.
Reunion of Old Settlers.
12:45 P. M.
Concert-Red Lake Falls and Crookston Municipal Bands.
Picnic Dinner.
1:45 Exhibition Drill-Crookston Legion Auxiliary Drum and Bugle Corps 2 P. M. Honorable C. G. Selvig, President, Polk County Historical Society, Presiding Invocation-Rev. H . Pelger, St. Mary's Church, Red Lake Falls. Music- Hudson Bay Patrol: "The Red River Valley ............... . Crookston Municipal Band
..... Delaney
Presentation of Memorial-In Behalf of the United States-Mark L. Burns, Superintendent, Consolidated Chippewa Agency, Cass Lake . . Acceptance of Memorial-In Behalf of North Dakota-Joseph Rabinovich, Department Commander, American Legion of North Dakota, Grand Forks. In Behalf of Chippewa Indians-Edward L. Rogers, Member Chippewa Tribe, County Attorney, Walker. Flag Raising-National Anthem-Red Lake Falls Band. Miss Lillian Huot, Huot, assisted by American Legion Color Guard Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag-The Boy Scouts of America of Crookston and Red Lake Falls. Greetings in Behalf of the Pioneers-Chas. E. Boughton, Sr., Red Lake Falls and Martin O'Brien, Crookston. Dedication Song-Quartet. Address-Acceptance of Memorial in Behalf of Minnesota: "Monuments and History; The Backgrounds of Minnesota"-Dr. Theodore C. Blegen, Superintendent, Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul. Presentation of Guests and Visitors-Including direct descendants of Indian Chiefs and Headmen from Red Lake, White Earth, Ball Club, Twin Lakes, Ponsford and. other Indian Communities. Music-Crookston Municipal Band and Red Lake Falls Band. ANNOUNCEMENT F o llo wing th e progr a m a vi s it will be m a d e to places of inte r est in thi s hi s t ori c r e gi on , inc ludin g the old Ox Cart Trail, the O ld Cr ossing ford o f the Red Lake River, the old Cottonwood tree (s till s t a nding ) e arly p ost offi ce o f t h e pi o n ee l's, the camp g round s occupi e d b y th e R e d L a k e and P embin a Indi a n s a nd the U nited Sta t e s Ca va lry Troop durin g th e T reaty n ego tia ti on s , a nd the b urial places of B e nja min Dalbec a nd Pi erre Bo ttin eau , local pion eer s, wh o w e r e present a t th e s ig nin g of th e Treat y.
The Occasion LETTERS FROM THE SECRETARY OF INTERIOR, COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND SUPERINTENDENT OF MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR Washington March 1, 1933. Hon. C. G. Selvig, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. My dear Congressman Selvig: The dedication of the memorial celebrating the Old Crossing Treaty presents an occasion which calls to mind that continuing problem of the Government of doing those things that are to the best interest of the Indian and leaving undone those things that injure him. The policy of the Government looks toward the disappearance of these reservations as rapidly as the Indians can be absorbed into the general populatIon. It has become obvious that the red man eventually must lose his identity in the deluge of the whites and pass through the melting pot ~nd become as are the rest of us. From a sentimental standpoint there IS much to regret in this fact but it is none the less inevitable. One of the conclusions that have taken very definite form in recent years is to the effect that it is better that educated young Indians should take their places with the general population than that they should return to the reservation of their fathers. We have demonstrated over and over again that the Indian under similar influence, is as competent a workman as a white ma~. The:e have, In fact, been many instances in which it has been shown that Indians are racially dextrous with their hands and become successful in the skilled trades. It is the policy of the Indian Service to make the most of this demonstrated capacity for work that lies dormant in its wards. Very truly yours, RAY LYMAN WILBUR Secretary of Inbrior.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS Washington February 27, 1933. My dear Mr. Selvig: I appreciate your kindness in notifying me in your letter of February 14, 1933, that the Old Crossing Treaty memorial is to be dedicated some time in June of this year. This memorial, commemorating the signing of the Old Crossing Treaty 70 years ago, marks an historic event of great importance to the northwest.
