Minnesota History - Writing Assignment 1

Frank B. Mayer was a journalist and artist from Baltimore, Maryland. In 1851, he took a "grand tour" of the American west, which in those days meant Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota. His remarks on his days in St. Paul in June 1851 are part of his larger book.

After reading Mayer's remarks about his stay in St. Paul (on reserve in the library - HIS 980), write 2-3 pages in answer to the following questions:

1. Mayer remarks that on arrival in St. Paul, he encountered "an entirely different race commingling with the Anglo-Saxon." What did he mean by this "race"? Who were they? What does his use of "race" in this context tell you about American culture around 1850?
2. As with most travelers in that time, Mayer was fascinated by the visit of "Sioux Indians" to the territorial governor C. K, Smith. What occurs at this meeting, and what do those events tell you about the state of the Dakota bands at that point in Minnesota history?
3. Finally, from reading the entire chapter and Mayer's remarks about the people encountered on the boat, in St. Paul, etc. it's evident that this was still a very young, raw, frontier part of America in 1851. Based on Mayer's remarks, and using Lass's book (chapter 4 is the most useful here) for further information if you need it, explain what SKILLS you think a person would have needed to succeed on the Minnesota frontier in that time; financial skills, physical stamina, diplomatic skills, luck - feel free to consider any or all of these, or such other skills as you think necessary. Explain, briefly, why you think the skills you mention would be necessary. What do you think YOUR chances for success would have been in St. Paul in 1851?

This assignment is due IN CLASS on February 19.