Learning About The Past

Learning About The Past. Main Street, Crow Wing — Self-Guiding Trail. , Although there are many sources of information about the history of the town of Crow Wing, we still have a lot to learn about what went on here 100 to 150 years ago, and beyond. What has been written about this place and the town that grew here includes accounts of explorers and fur traders, records of loggers, business owners and churches, government records and a few letters, journals and reminiscences that remain from former residents., Beginning in the early 1950s, John "Pete" Humphrey, of Brainerd, researched the history of Crow Wing State Park, and taught innumerable people of the area's significance. In 1967, he co-authored the book Old Crow Wing, History of A Village with Sister Bernard Coleman and Sister Verona LaBud. Pete Humphrey toured the town site with George Kerr, who was born in the village of Crow Wing, and John D. Morrison, grandnephew of Crow Wing trader John G. Morrison. These two men related their childhood memories of the waning days of the village, as well as information passed on from their parents and relatives. It is through these interviews, and maps drawn by other residents, that we gained the first knowledge of the town's layout., John "Pete" Humphrey, Archaeology Uncovers Clues to the Past , In the 1970s, an archaeological excavation was conducted here, where it was presumed that a trader named Clement Beaulieu had his post. Later examination of the artifacts recovered from the dig has led archaeologists to believe that this site may have been a hotel or residence, rather than a trading post. Further examination of other sites within the town will reveal more answers. Often, archaeological investigations bring up more questions than answers, but it is such questions that help us to gain a better understanding of the town and the people who lived here.,

"Before him flowed the majestic Mississippi River, opening a delightful vista of sparkling waters and romantic wooded shores far below, while above, on a graceful bend of the river, picturesque little cottages peered out from shady nooks. A birch canoe was drawn up on the shore where he stood and another was swiftly gliding past the bank of the pretty island opposite." , , A description of the town of Crow Wing, published in Harper's Magazine in 1858.

, Map drawn by Crow Wing Resident Reverend Ottoman Cloetter