But we want to see Fort Snelling, so we take the trolley car south. fare five cents, distance 2 1/2 miles. (at the junction of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers). Here is the site of the oldest fort west of the Mississippi river. A short walk brings you to the old stone block house, the only building standing connected with the early fort history. If you have time and inclination, (and remembering that there is a ten minute walk across the bridge to the St. Paul cars,) a walk to the west and return will show you what a modern fort is like in the midst of a peaceful community.
The government reservation covers 2,320 acres. Usually about 1,000 soldiers are in garrison, made up of battalions of the three branches of land service. infantry, cavalry and artillery. The first town in Minnesota, “Mendota,” was located under the guns of the old fort, on the opposite bank of the Minnesota river. and a few common residences may still be seen to mark its site.
The street car connection between the fort and the St. Paul side is delayed until a new bridge is built strong enough to carry the heavy cars. The present bridge was erected in 1880, and is 1,078 feet long. The walk across the bridge, however. is well repaid by the grand views both up and down the river.
Picturesque Saint Paul : unrivaled for beauty and situation /
by an old settler.
Ramaley Printing Company, 1907
