USA > Minnesota > Redwood County > The history of Redwood County, Minnesota, Volume I > Part 68
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The utility of the water power resources at this point has had an important part in the development of this part of the state. Here, at the Redwood Falls, was built, by the United States government during the fifties, in reservation days, the first saw mill for the only supply of lumber for this region at that time. A few rods above this was later built the first grist mill in the upper Minnesota valley. A little later, still farther up stream, a second flour mill was erected, and this was followed by a third flour mill, which utilized the rapids around the bend below the Little Falls, making four improved water power sites within the village limits, all within a range of one hundred rods of each other. Most of this waterfall has now been combined by construction of a concrete flume extending along the bluff from near the upper level of Lake Redwood to a secluded corner of Redwood Falls park, where a small but neat, unpretentious building at the river's edge contains a modern, up-to-date power plant supplying light and heat and power to four towns for the varied industrial and household uses to which electricity can be applied.
The water drops from the upper lake level to the lower river level, nearly one hundred feet, the highest waterfall in Minnesota,
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and still the power resources within the city limits are only partly developed.
It is doubtful if any other city of any size owns a tract so ruggedly picturesque adjacent to its business section and sur- rounded by its near resident districts, as the Redwood Falls park.
Alexander Ramsey State Park. Extending out from the town down the river, to its junction with the Ramsey valley, is a larger park area purchased by the state of Minnesota and known as the Ramsey state park. The Redwood river enters this tract on the east, through a deep rock gorge with massive granite walls, while Ramsey creek tumbles along its tortuous course from the west over beds of boulders until it plunges over the perpendicular rock precipice known as the Ramsey falls, about the same height as the Minnehaha.
The water basin at the foot of the falls, nearly surrounded by towering masses of granite to which cling mosses and vines, and the red cedar trees with their rich evergreen foliage, the deep gulch below the glens above, all surrounded by extremely abrupt surfaces of wooded hills and bluffs, make a setting for a waterfall scene that is rarely equaled.
The different levels of the park, from the low bottom lands to the high exposed portions, the varied soils and sub-soils and ex- posures to all points of the compass, have given growth to so many species of plant and flower and vine and bush and tree that it is a veritable botanical garden of wild plant life.
It is still within the memory of old settlers that elk, deer, bear, lynx and buffalo, as well as many smaller animals had their home in this vicinity.
All shooting is prohibited in the park and within the city limits, many bird houses built, roomy enclosures for deer and elk and other provision made for the return of wild animal life.
The park contains large deposits of sand, beds of gravel and heavy clays and unlimited supplies of granite in various stages of decomposition, providing the best materials for roadbeds and surface finishing, while there are nearby deposits of lignite coal, pure white kaolin, iron ore, paint rock and cliffs of cream white clay and other deposits of geologic and commercial interest.
Easy Access to Parks. The scenic city parks cannot be "im- proved," as is usually necessary with city park development, as their chief attraction will always depend on the policy of their present management to preserve them unchanged, except to pro- vide that its features shall be easily accessible by maintaining the several miles of winding driveways and river crossings which have been constructed to reach, by easy grades, all levels and extremities and to extend the system of foot paths to the other- wise inaccessible portions.
Redwood Falls is a central point in the construction of state
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roads, while all roads are usually good in this section during the outing season of the year. It is within a five-hour ride by train or an easy auto trip from the twin cities.
Passing through here is one of the main routes through the state from the cities to the Dakota line, which is a part of the "Black and Yellow Trail" extending from Chicago through Min- nesota and the Black Hills of South Dakota to the Yellowstone park, which will become the most popular scenic auto route of the northwest.
The success of any public enterprise which is not distinctly commercial in its character is the result of co-operation of public- spirited citizens. A considerable number of these have contributed necessary assistance toward the development for public use of the scenic city parks, but each succeeding generation in Minnesota will be deeply indebted for what will become the most notable scenic attraction of the state.
