Founding Minnesota –St. Croix Scenic Byway Story

by St. Croix Scenic Byway on September 8, 2016

 

scsb

This five-film collection recalls history and stories of Minnesota’s iconic St. Croix valley and the St. Croix Scenic Byway which runs alongside the river for 24 miles.

From the earliest days people were drawn to this region for its natural resources and later for its nationally recognized scenery and environmental qualities.

Visiting the five districts of the St. Croix Scenic Byway in person or through these films contributes to the opportunity to experience this spectacular river region that has been called the “Birth Place of Minnesota.”

Watch all five episodes of Founding Minnesota –St. Croix Scenic Byway Story and enjoy the history, heritage and visual qualities that contribute so much to Minnesota and set this Scenic Byway and this River region apart.

Episode 1: Land Euphoria (44 minutes)

Episode 2: Too Much of a Good Thing (53 minutes)

Episode 3: Unimagined Wealth (45 minutes)

Episode 4: River of Pines (60 minutes)

Episode 5: America Fever (65 minutes) 

Funding for this project was provided in part with Legacy Amendment Funds from the Minnesota Historical Society.

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Sandstone, MN Ice Festival

by St. Croix Scenic Byway on June 12, 2013

St. Croix Scenic Byway – Mile Post 118.8 in Sandstone, MN.

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Logging and the Great Hinkley Fire

by St. Croix Scenic Byway on June 9, 2013

LoggingLogging and the Great Hinckley Fire

America was coming of age and lumber was needed to build the great cities and surrounding communities.  The greater St. Croix valley had more pine and hardwood forests than could ever be used up in a lifetime (or so it was thought).

Many came to strike it rich, others came to steal what the land had to offer, but the unwise practices used in cutting the trees caused death and disaster—and acts of heroism that saved many.

Listen:

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Military Road

by St. Croix Scenic Byway on June 9, 2013

St. Croix Scenic BywayPoint Douglas to Superior Military Road

The year is 1850 and Minnesota is a territory but not yet a state—there are no passable roads connecting St. Paul and Lake Superior.  The US Congress has just passed the Minnesota Road Act to provide a vital land connection between the navigable waters of the Mississippi River and Lake Superior.

Even though the road was never fully completed it was used heavily to carry settlers and support commerce until railroads came to the region in 1870.  About half of the original Military Road alignment still exists and the St. Croix Scenic Byway follows much of it.

Listen:

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Chester Fisk

by St. Croix Scenic Byway on June 9, 2013

Chester FiskA Tale of the life of Chester Fisk—A Unique and Ambitious Man

Born June 1881, died January 1975—age 94 years, 7 months, 21 days. Lumberjack, River Pig, Mill Hand, Dam Builder, Woodsman, Hunter, Trapper, Walker, Husband and father to six children.

Listen:

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Porsche Car Show Marine on St. Croix

by St. Croix Scenic Byway on June 9, 2013

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Black Bear

by St. Croix Scenic Byway on June 9, 2013

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Franconia Sculpture Park Atlantis Quartet

by St. Croix Scenic Byway on June 9, 2013

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Shared Viewshed

by St. Croix Scenic Byway on June 9, 2013

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Ojibwe Prayer Honoring Gaylord Nelson

by St. Croix Scenic Byway on June 9, 2013

Ojibwe Prayer Honoring Gaylord Nelson.

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