Narrative of an Expedition Through the Upper Mississippi to Itasca Lake, the Actual Source of This River Embracing an Exploratory Trip Through the St. Croix and Burntwood (or Broule) Rivers

In the summer of 1832 a young Army officer set out on a government‑ordered trek deep into the Upper Mississippi basin, tasked with easing the long‑standing feud between the Chippewa and the Sioux. The journey begins at Detroit, winds through the St. Croix and Burntwood rivers, and pushes onward toward the remote headwaters of the mighty river itself. Early pages capture the urgency of the mission, the constraints of limited supplies, and the delicate diplomacy required to win the confidence of powerful tribal chiefs.

As the party follows winding waterways and dense forests, Schoolcraft records vivid descriptions of towering pines, shimmering lakes, and the abundant wildlife that inhabits the frontier. His encounters with Native leaders are marked by formal speeches, exchanged gifts, and candid conversations that reveal the complex web of alliances and grievances shaping the region. The narrative also notes the striking discovery of Itasca Lake, confirming it as the true source of the Mississippi.

The work unfolds as both a compelling travel journal and a careful report to the War Department, blending personal observation with official purpose. Listeners will hear the rhythmic cadence of an 19th‑century explorer documenting rugged terrain, cultural exchange, and the early steps toward mapping a continent’s most iconic river.