This monument commemorates a peaceful pact, a treaty by which the Pembina and Red Lake bands of the Chippewa Indians ceded to the United States all of the valley of the Red River of the North lying within the boundaries of the present States of Minnesota and North Dakota. The Chippewa Indians, a large branch of the Algonquin stock, have been in contact with the white population of this country since long before we were a United States. In the early days the French trappers and voyageurs found the Chippewa Indians helpful and cooperative in their relations with them. Today the descendants of these same people who signed the Old Crossing Treaty can be ranked among the most progressive of the Indian people. It is especially gratifying to have this occasion to comment publicly on the cooperation afforded the Indian Service in the State of Minnesota by the State itself. We all know that the affairs of the Indians of this country must be a mutual responsibility of local communities and states as well as the Federal Government. In no state up to the present time has it been possible to develop as well rounded a coordinated program of state and Federal activities as in Minnesota. Through the vision and planning of the State Advisory Council on Indian Affairs there has been developed a joirlot program in the fields of education, health, and agricultural extension, and now in this year we have started a joint program in social welfare which should be a model for our program throughout the country. We know that the Indians of the State and the whites as well have benefited from this joint action. Sincerely yours, CHARLES J . RHOADS Hon C. G. Selvig, Commissioner. House of Representatives.
MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Saint Paul February 25, 1933, Honorable C. G . Selvig House Office Building Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Selvig:'::" The Minnesota Historical Society is deeply interested in the project that has culminated in the Old Crossing 'Treaty Memorial and offers its hearty congratulations and good wishes. The Memorial will focus attention both upon the land cession that it commemorates and upon the nearby Red River Trail and its colorful history. It will thus illuminate the backgrounds of settlement and transportation, two powerful factors in the development of the Hed River Valley and indeed of the entire American West. More broadly, the monument will serve as a permanent reminder of the interest and importance of knowing the past that comes up to this fleeting line of the present. Let us follow out the implications of such m emorials by preserving the records of the past, by encouraging our state and local historical organizations, and by studying the history of community, state, and country. Sincerely yours, THEODORE C. BLEGEN
Two
Three
The Monument LETTERS FROM THE NATIONAL FINE ARTS COMMISSION AND FROM THE SCULPTOR-ARTIST.
THE COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS Washington, D . C., February 27, 1933. My dear Mr. Selvig: Early in 1931, you asked the National Commission of Fine Arts in regard to the selection of Mr. Carl C. Mose, Minneapolis School of Art, as the sculptor for the Old Crossing Treaty Memorial. Mr. Mose's work was familiar to the Commission and they recommended him to you for selection. On April 15, the Commission of Fine Arts considered the model submitted by you of the life-sized bronze figure of the Chippewa Indian to be erected at Old Crossing near Crookston, Minnesota. This model was made by Mr. Mose. The Commission approved the model and at the same time made certain suggestions to the sculptor, all of which were carried out to the satisfaction of the Commission of Fine Arts and, as I understand, to the satisfaction of yourself and others concerned. The Commission has an excellent photograph of the statue in its landscape setting and the members are satisfied that the memorial is adequate and worthy. Respectfully yours, CHARLES MOORE, Chairman. Hon. Conrad G. Selvig, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C.
SCULPTOR'S NOTE ON THE OLD CROSSING TREATY MEMORIAL Carl C. Mose When I was consulted as to the possibility of erecting a memorial on this site to commemorate the signing of the Old Crossing Treaty, I thought it important that we try to make something more than a mere tablet to mark the spot. Mr. Selvig felt that the plan of erecting a symbolic statue of a Chippewa Indian would be the most significant and desirable expression of his conception and of the intention of the Congress in making the appropriation for this monument in Minnesota. We therefore decided to plan the best symbolic monument that seemed possible within the limits of the appropriation, and with the help of Mr. Selvig and the cooperation of the National Commission of Fine Arts, this monument was designed.
