The “Illustrated Tales” section reprints passages from travel reports, novels, and other publications meant to edify and enthrall readers in the 19th century. A few works are older or newer. These are accompanied by postcards and stereoviews of the Falls, some of which go back to the 1860's or 1870's. Most of the readings are quite short, just a paragraph or so. A few span 12 or 14 pages. The narration and images each link to more information or idle speculation on the material. Readers comments welcome, of course. Enjoy!
The Illustrated Tales of
Explorers and Tourists
"Narrative of an expedition..."
1823: Explorers stop by the Falls
Upper Mississippi Scenery
1854: a writer for Putnam's chimes in
"The Ice Wigwam of Minnehaha"
1856: A late winter visit to the Falls, gushingly described
"Lake Minnetonka has an outlet..."
1857: Bad poetry, but at least it rhymes
"The Drive of All Visitors"
1857: seeing the highlights of local scenery
"... this enchanting spot ..."
1860: A transcendentally pleasant afternoon at the Falls
"A Day at Minnehaha"
1860: And you thought kids were mean today
Diaries and Letters
Settler's Memories
Historians Remember
"...not water enough for a mill..."
1820: deciding not to put a saw mill at Minnehaha Falls
Mentioned in Passing
Laughing Water
1861: just another mention of the waterfall
