Walker in Cass County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

"Big Enough to Keep"

— Circle of Time —

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2023

1. "Big Enough to Keep" Marker

Inscription. The first excursion train pulled into Walker on August 8, 1896 and the town was ready for the invasion of fishermen from all over the country. Pat McGarry had opened up his White Tent City, consisting of twelve white tents, which became the next official stop of the train after the Walker Depot. In addition to the many hotels in town, many resorts also sprouted up around the lake. Area newspapers advertised Leech Lake as the Great Inland Sea, teaming with many varieties of fish. During the days before outboard motors, large steamboats would go out on the lake early in the morning, pulling ten or twelve rowboats behind them and return in the afternoon — everybody with their limits! Every night, many boxes of frozen fish were loaded on the train and the successful productive fishermen were returned to their homes. Today, the fishing industry is still very vital to the economy of the area.

Donated by Benson’s Emporium honoring
the Fishing Industry of Leech Lake

Erected 2015 by The City of Walker, Minnesota.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars • Sports • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 8, 1896.

Location. 47°

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6.098′ N, 94° 34.691′ W. Marker is in Walker, Minnesota, in Cass County. It is at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue West (State Highway 200/371) and 3rd Street, on the right when traveling east on Minnesota Avenue West. This “Circle of Time” sculpture and historical marker are located in front of the Cass County Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 Minnesota Avenue West, Walker MN 56484, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Minnesota’s Northland. 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 Great North Woods,

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 Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "The Wind Beneath Our Wings" (here, next to this marker); "Spare That Tree" (here, next to this marker); "God Bless America" (here, next to this marker); "A Possible Discovery" (here, next to this marker); "Stimulated Exploration" (here, next to this marker); "Before the Ojibwe" (here, next to this marker); "More Than Just A Fish Camp!" (here, next to this marker); "We Come Together" (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Walker.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Circle of Time

Also see . . . Walker, Minnesota (Wikipedia). Excerpt:

Following the construction of the railroad to the area, Patrick McGarry founded Walker in 1896. He named the settlement after the logging giant Thomas B. Walker, in hopes of luring construction
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2023

2. "Big Enough to Keep"
The sculpture rests atop this pillar; the marker is mounted on the front.
of a sawmill. Tourism later grew as a service industry. In the 20th century, people from urban areas came to more rural areas for recreation associated with lakes, fishing, hunting and water sports. The city reached its peak of population in 1950. Walker is on the southwest corner of Leech Lake, Minnesota's third-largest lake.

(Submitted on November 8, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

"Big Enough to Keep" Sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2023

3. "Big Enough to Keep" Sculpture

The artist is Joel Randell.

<i>“Circle of Time”</i> Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2023

4. “Circle of Time” Monument

The monument consists of 13 individual sculptures, each with an interpretive historical marker. “Big Enough to Keep” is in the left foreground.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 209 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 8, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.