84    UNITED STATES GAZETTEER.

Curiosities. — Among these may be classed the ancient forts or mounds, the relics of former
races, many of which are found in this and the neighboring states, varying in form and dimen-
sions, and containing remains of human bodies, arrows, medals, ornaments, strangely-shaped
vessels, &c., but as yet yielding no clew to the development of their mysterious origin. Cer-
tain “ garden beds," so called, are found in various parts of the state, evidently of very ancient
Indian origin. In many instances they cover hundreds of acres, exhibiting traces of the most
careful labor in the regularity of their outlines and compartments, and the fineness of their
soil, as compared with the surrounding land.

maQassdDfA tfaiaiaaffQiav,

MINNESOTA (Territory.) This was formerly a part of the vast country belonging
to the United States which was acquired by the Louisiana purchase in 1803. It was then,
with the surrounding regions, a rugged and unmeasured wilderness peopled only by savages,
and had never been systematically explored by civilized man until about the period of its
transfer. The tract now embraced within the limits of the territory was duly organized, and
its boundaries defined, by an act of Congress, passed March 3, 1849, “ to establish the terri-
torial government of Minnesota."

Boundaries and Extent. — Bounded on the north by the boundary line between the posses-
sions of the United States and Great Britain; east and south of east by said boundary line to
Lake Superior, and by a straight line thence to the northernmost point of Wisconsin in said
lake ; also along the western boundary of Wisconsin to the Mississippi River, and down the
main channel of said river to the point where the line of 43£° north latitude crosses the same ;
south on said line, being the northern boundary of Iowa, to the north-west corner of that state,
whence the boundary proceeds southerly along the western limit of Iowa, until it strikes the
Missouri River; and west by the main channel of said river, as far as the mouth of White-
earth River, and by the main channel of the latter until it strikes the boundary of the British
possessions. The territory, at its northern extremity, reaches from east to west between the
90th and 103d degrees of west longitude, and comprehends an area of 83,000 square miles.

Government. — The government is, of course, temporary, subject to such alterations, and to
such further division of the territory, as may be determined by act of Congress. All free white
inhabitants, 21 years of age, are voters, and were eligible for any territorial office at the first
election. A Council and House of Representatives compose the legislative assembly; the
former consisting of 9 members, chosen for two years, the latter comprising 18 members,
elected annually. The legislature may increase the Council to 15 members, and the rep-
resentatives to 39. The governor is appointed for four years, by the President and Senate of
the United States. The secretary of state, in like manner appointed, is acting governor in
the absence of the executive magistrate.

Judiciary. — The Supreme Court is composed of a chief justice and two associates, appointed
for four years by the President of the United States. Two of these constitute a quorum. This
tribunal holds an annual session at the seat of government. There are three judicial districts,
4n each of which one of the justices must reside, and hold a District Court, having the juris-
diction of the United States District and Circuit Courts. Both courts possess chancery powers.
The laws of Wisconsin, until repealed or modified, are valid in this territory.

Education. — To this subject all due regard is given. Two sections in each township are
set apart for the support of schools. In all the settled places, school-houses are among the
first edifices erected. In some towns public libraries are established, and courses of instruc-
tive lectures maintained.

Finances. — By returns from five counties in the territory, made in January, 1851, it appears