The American Cyclopædia (1879)/Minnesota (river)

MINNESOTA, or St. Peter's, a river of Minnesota, having its source in a series of lakes on the Dakota border, between lat. 45° and 46° N., and pursuing a S. E. course for about 320 m. to its confluence with the Blue Earth; then turning N. E. it flows in that direction for about 120 m., falling into the Mississippi at Mendota. Its course is principally in the valley lying between the Coteau du Grand Bois and the Coteau des Prairies. For its whole distance from Big Stone lake it has a fall of only 220 ft. It is navigable for steamers about 40 m. to a point where at low water a ledge of rocks obstructs further progress; but ordinarily small boats can ascend to Patterson's rapids, 295 m. from its mouth.