Almost every school child in the United States familiar with the beauties of Minnehaha Falls. It may be interesting to the reader to learn how Mr. Longfellow, a resident of Boston, who was never in Minnesota, happened to select the Falls of Minnehaha as one of the prominent features of the celebrated poem. In the summer of 1852 (some say 1854) Alexander Hesler, a young Chicagoan, made a trip up the Mississippi River from Galena, taking pictures of the natural scenery. Among the views thus made were several pictures of Minnehaha Falls. Soon after his return to Chicago this studio was visited one day by George Sumner, a brother of United States Senator Charles Sumner, to whom Mr. Hesler showed his pictures. Mr. Sumner admired the views of the picturesque waterfall and Mr. Hesler presented him with one, as well as several others showing the character of western scenery.
More than three years later, Mr. Hesler was somewhat sur prised to receive a copy of ” Hiawatha,” on the fly leaf of which was written : “Mr. A. Hesler, with Compliments of the Author, January, 1856.” Not long after receiving the book Mr. Hesler was again visited by Mr. Sumner, who inquired if he had received a copy of the poem from the author. Mr. Hesler replied in the affirmative and remarked that the poet must have seen the falls, as the description was so perfect. To this Mr. Sumner answered that the poet had not seen the falls, but that, being a neighbor of Mr. Longfellow, he had shown him the pictures given him by Mr. Hesler. “He selected that of Minnehaha,” said Mr. Sumner, “and took it out in the woods with him. From it he conceived the thought and poem of ‘Hiawatha’. And that is why he sent you the book — one of his first copies.” Subsequently Mr. Hesler wrote to Russell Blakely, of St. Paul, telling the story of his picture making tour and the receipt of the autographed copy of the poem. That letter is still preserved by the Minnesota Historical Society.
–Minnesota and its People
J.A.A. Burnquist
S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, Chicago
1924
