At a meeting of the Old Settlers' Association in Red Wing a few years ago, the desire was expressed by a leading member that a correct history of the early days in Goodhue county might be written. It was that expression that led me to undertake the collection of the facts and events herein recorded. I have spared neither time nor pains to make a record of all the important events that have transpired within the limits prescribed. How well I have succeeded, a generous public will determine for themselves. I have collected, as far as possible, the history of the French occupation in its relation to this locality.