First, to Dr. J. G. Rhieldaffer and family, who owned the Ram- sey park tract for over forty years without revenue. During this time they made no restriction on its use for recreation pur- poses, and never allowed it to be despoiled, even by pasturing, so that a riotous growth of wild flowering plants blooming from the earliest to the latest growing season covers nearly its entire area.
It is seldom that so long a continued private ownership of a tract of this kind has resulted in so great a public benefit, for it easily could have been put to such use as would be disastrous to its park value. It passed to state ownership at a very moderate estimate of price, the entire purchase cost of the Ramsey park being slightly more than $4,000.00, being about the same amount as paid by the city of Redwood Falls for the Lake Park area.
Dr. Rhieldaffer was a prominent early resident of St. Paul contemporary with Governor Ramsey, and of the same type of sterling character and public spirit, and was a state official before coming to Redwood Falls.
The moving spirit behind the park project has been H. M. Hitchcock, whose hard work, enthusiasm and unselfish devotion have been important factors in making the park possible.
The legislative campaign for establishing the Ramsey park was directed by Senator Frank Clague, representing this district. His long service in the legislature was of such a character that he held some of its most responsible official positions. His persistent record of opposition to extravagant appropriations gave his recommendation weight. Senator Clague's advocacy, with the loyal co-operation of Representative Jos. R. Keefe in the house, se- cured a practically unanimous vote for the purchase and improve- ment of Ramsey park in the session of 1911. During the succeed- ing sessions unreserved support of maintenance appropriations
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have been given by Representatives C. M. Bendixen, Albert Hauser and by Senator Potter, all of them advocating as a fortunate privi- lege, especially to those of this prairie section of the state, to pro- vide so close at hand this minature duplicate of the rugged scenes of the west and of the forest reserve of the north.
The greatest personal obligation, however, for the pleasures of the park are to Commissioner Jos. Tyson, who enthusiastically devotes his chief interest and most of his time to this project. He has proven himself an expert in road construction, which has been the most difficult, but the most necessary part of his job, and this has been splendidly accomplished without any payment for high priced professional engineer's service. From early hours to late during the working season, he has closely superintended every improvement, and it is a marvel to those of good judgment of this work that so much has been accomplished with so little expendi- ture. A small annual payment is allotted by the state auditor for Mr. Tyson's services, but they would be just as freely given without any payment, and could not be more so with several times the amount. Under his administration, the purposes of the park are being realized with the attendance, frequently to hun- dreds and on special occasions, thousands of visitors. It is due to Mr. Tyson's management that Ramsey park is becoming the most popular and the most liberally utilized of any of the small investments that Minnesota has made.
Indian Legend. The utility and attractiveness of this portion of Redwood county had a determining influence over much early history of unusual interest pertaining to the development of this part of western Minnesota, beginning with the occurrence which gave origin to the name of the Redwood river.
The name is a translation of the Indian word Tehansayapi, the only name by which the river was known up to the territorial days of Minnesota, and is the name still commonly used by the Sioux Indians now living in Redwood county.
Even as late as 1869, the American encyclopedia published in that year describes the river and designates it by this Indian name.
It is generally supposed that the name Redwood was chosen because of the abundant growth of the red cedar trees, which rooted themselves in the rock crevices and is one of the charac- teristic features of the locality.
Inquiry of the state historical society secures the statement that the Indians named this river because of the growth of the red willow or, as the Indians called it, kinnikinick, which grew more plentifully here than elsewhere, and they valued this highly for its bark which they gathered and dried and smoked.
The early settlers here remember that the smoking of kinni- kinick was a common habit and custom among the Indians and
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was used in fantastically shaped and decorated red pipestone pipes.
The pleasing effects of this use of the plant was not entirely imaginary for it has a soothing effect on the nerves. There has been extensive use of this plant as medicine and the chemist has analyzed it and extracted from it a fine white crystal effective in the relief of rheumatic and neuralgie pains, but its medicinal" value was doubtless learned from the Indian medicine man.
Either one of these two views of the origin of the name of Red- wood river seems sufficiently plausible to be accepted, but neither one is true according to a legend that is told among the Indians who should be the best authority on this question.
