It is impossible for us adequately to describe to the reader these varying scenes of beauty in the landscapes which present themselves as we sail. They should come and see for themselves, and bask in the pure, bracing atmosphere, and the genial sunshine of these bluest of blue skies.
CHAPTER III.
RIVER TOWNS.
Brownsville, the first town.—The city of La Crosse.—Victoria and
Albert Bluffs.—Trempeleau and Mountain Island.—The city of
Winona.—Its name and origin.—The Winona and St. Peters Railroad.—The
Air-Line Railroad.—Her educational interests.—Advancement of the
West.—The towns of Wabasha and Reed's Landing.—Lake Pepin and Maiden's
Rock.—Romantic story.—An old fort.—Lake City and Frontenac.—Red Wing
and Hastings.—Red Rock.
The first landing in Minnesota, going up the river, is made at
BROWNSVILLE,
a very small village, nestled close in under the hillside, and overshadowed by the high bluffs which seem to threaten its existence, and would quite exterminate it should land-slides ever become possible with these silicious limestone battlements. Beyond being an outlet for surplus products of the back country, it has no importance and no attractions. The traveller is now one hundred and thirty miles above Dubuque, one of the points of embarkation for those from the East who visit the State by the way of the river. If the sail is made by daylight between these places, most suggestive impressions are made on the mind of the immense area of Iowa; for, while constantly expecting soon to catch a glimpse of "Dakota Land," you are all day baffled by the presence of this intervening State, which, somehow, seems determined to travel with you up the river, and, by its many attractions, woo you to residence and rest.
The fertile fields of Wisconsin, on the other hand, do not seem at all obtrusive, since you expect them on your right soon after leaving Dunleith; and, when the city of
LA CROSSE
comes in view, its bright aspect of industrial life, its busy streets, spacious warehouses, fine shops, and thronging commerce, challenge our love of the good and beautiful in civilized life. Indeed, this handsome and prosperous city is one of the most pleasant and interesting places which attract the traveller's attention along the two thousand miles of this navigable river.