It was here that negotiations between the White Man and the Indian took place; it was here that their friendly relations were cemented, in the Old Crossing Treaty; and so this spot is significant to us, citizE:ns of Minnesota and of the United States, as a site of friendliness and cooperation between two American races. I have tried to make the monument significant of these relations, and significant, too, as a memorial to the Red Man who inhabited this region first. I have therefore made a Chippewa Indian, standing, in his ordinary simple regalia, with his right hand extended in a gesture of peace. In the left hand he holds the peace pipe, ready to tender it to the White Man. It is to be looked at, not merely as a realistic representation, but as a conception in sculpture of the symbolic Indian, suggestive of inter-racial understanding and peace. In connection with the designing of the monument I would particularly acknowledge my appreciation of the unfailing interest and assistance of Mr. Selvig, of the Minnesota Historical Society, and of a number of citizens of this community who have furnished me with photographs, with costumes, and with important data relating to the subject. It has been, in itself, a work of cooperation.
The Old Crossing Treaty Memorial
T
HE Old Crossing Treaty monument, was erected by the United States' government in 1932, in accordance with the terms of a bill introduced in the Seventy-first Congress by Congressman Conrad G. Selvig, of Crookston. It is located on the bank of the Red Lake River in full view from the West and from the North. Trees form a background on the other two sides. Shrubbery arid pines have been added, which make the site attractive. The bill passed by Congress provided that the title to the site be vested in the State of Minnesota. By action of the Red Lake County Board of Commissioners nine acres embraced in the site were purchased by Red Lake County and deeded to the State. A bill was passed by the State Legisla ture accepting the site, which has been named Old Crossing Memorial Park. County historical societies of Red Lake and Polk Counties h ave officially designated three members from each society to form a board of managers which will h ave general charge of the park and monument. This will assure perpetuation of the "Old Crossing" tract where took place in 1863 one of the most important events in the history of the Red River Valley. The monument is placed where the historic peace conference between the red man and the white man took place. Th picturesque setting as described by the eye witnesses, the prolonged debates and discussions between the United States Commissioners and the Indian Chiefs, and the successful outcome are all events from which the artist-sculptor in designing the monument drew his inspiration. The monument serves not only to perpetuate this dramatic picture, but also to fix indelibly in the minds and hearts of all who see it the importance of this historic event. Many monuments have ' been erected to commemorate the bravery of both the white men and the Indians in desperate conflicts etween the two. Here at the " Old Crossing" is a monument which commemorates a peace pact. It not only commemorates this great event, but stands a silent witness to the fact that the peace is perpetual. As the descendants of these self- same Indians pause in its shadow they may well say our forefathers kept their faith, and be proud that this was done. As the white men come to this historic spot they will learn that here began the history of the northern section of the Red River Valley, for the event here commemorated made possible the opening of this vast area for settlement and development. The monument is a tribute to the leaders of both groups who made this treaty possible.
Site of Monument l"ive
Four
The Old Crossing Treaty John Saugstad EVENTY years ago, while the United States of America was engaged in a ~loody civil war in which m~ny Indian tribes were involved, an invitatIOn was sent out from Washmgton to the Red Lake and the Pembina bands of the Chippewa Indians to assemble at the Old Crossing for a Pow-Wow where a treaty could be agreed upon whereby the said Indians would cede to the United States nearly all of that vast tract of land known as the Red River Valley of the North. This message was passed on to the two respective bands by the United States agents, the Indian chiefs and headmen together with a command from the Chiefs to assemble at the Old Crossing of the Red Lake River during the middle part of September, 1863. At about the middle part of September, the Red Lake bands of the Chippewa Indians assembled at the designated crossing and there pitched their wigwams. With them came U. S . Agent Morrill. To this same place came the official party with Alexander Ramsey, representing the U. S . Government, escorted by a small detachment of U. S . soldiers and pitched their tents on the 21st day of September. On the 23rd day of September the Pembina band of Indians arrived and the first session of the treaty council was held that day. The two Indian bands were encamped on a beautiful, grassy lowland near the Red Lake River, and only a short distance from the ford or "Old Crossing". The white men were encamped on a small hillock between the two Indian bands.