The name Tehansayapi, like many other Indian names, was chosen because of an important event and this occurred many years, probably many generations before the white explorer had ventured to the upper Mississippi or Minnesota valleys.
It is a natural supposition that here was one of the Indian's most happy hunting grounds, but this is more than a mere con- jecture for the story that is told relates that this locality was so highly prized by both of the principal tribes who occupied this northwest territory, the Sioux from the west and the Chippewa's from the north and east, that there was a spirited contest between these two Indian nations for the possession.
At a certain time during this period of conflict, as a scouting party of Sioux Indians passed through the woods along the stream they marked trees with spots of red paint as a guide to a larger band of warriors who were to follow.
In commemoration of their success in finally securing undis- puted possession of this region, the Sioux Indians christened the river with the name Tchansayapi, the word probably coined for this use, which being interpreted in the light of its origin, means the river by the trees painted red.
CHAPTER XLIII.
MERCANTILE AND CIVIC DEVELOPMENT.
(By F. W. Philbrick.)
Redwood Falls, the first town in Redwood county, was started by Col. McPhail, in 1864, and began to spread out from the stock- ade in the spring of 1865, taking its name from "Redwood River" and adding to it the name of the "Falls," which are located in its immediate vicinity.
At the first county election held in the fall of 1865, Redwood Falls was made the county seat of Redwood county, and has since continued to remain such.
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The first general store to start in Redwood Falls, and the first in Redwood county, was that of Louis Robert, who, in the spring of 1865 opened a store on Second street, east of where the "Golden Rule" store now stands.
A little later in the same year another general store was opened up by Henry Behnke & Brother, and a store building erected by them on Second street.
Hustin & Garvin were the next to open a general store here in 1868, and prior to the year 1870 a number of business enterprises sprang into existence.
Among the list of the pioneers are the names of the four gen- tlemen who settled here at a very early date, and are still living here: John H. Thomas came in 1865 and opened the first black- smith shop. D. L. Bigham came in 1868 and started the first lum- ber yard. Wm. Pitts Tenney arrived in 1870 and opened the first barber shop, called the "Pioneer." Milton E. Powell came the same year and opened a law office.
Among other early settlers, since passed away, who contributed largely to the interests and improvement of Redwood Falls in its early days, may be mentioned a few as follows: James Mc- Millan, in 1865, built and operated the first hotel, The McMillan Hotel, name afterward changed to "Exchange Hotel." The Redwood (flour) mill, built in the year 1868, by Park and John Worden, was looked upon as a splendid addition to the new burg. This mill, located on the Redwood river, a short distance above the falls, has several times been overhauled and remodeled and is still in service. The Delhi Roller Mills, another flour mill, erected in 1869, by A. M. Cook & Son, was also considered a val- uable acquisition to the new town. This mill was located a little distance up from the Redwood bridge. It was destroyed by fire in the early nineties.
The first newspaper published in Redwood Falls was the "Redwood Mail," established in 1869, by V. C. Seward. It was purchased in 1873 by William B. Herriott and the name changed to "Redwood Gazette," under which name it is now issued by Mrs. Bess M. Wilson.
Birney Flynn, another one of the very early settlers, came in 1865 and engaged in the real estate business. Before his death he was elected to, and held several county offices.
Doctor D. L. Hitchcock coming here in the later sixties, was the first physician to locate in the place; he also opened the . first drug store which is still in existence, now being conducted by his son, H. M. Hitchcock.
David Watson was the first surveyor to arrive and locate in the new town. He also operated the first stage between Saint Peter and Redwood Falls.
Immediately following the year 1870 finds Redwood Falls
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with a goodly number of business and professional men, among whom we mention Dr. Wm. D. Flinn, a noted physician and sur- geon, who located here in 1870. He later became a member of the state medical board, afterward he was made its president; he was also a member of the U. S. Pension Board.
Judge H. D. Baldwin, another early and highly esteemed citi- zen, came here in the year 1871 and established a law office; since locating here he served as judge of probate and district judge; also other offices of trust.
