Collections of the Minnesota Historical Society for the Year 1867

This volume gathers the 1867 annual output of the Minnesota Historical Society, offering a vivid snapshot of a young state’s scholarly life. Inside, readers will hear the voices of officers, scholars, and travelers who contributed maps, charts, and pamphlets that charted everything from county boundaries to the work of the U.S. Sanitary Commission. The collection reflects the society’s modest means yet ambitious reach, preserving a range of documents that illuminate early civic and scientific endeavors across the region.

Among the featured essays are explorations of Minnesota’s mineral wealth, a lively portrait of explorer Constantine Beltrami and his frontier adventures, and a thoughtful look at Dakota superstitions as recorded by an intimate observer of the “children of the forest.” Additional pieces trace the history of the United States Land Office and recount the geography of early French explorer Nicolas Perrot. Listeners who enjoy regional history, early American exploration, and primary‑source storytelling will find this anthology both informative and engaging.