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For about two weeks and until October second the chiefs and headmen bargained and discussed the terms of the treaty, always seeking better terms and conditions for their respective bands. On October first all the chiefs had agreed to the teqns of the treaty except Chief May-dwa-gun-onind, of the Red Lake bands, who steadily opposed the terms and when the chiefs left the council on the evening of October 1st "all hope of effecting a treaty with the Red Lake Indians seemed to be at an end". The following day, hOwever, the council assembled again without May-dwa - gunon-ind, and after some further discussion lasting about three and one-half hours, Red Lake Chief, Mons-o-Mo (Moosedung) "touched the pen". Five other chiefs, eight warriors and one head warrior followed him in signing and the treaty was completed by the signing of the commissioners, Alexander Ramsey and A. C. Morrill and witnesses. This was October 2nd, 1863. On October 3rd the treaty goods, presents, flags, and provisions were . distributed, and "on the fourteenth day from our arrival at the treaty grounds the expedition started on its return home". Thus the Red Lake and Pembina bands of the Chippewa Indians ceded to the United States of America that most wonderful and fertile tract of land that has become known as the "bread and butter basket" of the nation, making it possible for thousands of families to acquire homes and happiness. (Cont i nu ed on P ag"e 10)
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Alexander Ramsey Abraham Lincoln Whose signatur.e appears on Old Crossing Treaty Six
Who with Ashley C. Morrill, represented the' U. S. Government in the Treaty negotiations. He w as Minnesota's territorial governor. Se v e n
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Facsimile of the page of the Treaty showing signatures of Commissioners and Indian Chiefs
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The ceded area, shown in an outline sketch on page 13 of this booklet, is approximately 180 miles long, north and south, and approximately 127 miles wide east and west at the extreme length and width, containing approximately 11,0000,000 acres according to Alexander Ramsey's estimate and report. For this tract the United States paid $510,000.00. The wording and terms of the treaty make interesting reading for anyone who likes history. A photographic copy of the treaty is now in the files of the Polk County Historical Society. Article One of the treaty reads as follows: "The peace and friendship now existing b etween the United States and Red Lake and P embina bands of the Chippewa Indians shall be perpetual". Thus the "Old Crossing" of the Red Lake River, where thousands of ox carts have passed in the years gone by, and the making and signing of the Old Crossing Treaty has gone into history as one of the outstanding historical places and events of Northwestern Minnesota and northeastern Dakota, and the second day of October, 1863, has become and will remain an outstanding historical date for the states of Minnesota and North Dakota.
Benjamin Dalbec
Pierre Bottineau Noted interpreter and guide, an outstanding character prominent in early history of Red River Valley. He was Governor Ramsey's right hand man at Old Crossing Treaty parley in 1863. Died on his farm near Red Lake Falls. July 26, 1895.
of Huot, who was member of U . S. A. escort at Old Crossing in 1863. He died in 19118. Both he and Mr. Bottineau resided in Red Lake county. Following the dedicatory program on June 25th, a visit will be paid to the burial places of these two pioneers who took part in the Treaty negotiations. Their accounts of this event are preserved in the records of the Red Lake and Polk County .Historical Societies.
John Saugstad and Gov. Eberhard "Qui-Wi - Zeno" called, "The Boy," a Ten
Chipp~wa
chief.
"Shay-Wi-Z' ck," called, "Sour Spittle," a Chippewa chief. Born 1805, died 1876.
