USA > Iowa > Iowa County > The history of Iowa County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 13
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ward. On the same day Captain Lewis succeeded in gaining a friendly in- terview with the Shoshones. Captain Clarke, with a part of the expedition, was at this time at the junction of the three branches of the Missouri, and Captain Lewis engaged a number of the Indians, with about thirty of their horses, to transport their merchandise and outfit to the Shoshone camp.
The Shoshones are described as being a small tribe of the nation called the Snake Indians, an appellation which embraces the inhabitants of the southern parts of the Rocky Mountains and of the plains on either side. During the summer the Shoshones resided about the headwaters of the Columbia, where they lived chiefly on salmon. In their journal the explorers give a long and interesting account of the habits, traditions, and manner of
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life of this people. They found them honest, friendly, and ready to render them all assistance in their power.
After purchasing twenty-nine horses from the Shoshones, the party on the 30th of August resumed their journey toward the Pacific. On the 4th of September, after many difficulties in finding a practicable route, they came to a large encampment of Indians who received them with great cordiality. The pipe of peace was introduced and a council held. They represented themselves as a band of a nation called Tushepaws, a numerous people then residing on the headwaters of the Missouri and Columbia rivers. The In- dians shared their berries and roots with the strangers and received some presents. Several horses were purchased from them. On the 6th they reached a stream to which they gave the name of Clarke river, Captain Clarke being the first white man who ever visited its waters. The route was a rugged one, and in many places almost impracticable, and to add to the difficulties of the situation, snow had been falling, so that on the 16th it was six or eight inches deep. The difficulty of procuring game or other subsistence made it necessary for them to kill several of their horses on this part of their journey, for food. They had a little of what was called portable
soup which they used by melting some snow. This, and about twenty pounds of bear's oil, was their only remaining subsistence. They were now in a region where their guns were of little service, for there was scarcely a. living creature to be seen in those mountains. Captain Clarke and six hunters searched the mountains all day for game but found none, and 31. night encamped on a small stream to which they gave the name of Hungry Creek. Their only refreshment during the day was a little of the portabl , soup. On the 26th, Captain Clarke and his hunting party encountered three Indian boys, and sent them forward to the village with some presents. An Indian came out to meet them, and conducted them to a large tent in the village, which was the residence of the great chief. After some introductory ceremonies by signs, the Indians set before the strangers some buffalo meat, dried salmon, berries and several kinds of roots. This, after their long abstinence, was a sumptuous treat. One of the chiefs conducted them to another village, two miles away, where they were received with great kind . ness and passed the night. These Indians called themselves Chopunish, or Pierced-Nose (Nez Perces). With a few articles Captain Clarke chanced to have in his pockets he purchased some dried salmon, roots and berries and sent them by one of his men and a hired Indian back to Captain Lewis. The main body with Captain Lewis had been so fortunate as to kill a few pheasants and a prairie wolf. As soon as it was known in the villages that the wonderful strangers had arrived the people crowded in to see them. Twisted Hair, the chief, drew a chart or map of the country and streams on a white elk-skin, which was of great service in guiding them on their course. From these Indians as many provisions were purchased as could be carried on their horses. After proceeding down the river some distance, they determined to continue their journey in canoes, which they set about con- structing. By the 7th of October the canoes were launched and loaded. The horses were branded and left with the Indians to be kept until their- return. Accompanied by some of the Indians down Lewis river, the ex- pedition finally reached the Columbia on the 16th, having stopped at a . number of villages on the way .. The Columbia at the mouth of Lewis river they found to be 960 yards wide, and Lewis river 575 yards wide. Here they found themselves among a nation who called themselves Sokulks, a
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people of a mild and peaceable disposition. Fish was their principal article of food. On the 18th they resumed their journey down the Columbia in the presence of many of the Sokulks who came to witness their departure. They passed many different tribes who inhabited the borders of the Colum- bia, all of whom they visited in their villages and encampments, learning their condition, habits, history and mode of living. Wherever they halted. large numbers of Indians gathered to see them, and generally manifested the greatest kindness and hospitality. All of them had pierced noses.
