| Summary: | A history of Walhalla, North Dakota. 40 pages : illustrated, portraits 29 cm. The mixing of the early French Traders and the Indians created an entirely new commonwealth, known as the "mixed bloods" or Metis. These people had their own customs and habits. They were fond of good times, light hearted and gay, they sang and danced and were never known for their industry. They shared in the Semi-annual buffalo hunts and Pemmican was an important item in their diet. They were excellent scouts and loved bright colors, such as the famed "Hudson's Bay Scarf." One of the more prominent of these people was Charles Bottineau, who farmed in the Hyde Park area and was known as the first real farmer in North Dakota. He lived on Section 33 & 34 of St. Joe township, and had farm buildings made of logs which was quite modern. He exported the first wheat from the United States to Canada by ox-cart and owned the first wagon in the State. In 1843, Norman W. Kittson, an American Fur Company agent, and an associate of James J. Hill, the "Empire Builder", built a trading post in Walhalla. This building, the oldest in North Dakota, stands well preserved in the State Park in Walhalla. Kittson and Hill made several trips to Walhalla from St. Paul by ox-cart prior to the coming of the first railroad. When Kittson retired, he built a $100,000 home in St. Paul from the earnings of his fur business. About this time Antoine B. Gingras erected a trading post and store adjacent to the Northwest Fur Company store northeast of Walhalla. This building, 120 years old, although still standing, is in need of immediate repair. Charles Cavalier, who was the first permanent settler in the Dakota Territory, took charge of the trading post in Walhalla in 1854 and was appointed postmaster by President Abraham Lincoln, whom he knew very well and played cards with on many occasions. The Honorable Judge G. Grimson and noted explorer Vilhjalmur Stefanson taught in rural schools in the south Walhalla area. Many other people and places deserve special mention, but space does not permit. Although evidences of our historical background has been emphasized primarily, there are numerous other relics everywhere. Some of them must still be marked by memorial plaques, such as, the Oak Lawn Church Site, south of Walhalla. However, the beauty and charm of our Pembina Hills will remain forever and in years to come will provide one of the finest State Park areas with game preserves, scouting camps and tourist park areas which would be second to none. THE PEMBINA HILLS OF WALHALLA, NORTH DAKOTA HAVE THIS POTENTIAL. Main Street about 1888. Large building in center believed to be original Bellevue Hotel. PAGE 4 This Space Sponsored by Walhalla Mountaineer
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