Joe Rolette facts for kids
Joseph Rolette, Jr. (born October 23, 1820 – died May 16, 1871) was an important American fur trader and politician. He lived during a key time in Minnesota's history, from its early days as a territory through the Civil War. His father, Jean Joseph Rolette, was also a well-known fur trader. Joseph's mother was Jane Fisher. Young Joseph spent some of his early life in New York.
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Early Adventures in Fur Trading
Joseph Rolette, Jr. was an adventurous person. In 1840, when he was about 20 years old, he moved west. By age 21, he was working for his father's business partners. This was in the Red River valley area of Minnesota. Important people in Minnesota's history, like Henry Hastings Sibley, were active there.
Building a Trading Post
While working for these partners, Joseph Rolette helped rebuild a trading post in Pembina. He was in charge of building and protecting the post. He also managed the business that happened there. This area is now known as Red Lake Falls, Minnesota.
The Red River Cart System
In 1842, young Rolette started a new way to transport goods. He created a system of carts that traveled on the Red River Trails. These carts went between Pembina and Mendota, Minnesota, where the Mississippi River could be used for travel. This new system helped bring a lot of trade from Canada to the United States. Rolette ran this business with his mother's brother.
The trading post grew, and a Canadian named Norman W. Kittson took over managing it. Kittson used Rolette's system of Red River ox carts. He made the system even bigger, adding many more carts. Soon, thousands of these carts were being used.
Protecting the Posts
During the late 1840s, Rolette also helped protect the trading posts. He defended them from other businesses that were trying to compete. He also protected them from unfriendly Native American groups.
Joseph Rolette's Political Life
In 1851, Joseph Rolette was elected to the Minnesota Territorial Legislature. This was a group of lawmakers for the Minnesota Territory. He served four terms, which means he was elected four times.
The Capital City Story
The most famous story about Joseph Rolette comes from his time in the legislature. There was a bill that would make St. Peter the capital city of Minnesota. Rolette was in charge of the committee that handled these bills. He took the official paper for the bill and disappeared for the rest of the session. He did not come back until it was too late for the bill to be passed. Because of this, St. Peter did not become the capital. Instead, St. Paul became the capital, and it still is today.
Later Political Roles
From 1857 to 1858, Rolette continued his political work. He was part of the first Minnesota State Constitutional Convention. This group helped write the rules for Minnesota when it became a state. He also served in the Minnesota State Senate.
Later Life
During the Civil War, Joseph Rolette tried to join the Union army. However, he was not able to get a high-ranking position. He passed away on May 16, 1871.