Wm. F. Dickinson came here in 1871 and established the Bank of Redwood Falls. His death occurred a few years ago, then the affairs of his bank were taken over by the present First State Bank.
Geo. W. Braley also arrived here in 1871 and shortly after established the Redwood County Bank, which he continued to operate until his death in 1884, when his affairs were closed by administrator. In 1880 he was elected state senator from this district.
During the years intervening between 1870 and 1880, quite a number of new concerns located in the new town; also quite a few changes were made in the old concerns; of these we have not sufficient space here to mention.
Coming down now to the year 1880, the beginning of our own observations, we find Redwood Falls an enterprising little burg of about nine hundred population and about the only town of any particular importance within twenty-five miles of it.
A branch of the C. & N. W. R. R. from Sleepy Eye had been built in here in 1878. A depot and four elevators had been erected on its tracks and Redwood Falls now began to put on the appear- ance of a thriving city. However, the country tributary was but sparsely settled at this time and the community had just passed through the grasshopper scourge; trading was done mostly with butter and eggs, but merchants were blessed with a good outlet for disposing of these commodities and therefore able to pay their customers fairly good prices, which brought farmers to this market from a radius of thirty miles around. It is reliably stated that at one time upwards of 40,000 pounds of butter were held in the basements of two Redwood Falls merchants.
Later other branches of the C. & N. W. R. R. were built through the county and small towns began to spring up which had a tendency to draw more or less trade from Redwood Falls. The M. & St. L. R. R. also came along building their line through the northern portion of the county, establishing several small towns along its track, all of which trading territory had heretofore been tributary to Redwood Falls. One of these towns being the little town of North Redwood, located some two miles north of Redwood Falls, where three elevators have been built, taking from
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this place quite a bit of grain that formerly came here. Yet, with these difficulties to contend with and overcome, Redwood Falls has steadily forged ahead until at the present time it has become a statewide noted little city of no small importance.
The principal business interests of Redwood Falls in 1880 were represented as follows: James McMillan, and Philbrick & Francois, general stores; Robt. A. Wilson, dry goods; W. S. Clay- son, clothing ; Mckay & Race, Lechner & Ackman, and Wm. Crou- ley, groceries; D. L. Hitchcock and B. O'Hara, drugs; Laird & Dornberg and E. A. Chandler, hardware; Bishop Gordon and J. J. & C. W. Tiffany, agricultural implements; Liebenguth & Mc- Connel, meat market; Geo. Drake, harness goods; W. F. Dickin- son, Bank of Redwood Falls; Geo. W. Braley, Redwood County Bank; Winona Lumber Co., C. W. George, agent; Laird, Norton Lumber Co., H. D. Chollar, agent ; A. E. McCarty and Saml. Baker, liveries ; J. D. & Geo. W. Bunce, Commercial Hotel; J. W. Tows- ley & Son, Exchange Hotel ; J. J. McDonald, Canada House ; E. O. Chapman, wagon maker; Aiken & Rigby, Gazette Printing Of- fice; Worden & Rutter, Redwood Flour Mills; Cook & Son, Delhi Roller Mills; Joseph Lichtwarck, Matt Offerman and F. M. O'Hara, saloons; Mrs. S. O'Jai and Mrs. T. E. Walton, millinery ; Fred V. Hotchkiss, Wasson & Bager, Geo. F. Crooks and John Thomas, blacksmiths; Dr. Wm. D. Flinn and Dr. C. S. Stoddard, physicians and surgeons ; M. E. Powell, H. D. Baldwin and Alfred Wallin, lawyers.
Redwood Falls also contained at this time four elevators, three churches (Methodist, Presbyterian and Episcopal), a fairly good school building, a County Court House, and a branch of the U. S. Land Office with Wm. P. Dunnington, register, and Wm. B. Her- riott, receiver.
The principal business streets were Second and Mill streets, but owing to a fire that occurred in January, 1886, destroying eleven of the business buildings on the north side of Second street, between Washington and Mill streets, a change in the business location was brought about.
