Catalog
Ramsey County History Podcast #8 – Spring 2017: Fort Snelling and the Civil War
Paul Nelson and Steve OsmanFort Snelling and the Civil War The Euro-American phase of Minnesota history begins with Fort Snelling, starting in 1820. The fort’s busiest period was 1861-1865 — with the Civil War and the US Dakota War of 1862. All of the soldiers headed south to fight for the…
Fort Snelling and the Civil War
Stephen E. OsmanOver one hundred fifty years ago, our state offered the first volunteers to defend the Union in the fight against slavery. Every Minnesota soldier passed through historic Fort Snelling to the fighting. Using detailed research and first-hand accounts, Stephen E. Osman’s new book, Fort Snelling and the Civil War, tells…
Ramsey County History Podcast #6 – Fall 2016: Who Was Harriet Bishop?
Paul Nelson and Mary Lethert WingerdWho Was Harriet Bishop? Harriet Bishop is the only well-known woman among St. Paul’s early settlers. In fact, she may be the best-known of all. She was Minnesota’s first schoolteacher, yes, but what else do we know about her? Minnesota’s leading historian, Professor Emeritus Mary Lethert Wingerd,…
Ramsey County History – Spring 2015: “‘I’m Going to Stick by Uncle Sam:’ The Mysterious Tale of the First Volunteer”
Patrick M. Hill“I’m Going to Stick by Uncle Sam:” The Mysterious Tale of the First Volunteer Author: Patrick M. Hill Since at least the 1880s, Josias R. King of St. Paul has widely been credited with being the first volunteer to enlist in the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment following President…
Ramsey County History Podcast #4 – Spring 2015: History or Folklore?
Paul Nelson and William LassHistory or Folklore? For more than a century, pioneer legislator Joe Rolette has been credited for preventing the Minnesota state capital from being moved from St. Paul to St. Peter. The story has been repeated countless times. But, is it true? In this episode, Minnesota historian William…
Ramsey County History – Winter 2015: “October 1857: The Kochendorfers Arrive in St. Paul”
Daniel C. MunsonOctober 1857: The Kochendorfers Arrive in St. Paul Author: Daniel C. Munson Johan and Catherine Kochendorfers were German immigrant farmers in central Illinois who along with their four children moved to Minnesota Territory in 1857. In November of that year, Catherine wrote a long letter in German to her…
Ramsey County History Podcast #3 – Fall 2014: The German Friend; MNopedia
Paul Nelson, John Larson, and Molly HuberThe German Friend; MNopedia Part 1: What can an anti-Nazi writer and intellectual, exiled in the United States, do for his beloved Germany? Nearly eighty years ago, Prince Hubertus zu Lowenstein visited St. Paul and met Hamline University student John Larson. A lifelong friendship and flood of…
Ramsey County History – Spring 2012: “Who Built the Minnesota Capitol? John Rachač, Master Carpenter”
John SielaffWho Built the Minnesota Capitol? John Rachač, Master Carpenter Author: John Sielaff The Minnesota State Capitol was constructed in St. Paul between 1895 and 1905. Because of the importance of this building to Minnesota history, considerable information exists about the competition to select an architect (the prominent Cass Gilbert…
Ramsey County History – Winter 2012: “Louis Hill to Henry Ford: “No Deal!” Henry Ford and the William Crooks”
Brian McMahonLouis Hill to Henry Ford: “No Deal!” Henry Ford and the William Crooks Author: Brian McMahon Henry Ford was born and raised on a farm and always preached the value of the rural life and character. Ironically, his Model T automobile (first produced in 1908), more than anything, was…