Lake View Township near Shoreham in Becker County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Red River Ox Cart Trail
Becker County
Photographed By Annette Fillmore, July 15, 2023
1. Red River Ox Cart Trail Marker
Minnesota is one of the few states where the Red River Ox Cart was used extensively as a mode of transportation. From 1832 to 1862 the carts went back and forth between St Paul and the fur trading outposts at Pembina, ND and Fort Gary in Canada. The trail came past Frazee, followed the NP Railroad track to Big Detroit, followed North Shore drive, on to where Detroit was later founded, then north to White Earth and on to Pembina.
In some cases the cart, itself was an enclosed box about 3 feet high. In other cases, a flat surface with stakes. Originally the carts had wheels made from a single slice of tree attached to the axle. It was later changed to a spoked wheel - more practical for use in mud and ruts. No nails or iron were used. The wheels were attached with wooden pegs producing its own peculiar tone. The squeek could be heard for miles as the colorful caravan wound its way through the woods, swamps and prairies to reach their destination.
Erected 1993 by The Family of Henry Gjersvig.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.
Location. 46° 45.321′ N, 95° 52.751′ W. Marker is near Shoreham, Minnesota, in Becker
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Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Detroit Lakes Carnegie Library (approx. 4˝ miles away); Becker County Courthouse (approx. 4˝ miles away); Detroit Lakes — A City with a Past (approx. 4.6 miles away); The Woods Trail (approx. 4.6 miles away); Cook Homestead (approx. 7.4 miles away); Home Again (approx. 9.4 miles away); Minnesota Woman (approx. 13.1 miles away).
More about this marker. The marker is located at the end of the Shady Hollow Food Stand. The opposite side of the marker is used as a bulletin board for local events and businesses.
Photographed By Annette Fillmore, July 15, 2023
2. Red River Ox Cart Trail Marker Dedication
Photographed By Annette Fillmore, July 17, 2023
3. Red River Ox Cart Trail Marker
Photographed By Annette Fillmore, July 15, 2023
4. Red River Ox Cart Trail Marker
This view shows the surroundings and opposite side of the marker as seen from the walkway through the market heading toward County Road 17.
Photographed By Annette Fillmore, July 15, 2023
5. Red River Ox Cart Trail Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2023, by Annette Fillmore of York, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 99 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 8, 2023, by Annette Fillmore of York, Pennsylvania. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
