Near Fort Snelling in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Giacomo Constantino Beltrami

1779 – 1855

Photographed by McGhiever, June 30, 2023

1. Giacomo Constantino Beltrami Marker

Inscription. From this point, Beltrami, Italian jurist, scholar and explorer, on July 7, 1823, started his journey into the wilderness of northern Minnesota resulting in his discovery of the source of the Mississippi River August 19, 1823. Through persistence, audacity, self-denial and steadfast courage he contributed a fresh chapter to the already brilliant record of important discoveries in this new land by such gallant Italian explorers as Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, the Cabots and others.

Presented to the State of Minnesota by Twin Citians of Italian descent. Sponsored by the Progressive Club of Minneapolis, Inc., and Unico of St. Paul, Chapters of Unico National.

Erected by Twin Citians of Italian descent.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. A significant historical date for this entry is July 7, 1823.

Location. 44° 53.528′ N, 93° 11.075′ W. Marker is near Fort Snelling, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It can be reached from State Highway 55 north of State Highway 5, on the right when traveling north. The marker is next to the Fort Snelling Chapel parking area at Historic Fort Snelling (one mile east of the Twin Cities International Airport). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Paul MN 55111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker: An Appreciation: Colonel Josiah Snelling (here, next to this marker); Elizabeth R. Snelling (a few steps from this marker); Service (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Identity (about 400 feet away); Hope (about 500 feet away); Perseverance (about 500 feet away); Sacrifice (about 500 feet away); Pride (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Snelling.

Other markers no longer nearby. U.S. Army, Buildings 17 and 18 (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed); The Prairie (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . Giacomo Beltrami. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on March 21, 2009.)

Giacomo Constantino Beltrami Marker <i>(background)</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, October 16, 2008

2. Giacomo Constantino Beltrami Marker (background)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,921 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on July 10, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photos: 1. submitted on June 13, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2. submitted on March 21, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.