On the 22d of October the party reached the Great Falls of the Colum- bia. Many Indians inhabited this portion of the country, and some of them assisted the party in unloading the canoes, transporting the goods around the falls, and in bringing down the canoes. At one place it was necessary to haul the canoes over a point of land to avoid a perpendicular fall of seventy feet. Some distance below the falls they came to a village of another tribe, or nation, called the Echeloots. Here they found the first wooden houses they had seen after leaving the settlements near the Mississippi. They were made of log's and poles, with poles for rafters and covered with white cedar, kept on by strands of cedar fibres. The inhabitants received the strangers with great kindness, invited them to their houses, and came in great num- bers to see them. They were surprised to find that these Indians spoke a language quite different from that of the tribes above the Great Falls. Some of their customs, however, were the same. Like the tribes they had recently visited, they flattened the heads of their children, and in nearly the same manner. Among the mountain tribes, however, this custom was con- fined to the females almost exclusively, whereas the Echeloots subjected both sexes to the operation. On the 18th they came to another tribe where they saw a British musket and several brass tea-kettles which the Indians prized very highly. In the interview with the chief he directed his wife to hand him his medicine-bag, from which he drew out fourteen forefingers, which he said had belonged to the same number of his enemies whom he had killed in battle. These fingers were shown with great exultation, after which they were carefully replaced among the other valuable contents of the medicine-bag. This was the first instance in which the explorers had observed that any other trophy than the scalp was ever carried from the field in Indian warfare.
On the 2d of November the party passed the rapids which form the last descent of the Columbia, and tide-water commences. On this part of the Columbia they began to meet with tribes who had some knowledge of the whites, and from articles in their possession, it was observed that they had maintained some sort of trade or barter with the whites. The Indians here also began to be troublesome and were disposed to pilfer whenever an oppor- tunity offered, showing that in their intercourse with the whites they had con- tracted some vices that they are free from in the absence of such intercourse.
On the 16th of November, 1805, the expedition encamped in full view of the Pacific Ocean, at Haley's Bay, as laid down by Vancouver. Their long, tedious and eventful journey to the Pacific having ended, they made prepa- rations for going into winter quarters ... Some distance below the mouth of the Columbia, three miles above the mouth of a little river that empties into the bay, in a thick grove of lofty pines, they formed their winter encamp- ment. Game was exceedingly plenty, and during the winter they were vis- ited by a large number of the Indians inhabiting the coast region. They called the place Fort Clatsop, from the tribe of Indians inhabiting the imme-
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diate vicinity. Here they remained until the 23d of March, 1806, when they commenced their return, by the same route.
Before leaving, Captains Lewis and Clarke posted up in the fort a note to the following effect:
"The object of this is, that through the medium of some civilized person, who may see the same, it may be made known to the world that the party con- sisting of the persons whose names are hereto annexed, and who were sent out by the government of the United States to explore the interior of the continent of North America, did cross the same by the way of the Missouri and Columbia rivers, to the discharge of the latter into the Pacific ocean, where they arrived on the 14th day of November, 1805, and departed the 23d day of March, 1806, on their return to the United States, by the same route by which they came out."
It is somewhat singular that this note a short time after fell into the hands of a Captain Hill, while on the coast near the mouth of the Columbia river. It was delivered to him by some Indians, and taken to Canton, China, from whence it was brought to the United States in January, 1807. On the 23d of September, 1806, the party reached the mouth of the Missouri, and decended the Mississippi to St. Louis, arriving at 12 o'clock. Having fired a salute, they went on shore, where they "received a most hearty and hos- pitable welcome from the whole village."
This is but a very partial and hasty review of that romantic and extraor- dinary expedition-the first exploration by authority of the government of the United States, of that wonderful region which of late years has attracted so much attention. It gave to the world the first authentic account of the upper Missouri and its tributaries, and of the rivers that flow from the west- ern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and seek the Pacific Ocean through the great Columbia. It imparted to civilized man some definite knowledge of the strange tribes whose homes were on the borders of those rivers; of their habits, traditions and modes of life; of the fauna and flora of a region hith- erto unknown, and of natural scenery not surpassed in grandeur and sub- limity by that of any other part of the world. Other explorers have since revealed a portion of the hidden treasures of that part of our national do- main, but the pioneer expeditien of Lewis and Clarke, so successfully accom- plished, will always possess a peculiar and thrilling interest.
