By Brigid Tuck, reporter

Henry David Thoreau. For many of us, that name sounds vaguely familiar. Perhaps from high school English class? For the more scholarly, it may remind us of classic works such as Walden. For the 50 or so individuals at the Ney Nature Center in Henderson on September 14, the name now holds a fascination. Thoreau is well-known for his conservationist ideals and his writings on the subject. During a lecture by Thoreau scholar Dale Schwie, listeners learned that Thoreau was a much deeper and richer character than those categories allow.

Thoreau traveled to Minnesota in the mid-1850’s for health reasons. He was ill and his doctors advised the trip. At the time, Minnesota was promoted for its health benefits, especially for those who suffered from consumption. Thoreau and his traveling companion, Horace Mann Jr. (a noted naturalist), began their journey in Concord, Massachusetts. They took the “southern” route, traveling by train to Illinois. From there they boarded the steamship Itasca and headed up the Mississippi passing through both Wisconsin and Minnesota before arriving in St. Paul.

In many ways, Thoreau’s visit to St. Paul and Minneapolis is not unlike a visit the average person would make today (minus of course the Mall of America). Thoreau visited St. Anthony and the falls. He spent several days in a home on the shores of Lake Calhoun where he found a rare apple tree for which he had been hunting. He also wandered around Lake Harriet and spent a day visiting Minnehaha Falls. His traveling companion even wrote home complaining of the big and thick mosquitoes. They spent much time studying nature and collecting samples for research.

After a few weeks in Minneapolis and St. Paul, a traveling party was formed to head to western Minnesota via the Minnesota River to witness payments to the Indians. In addition to his other interests, Thoreau was very intrigued by Indians. He thought this adventure to be an excellent opportunity to view the Indian tribes of the Midwest.

Their journey on the Minnesota was not an easy trip. Compared to the Mississippi, the Minnesota was narrow and not easy to navigate. Thoreau even noted “it was a very novel kind of navigation to me.” Henderson was one of the stops on the trip. Once they reached their destination, Thoreau may have been disappointed. The exchange took place near the river and he was not able to witness their daily living and rituals.

Once back in St. Paul, Thoreau and Mann soon made arrangements to head back to Concord. They chose the “northern” route, traveling by rail and boat through the Great Lakes and back to Massachusetts. Thoreau died a short time later. He did not have the opportunity to write a formal summary of his trip, although his original notes still exist.

During the course of the lecture, Schwie used Thoreau’s notes on his journey to paint a picture of the man. He was much richer than just a conservationist. He loved all aspects of nature and was bright and inquisitive. Schwie’s lecture was very interesting and well delivered. He also noted that Thoreau would approve of the Ney Nature Center and its activities.