Ramsey County History – Spring 1991: “A Minnesotan Abroad: Alexander Wilkin and the ‘Dumpy’ Queen”

A Minnesotan Abroad: Alexander Wilkin and the ‘Dumpy’ Queen

Author: Ronald M. Hubbs

Wilkin, an important early Minnesota citizen, went to Europe three times, 1855–1858, and wrote letters home. Mostly he griped, though he did like Florence and big events that involved dressing up: “I wore my uniform which was much admired . . . .” He met Queen Victoria, whom he found “short and dumpy with bad complexion and not in the least pretty.”

PDF of Hubbs article