George Bertram in Excelsior
George Bertram was one of the founders of Excelsior, Minnesota, a town known for its history, both Native and Current.
But, what motivates a person who has become comfortable in the largest city in the United States, to gather his family and move to the “frontier”?
We cannot look inside the mind of the man but we can look at some of the historical events that may have influenced his decision.
1) The Traverse Du Sioux Treaty of 1851
As mentioned in a prior Tidbit, this treaty ceded to the United States Government most of the land of the current Minnesota from the Sioux. In so doing, the land was open for claim and settlement by the citizens of the United States. George must have seen this as a great opportunity, especially considering his religious views.
2) Religion
The era from 1825 – 1850 was a time of renewal and re-creation for religions in America, although the northern states still kept the basic community concept established by the Puritans and the Pilgrims. This concept held the belief that the community of the people and their faith was one and the same. George Bertram believed this and it was instrumental in his vision of Excelsior and eventually Monticello.
3) Technology
In the 1840’s two events were to affect George Bertram’s life. One was an expansion (railroads) and the other was an invention (sewing machine). Railroads (mostly privately owned) began opening up the frontier for settlement and George saw this as an opportunity to make his “dream” to create a new society come true. Couple this with Elias Howe’s invention of the sewing machine and he saw his chance. Remember, Bertram was a tailor and with the new sewing machine finding its way into the homes and factories, his livelihood was being threatened.
In 1952 Bertram made his way west, eventually landing in St. Anthony, Minnesota. From there he traveled west by ox cart and then boat to the west side of Lake Minnetonka where he made a government claim to 160 acres of land, later to become the city of Excelsior.
Upon his return to New York, Bertram began working on his plan to establish the Excelsior Pioneer Association and spent the winter of 1852-53 soliciting memberships. To be a member, the initial fee would be $8 and $1 per week dues for the next 8 months. Each member (male), self or family, was to be provided with a farm and one village lot of not less than 1 acre, selected by a drawing from the 160 acres.
In 1853 the Bertram’s arrived and built their home. George became the first president of the new “association” and church services were conducted in his home.
But, for various reasons that were speculated (religious, leadership, conditions, $, etc.) the Bertram’s moved back to St. Anthony in 1854. The town of Excelsior survived to become a thriving vacation spot for many years to come.