SKETCH OF CHICAGO.
First White Visitors-The Name-Jean Baptiste-John Kinzie-Ft. Dearborn-Evacuation- The Massacre-Heroic Women -- Capt. Heald-Capt. Wells-Scalping the Wounded-Ft. Dearborn Re-built-Illinois and Michigan Canal-Chicago Laid Out-Removal of In- dians-City Organization-Pioneer Religious Societies-Public Improvements-Location of City-Growth-The Great Fire-Rise of the New Chicago.
THE history of so great a city as Chicago, like that of London, or Paris, or New York, by reason of its commercial, financial and other relations to the world at large, is a history of world-wide interest. Not that Chicago may yet be compared in size, population or wealth with the great cities named, would we mention it in connection with them, and yet, considering its age, it is greater than either of them. In its ratio of increase in popu- lation, commerce, and general progress, it is to-day outstripping them. "In what civilized part of the globe is Chicago not heard of, read of, and known ?
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CHICAGO IN 1820 FROM AN OLD VIEW.
CHICAGO IN 1833
PRESENT SITE OF LAKE STREET BRIDGE.
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If, so many centuries after the founding of Rome, mankind still feel inter- ested in the mythical story of Romulus and Remus, may not the present and future generations read with equal interest the more authentic story of the founding of a great modern city?
The Jesuit missionary and explorer, Marquette, first visited the place where Chicago is located, in 1673. Again, in the winter of 1674-5, he camped near the site of the present city, from December until near the close of March. Upon his arrival, in December, the Chicago river was frozen over, and the ground covered with snow. The name is of Indian origin, and was applied to the river. By the French voyageurs it is variously spelled, the majority rendering it Chicagou. The place is mentioned by Berrot in 1770.
In 1796, Jean Baptiste, a trader from the West Indies, found his way to the mouth of the little stream known as Chicago river, and engaged in trad- ing with the Indians. Here for eight years, almost alone, he maintained trade and intercourse with the savages, until, in 1804, Fort Dearborn was erected, and a trading post was established by John Kinzie, who became the successor of Jean Baptiste. Fort Dearborn, as first constructed, was a very rude and primitive stockade, which cost the government only about fifty dollars. It stood on the south bank of Chicago river, half a mile from the lake. The few soldiers sent to erect and garrison it were in charge of Major Whistler. For a time, being unable to procure grain for bread, the soldiers were obliged to subsist in part upon acorns. The original settler, Jean Baptiste, or as his full name was written, Jean Baptiste Point au Sable, sold his cabin to Mr. Kinzie, and the latter erected on the site the building known to the early settlers as the "Kinzie House." This became a resort for the officers and others connected with the garrison. In 1812 the garrison had a force of 54 men, under the command of Capt. Nathan Heald, with Lieutenant Lenai L. Helm and Ensign Ronan. Dr. Voorhees was surgeon. The only white residents, except the officers and soldiers, at that time, were Mr. Kinzie and his family, the wives of Capt. Heald and Lieut. Helm, and a few Canadians, with their families. Nearly up to this time the most friendly relations had been maintained with the Indians-the principal tribes by whom they were surrounded being the Pottawattamies and Winnebagoes. The battle of Tippecanoe had been fought the year before, and the influence of Tecumseh began to be observable in the conduct of the Indians. They were also aware of the difficulties between the United States and Great Britian, and had yielded to the influences brought to bear by the latter. In April of this year, suspicious parties of Winnebagoes began to hover about the fort, remaining in the vicinity for several days. The inhabitants became alarmed, and the families took refuge in the fort. On the 7th of August a Pottawattamie chief appeared at the fort with an order or dispatch from Gen. Hull, at Detroit, directing Capt. Heald to evacuate Fort Dearborn, and distribute all the government property to the neighboring Indians. The chief who brought the dispatch advised Capt. Heald to make no distribution to the Indians. He told him it would be better to leave the fort and stores as they were, and that while the Indians were distributing the stores among themselves, the whites might escape to Fort Wayne. On the 12th of August Capt. Heald held a council with the Indians, but the other officers refused to join him. They feared treachery on the part of the Indians, and indeed had been informed that their intention was to murder the white people. In the council Capt. Heald had taken the precaution to open a port-hole displaying
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a cannon directed upon the council, and probably by that means kept the Indians from molesting him at that time. Acting under the advice of Mr. Kinzie, he withheld the ammunition and arms from the Indians, throwing them, together with the liquors, into the Chicago river. On that day Black Partridge, a friendly chief, said to Capt. Heald: "Linden birds have been singing in my ears to-day; be careful on the march you are going to take." On the 13th the Indians discovered the powder floating on the surface of the water, a discovery which had the effect to exasperate them the more, and they began to indulge in threats. Meantime preparations were made to leave the fort.