Washington street now began to take the lead by building a row of substantial two-story brick buildings on each side of the street between Second and Third streets. Prior to this time there was but one brick building in the place. Immediately after the fire the village council passed a fire ordinance prohibiting all frame buildings being built within the business district; so while this fire was quite a loss to the community in many ways, it proved to be a good thing in other ways, being the means of starting up the building of good substantial brick buildings in place of those wooden ones destroyed.
Of the business men doing business in Redwood Falls in 1880 there are but two remaining in business at the present time,
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namely : H. M. Hitchcock, drugs, and F. W. Philbrick, dry goods, the others have gone out of business, departed for other fields, or have passed to the great beyond.
The city at the present time (1916) has a population of 2,240. It contains a magnificent waterpower, derived from the Redwood river and falls. This is being only partially utilized for operating the flour mills and electric light and water plants. Several sur- rounding towns are being supplied with light and heat from its local electric light plant.
Redwood Falls aside from its scenic beauty and waterpower facilities, is noted for its substantial business buildings, clean, well-kept streets, its many blocks of cement sidewalks and fine water and sewerage system. The water furnished the city is taken from natural living springs, that come to the surface along the banks of the Redwood, within the cities' limits, and is much praised for its purity and fine medicinal qualities. The city has excellent telephone and electric light twenty-four-hour-service. It has a large grade school and a splendid high school requiring the employment of a corps of some twenty or more teachers, which provide excellent educational advantages for this and sur- rounding community. It has six thriving churches, a Carnegie library, fine court house and jail, an up-to-date creamery, a tile factory, flouring mill, a machine shop and several garages. It has two wide-awake newspapers, three strong, finely equipped and well managed banks, good hotels, and stores in all lines worthy of a city four times its size.
It also has a large and splendidly equipped stockyard, where stock of all kinds are bought and sold.
It is the home of Company L, Second Regiment, Minnesota National Guard, a company composed of some sixty or more of its best young men, and in which the city takes a great pride. A large armory has recently been built for their accommodation.
The building of a central heating plant has recently been started, and when completed will, no doubt, prove a valuable acquisition to the city's business interests.
The Ramsey State Park, which is located within the city's limits, is one of the latest natural attractions. This beautiful spot of nature is being improved and made more beautiful each year, and when completed is destined to become one of the greatest pleasure resorts and beauty spots in the state of Minnesota. All of which combine to make Redwood Falls one of the most attrac- tive little cities in the state.
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CHAPTER XLIV.
REDWOOD FALLS CEMETERY.
The care of the remains of those who were first to pass away has always been an enigmatical proposition in the early history of all communities. Organized cemetery associations are frequently the last community movements. Burial places, consequently, from the start, are isolated. In fact, the first settler, the first group of travelers, have placed the remains of those who have suddenly passed away, where, in a few years, the marking and spot would be forgotten and lost.
Redwood Falls was no exception to this rule. Graves were scattered over what is now the city, but in its embryonic state, a mere gathering of a few settlers. Now and then reports of the disinterment of bones occur and an old resident recalls a burial at the particular spot. This will continue as the years roll by, and it is to be regretted that the remains of such distinguished old settlers as O. C. Martin and Birney Flynn cannot be placed in the present magnificent cemetery. But it was the wish of the former that his remains be laid to rest on the hillside overlooking the Redwood river, on his own farm, just southwest of Redwood Falls. Mr. Flynn wished his body to rest under a little tree near the Flynn residence, on Fourth street, between Mill and Minne- sota. The bodies will remain there until completely forgotten, and then probably, some day, the bones will be disinterred in the excavation for the carrying on of progress of events.
With Redwood Falls proper the early day burials were in the old stockade grounds, at the liberty pole erected on the present court house square, at the Baldwin hotel corner on Bridge and Mill streets, afterwards giving away to the old Redwood House, and in later years known as the Baldwin Hotel. The principal place of burial, however, was on the banks of the ravine or Red- wood river, at the confluence of the ravine and the river, just back of the present G. Kuenzli home, on Bridge and Lincoln streets. There were one or more burials on the bank of the river just back of the present W. H. Gold residence on Minnesota street.
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