HISTORY · HISTORICAL MARKER

Old Northwest Territory

Itasca State Park, Minnesota
· The First Colony of the United States
History
2
Under the Ordinance of 1787, the westward expansion of the nation began in the Old Northwest Territory, where the American Bill of Rights was first nationally recognized, human slavery was prohibited, primogeniture was abolished, and the principle that colonies could become equal in rights with parent states was established. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 provided that the United States’ northwest boundary should extend from the northwest angle of Lake of the Woods to the Mississippi River, and Itasca Lake, discovered by Henry R. Schoolcraft in 1832 as the source of the Mississippi River, lay on this boundary.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free

FIND IT

Minnesota · United States
Itasca State Park, Minnesota
STATE PARK · 10 STOPSExplore Itasca State Park, Minnesota
Hear every story as you drive
4.7 Stars · 800+ Ratings
Hear this story on the road