Capt. Wells, an uncle of Mrs. Heald, had been adopted by the famous Miami warrior, Little Turtle, and had become chief of a band of Miamis. On the 14th he was seen approaching with a band of his Miami warriors, coming to assist Capt. Heald in defending the fort, having at Fort Wayne heard of the danger which threatened the garrison and the settlers. But all means for defending the fort had been destroyed the night before. All, therefore, took up their line of march, with Capt, Wells and his Miamis in the lead, followed by Capt. Heald, with his wife riding by his side. Mr, Kinzie had always been on the most friendly terms with the Indians, and still hoped that his personal efforts might influence them to allow the whites to leave unmolested. He determined to accompany the expedition, leaving his family in a boat in the care of a friendly Indian. In case any misfor- tune should happen to him, his family was to be sent to the place where Niles, Michigan, is now located, where he had another trading post. Along the shore of Lake Michigan slowly marched the little band of whites, with a friendly escort of Pottawattamies, and Capt. Wells and his Miamis, the lat- ter in advance. When they had reached what were known as the "Sand Hills," the Miami advance guard came rushing back, Capt. Wells exclaim- ing, "They are about to attack; form instantly." At that moment a shower of bullets came whistling over the sand hills, behind which the Indians had concealed themselves for the murderous attack. The cowardly Miamis were panic-stricken, and took to flight, leaving their heroic leader to his fate. He was at the side of his niece, Mrs. Heald, when the attack was made, and, after expressing to her the utter hopelessness of their situation, dashed into the fight. There were 54 soldiers, 12 civilians and three women, all poorly. armed, against 500 Indian warriors. The little band had no alternative but to sell their lives as dearly as possible. They charged upon their murder- ous assailants, and drove them from their position back to the prairie. There the conflict continued until two-thirds of the whites were killed and wounded. Mrs. Heald, Mrs Helm and Mrs. Holt, all took part in the combat. In a wagon were twelve children, and a painted demon tomahawked them all, seeing which, Capt. Wells exclaimed, "If butchering women and chil- dren is your game, I will kill too," and then spurred his horse toward the Indian camp, where they had left their squaws and papooses. He was pur- sued by several young warriors, who sent bullets whistling about him, killing his horse and wounding Capt Wells. They attempted to take him a prisoner, but he resolved not to be taken alive. Calling a young chief a squaw, an epithet which excites the fiercest resentment in. an Indian warrior, the young chief instantly tomahawked him.
The three women fought as bravely as the soldiers. Mrs. Heald was an expert in the use of the rifle, but received several severe wounds. During the conflict the hand of a savage was raised to tomahawk her, when she ex-
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claimed in his own language, "Surely you will not kill a squaw." Her words had the effect to change his purpose, and her life was spared. Another warrior attempted to*tomahawk Mrs. Helin. He struck her a glancing blow on the shoulder, when she sized him and attempted to wrest from him his scalping knife, which was in the sheath attached to his belt. At that moment the friendly Black Partridge dragged her from her antagonist, and in spite of her struggles carried her to the lake and plunged her in, at the same time holding her so she would not drown. By this means he saved her life, as he intended. 'The third woman, Mrs. Holt, the wife of Sergeant Holt, was a large woman, and as strong and brave as an amazon. She rode a fine, spirited horse, which more than once the Indians tried to take from her. Her husband had been disabled in the fight, and with his sword, which she had taken, she kept the savages at bay for some time. She was finally, however, taken prisoner, and remained a long time a captive among the In- dians, but was subsequently ransomed.
