Minnesota Peregrinations

"Civil War Veterans, Fourth of July or Decoration Day, Ortonville, Minnesota. On review in center of town, ca. 1880"

The Minnesota Regional Copper-Nickel Study is a comprehensive examination of the potential cumulative environmental, social and economic impacts of copper-nickel development in northeastern Minnesota. It was conducted from 1976 through 1978 by a special study team assembled by the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board. Funding for the study was provided by the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources.

The executive summary of the 5 volume, 36 chapter report presents some of the major findings of the Study. In addition, over 180 technical reports, extensive environmental monitoring data files, special sample collections, and other information resources compiled by the Study, remain available at Minneapolis Central Library.

The Minnesota Regional Copper-Nickel Study remains relevant today in light of renewed interest in the region by mineral resource development companies such as PolyMet and Twin Metals.

Henry Hamilton Bennett (1843-1908)

ING Minneapolis by Minoru Yamasaki

Piece of Hardtack With Original Paper Wrapper, Issued By The United States Army During the Civil War.

Hardtack is a biscuit (or cracker) made from flour, water and salt. It was a staple of the Civil War soldier’s diet because it was inexpensive and, when properly stored, lasted for years. Hardtack, while nutritious, could be exceedingly hard and usually had to be soaked before it could be eaten. The wrapper reads “Army / Cracker / or / Hardtack 1864 / John W. Weiser / Ohio Infy”. It was given to Levi Longfellow, Principal Musician of the 6th Minnesota Regiment, Company B, by John W. Weiser, Ohio Infantry, at the close of the Civil War.

“Artist Melissa Crisp is behind this unique fire pit design that will make you do a double-take. Called “Up North,” the sphere, made out of American-made steel, features a moose, a family of deer and ducks amidst Tamarack trees. The scene was inspired by the north woods of Minnesota where the artist’s mother grew up. Of course, the real spectacle happens when the fire pit is lit.”

Local Man Knows He Moved To Minneapolis For Something, But Can’t Remember What