1782 – 1828

An Appreciation

He served with distinction in the Indian wars of the old northwest border and in the War of 1812. In August, 1820, he assumed command of the Fifth United States Infantry at Camp Coldwater on the site of Fort Snelling. Selecting the bluffs at the junction of the rivers for the construction of Fort St. Anthony, he laid the cornerstone September 10, 1820, and built the stone fort which for years was the Nation's strongest outpost on the Western Frontier. As a compliment to him the War Department changed the name of the fortification to Fort Snelling.

As a soldier he was a true leader of men, loyal to his country and his superiors; as a pioneer he raised the flag of authority in a lawless wilderness and as a builder he erected more than stone walls for he laid the foundations of civilization in the Northwest.

Erected by the Garrison of Fort Snelling

Colonel W. E. Welsh, Commanding

1928

Marker can be reached from State Highway 55 north of State Highway 5, on the right when traveling north.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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