at a meeting where marker was placed at Old Crossing June 8, 1913. E leve n
The Cession
T
HE land ceded to the United States by the terms of this treaty is shown in the accompanying map. As far back as records are available the Red River Valley was famous as a hunting ground for various Indian tribes. Vast herds of buffalo ranged over the wide expanse of the prairie feeding on the luxuriant growth of prairie grasses and drinking the cold, clear water of the numerous tributaries of the Red River of the North. On the outskirts of this valley along its northeastern confines as early as 1732, the year in which George Washington was born, French traders and missionaries established Fort St. Charles on the shores of Lake of the Woods. In 1763 La Verendrye crossed this fertile valley near the location of the proposed monument, on a journey to the present location of Minot, N. Dak. In 1798, David Thompson, an English explorer, passed through the Red River Valley during the early winter and wrote entertainingly about Christmas Eve festivities in his camp among the Indians. The first settlers migrated south from Fort Garry, now called Winnipeg, in 1812. They were a part of the Lord Selkirk colonization party and made their homes at almost the exact spot where the forty-ninth parallel of latitude crosses the Red River. In 1823, President Monroe issued orders to Maj . Stephen H. Long to explore this valley. Splendidly equipped and having in his party noted scientists and surveyors, Major Long secured authentic information, which later was issued in book form. The historian of the party wrote glowingly of the fertile soil, the agreeable climate and the abundance of game and fish. In fertility of the soil he likened it to the valley of the Nile and prophesied that it would produce food to feed hungry millions when opened for white settlement. In 1846, James J . Hill became interested in getting to market the pelts of fur and other products which the fur traders and the Indians offered for sale. A few years later in this same Red River Valley, Mr. Hill and Mr. Donald Smith met and joined their activities in the first transportation "merger" on record in the Northwest. Oxcarts were the means of transportation. Heavy rumbling, creaky carts, with ungreased wooden axles, crept along the Indian trails from Fort Garry to St. Paul. They could be heard for miles. It was early decided that no permanent settlement would be made in this area by the whiteman until the white man and the red man could come to terms and agree on some plan which would leave the Indians in free and undisputed possession of the portion of this great area that they d esired and to open the remainder for settlement and development.
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8AGLE.Y
MINNESOTA
* Treaty Sate of Old Crosslnq Monument
No.
DAK.
~----- .-Area Ceded to United States by Terms of Old Crossing Treaty
T w e l ve Thirte en
The Old Oxcart Trail
T
HE Old Crossing, a ford in the Red Lake River, _was a well known place in the early days. Here stood the old cottonwood tree used as a P ost Office by the early settlers. This picture shows the tree still standing, having borne the brunt of the storms and winds during the years. In a box placed well above the reach of the curious, mail was placed to be carried North or South , as the case might be, by the drivers of the ox cart trains. It was here at this ford that the ox cart trains crossed th~ Red Lake River. The roadway in this park follows in general the path of the¡ Old Pembina Trail as it emerged from the river bed. The tracks showing the Trail are still visible on both sides of the river.
The cottonwood tree at Old Crossing, used as postoffice in early days.
Bronze Tablet at Entrance to Old Crossing Memorial Park
Ox Cart Train Fourt E'e n
Fiftee n
COMMITTEES FOR DEDICATORY EXERCISES OLD CROSSING TREATY MEMORIAL GeneralS. M. Sivertson, John Saugstad, C. G. Selvig, Dr. T. L. Stickney, and J . A. Houske, representing Crookston Association; George W. Christie, L. E. Healy, C. E. Boughton, Jr., V. M. Higinbotham and James Hance, representing Red Lake Falls Commercial Club. Program and Historical BookletC. G. Selvig, George W. Christie, John Saugstad, V. M. Higinbotham. Invitations and Special GuestsS. M. Sivertson, L. E. Healy, Judge William Watts, Theo. LaBissoniere, Mayor J. A. Roy, Red Lake Falls; Mayor W. J. Kirkwood, Crookston; Frank P. Grenier, Chairman, Red Lake County Commissioners; Theodore Garvik, Chairman, Polk County Commissioners. PublicityH. W. Cutten, D. A. McKenzie, Claud Kinshella, James Hance. Grounds and PrivilegesJ . A. Houske, Sam E. Hunt, Peter Storvick, E. E. Turnquist. Autos and ParkingAmerican Legion of Crookston and Red Lake Falls under direction of C. E. Boughton, Jr., and Dr. T. L. Stickney. Speakers' Stand and SeatingE. I. Huot, H. P . Huot, George Marshel, Victor St. Michel, Patrick Bru-
nelle. Booklet Sales-"American Legion Auxiliary of Red Lake Falls and Crookston, under direction of Mrs. Margaret Lacousiere and Mrs. Mildred Paul, Red Lake Falls, and Mrs. R. H. McFarlin, Mrs. C. H. Dudley and Mrs. Claude Carpenter of Crookston
Sixteen