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the Des Moines River was then the only highway
of transportation. Elk Rapids was so called because
the elks used to cross the river at that point, the
water being very shallow. Indians and early
hunters used to hide at that place and shoot the elks a3
they crossed the river. In 1846 congress made a land
grant to the state five miles on each side of the river
for the purpose of making it navigable by means of
dredging and constructing locks. The state let the
contract to Des Moines River Navigation Co. As
early as 1851 a steamboat landing was established
at Elk Rapids. As this wras the only steamboat
landing in the interior of the state, Elk Rapids
became very much noted throughout the country.
In 3859, during high w7ater, twro steamboats,
Tom Roger and The Bell w7ent up the river as
far as Fort Dodge, Iowa. This noted Elk Rapids
had about a dozen log cabins, a couple of frame
buildings, a store and post office and also a grist mill
run by water power. As SwTede Point was only two
miles east of Elk Rapids, there was a rivalry between
the two pioneer towns. The Des Moines River
Navigation Company failed, howrever, in making the river
navigable. Elk Rapids was abandoned and there
was not a single house left in 1864.
In 1855 the settlers at Swede Point had a very
exciting time. It was rumored that 8,000 Indians
were ready to sweep down the valley and attack the
settlers. Preparation was made for defense.
Bjur-ström, the blacksmith, was busy in making swords
from old scythes. Scouts were sent out to locate the
enemies. They came back and reported that there
were no Indians in sight and that they were no nearer
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