After two-thirds of the whites had been slain or disabled, twenty-eight men succeeded in gaining an eminence on the prairie, and the Indians de- sisted from further pursuit. The chiefs held a consultation, and gave the sign that they were ready to parley. Capt. Heald went forward and met the chief, Blackbird, on the prairie, when terms of surrender were agreed upon. The whites were to deliver up their arms and become prisoners, to be exchanged or ransomed in the future. All were taken to the Indian camp near the abandoned fort, where the wounded Mrs. Helm had previ- ously been taken by Black Partridge. By the terms of surrender no pro- vision had been made as to the disposition of the wounded. It was the understanding of the Indians that the British general, Proctor, had offered a bounty for American scalps delivered at Malden. Here there was another scene of horror. Most of the wounded men were killed and scalped.
Such is a hasty glance at scenes that were witnessed on this then wild shore of Lake Michigan. Such were the experiences and the struggles of the heroic men and women who ventured forth into the wilderness to plant the germs of civilization, and to lay the foundations of future cities and States. The site on which now stands a city which ranks among the great- est on the continent, is consecrated by the blood shed by heroes on that bright 15th day of August, 1812.
Fort Dearborn was rebuilt in 1816, under the direction of Capt. Bradley, and was occupied until 1837, when, the Indians having removed from the country, it was abandoned.
Congress, on the 2d of March, 1827, granted to the State of Illinois every alternate section of land for six miles on either side of the line of the then proposed Illinois and Michigan canal, to aid in its construction, from Chi- cago to the head of navigation of the Illinois river. The State accepted the grant, and on the 22d of January, 1829, organized a board of canal commis- sioners, with power to lay out towns along the line. Under this authority the commissioners employed Mr. James Thompson to survey the town of Chicago. His first map of the town bears date August 4, 1830. In 1831 the place contained about a dozen families, not including the officers and sol- diers in Fort Dearborn. On the 10th of August, 1833, it was organized by the election of five trustees-there being twenty-eight voters. On the 26th of September of the same year, a treaty was signed with the chiefs of the Pottawattamies, seven thousand of the tribe being present, and on the 1st of October they were removed west of the Mississippi. The first charter of
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the city was passed by the Legislature of Illinois, and approved March 4th, 1837. Under this charter an election was held May 1st, of the same year. A census was taken on the 1st of July, when the entire population was shown to be 4,170. The city then contained four warehouses, three hundred and twenty-eight dwellings, twenty-nine dry goods stores, five hardware stores, three drug stores, nineteen provision stores, ten taverns, twenty-six groceries, seventeen lawyers' offices, and five churches. It then embraced an area of 560 acres. At this date grain and flour had to be imported from the East to feed the people, for the iron arteries of trade did not then stretch out over the prairies of Illinois, Iowa, and other States. There were 110 ex- portations of produce until 1839, and not until 1842 did the exports exceed the imports. Grain was sold in the streets by the wagon load, the trade being restricted to a few neighboring farmers of Illinois.
Of religious organizations the Methodists were the pioneers, being repre- sented in 1831, 1832 and 1833, by Rev. Jesse Walker. Their first quarterly meeting was held in the fall of 1833, and in the spring of the next year the first regular class was formed. The first Presbyterian church was organized June 26th, 1833, the first pastor being Rev. James Porter. It consisted at the time of twenty-five members from the garrison and nine from the citi- zens of the town. The first Baptist church was organized October 19th, 1833 ; and the first Episcopal church, St. James, in 1834. The first Cath- olic church was built by Rev. Schofler, in 1833-4.
The first great public improvement projected was the Illinois and Mich- igan canal, one hundred miles in length, and connecting Chicago with La Salle, at the head of navigation on the Illinois river. It was completed in the spring of 1848.
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