This book documents the earliest history of Sauk Centre and the surrounding area; it reveals for the first time every phase of early Minnesotan life in this pioneer town - by using previously undiscovered primary source materials. It begins from the foremost settler days, where only the fittest survived, and death could literally be around the next corner - if the weather went against you or a wild animal crossed your path. This is when the first European pioneers came face to face with alien Native American cultures - with profound and sometimes devastating consequences. Their stories are of unwavering bravery, mixed with the worst possible atrocities; where friendships were forged deep and acts of unique kindness were shown in the darkest of times - where tears of joy could turn to tears of grief and back again in the blink of an eye. These stories are corroborated by the earliest newspaper articles, letters, and military documents.