1832 Boone Land Survey Signage

Short-term: Attendance at the marker unveilings was better than expected. We made presentations to the Chamber of Commerce, Lions, and Rotary; the City of La Crescent, La Crescent Public Library, and La Crescent Township were our project partners. As a result, 100% of the groups invited to the public ceremonies unveiling the markers and banners were represented. Our Board of Directors made follow-up contacts with other individuals and organizations to encourage them to visit the markers, and responses were positive. We had beautiful weather for the day the markers were unveiled, so there were at least 10 individuals who served as greeters at the sites, including Board members, historical society members, and neighbors. Also, Don Borcherding, a project advisor, brought a display that featured a surveyor's compass from that period, which added interest for attendees. In addition, Borcherding and Richard Walter, a member of our project team, dressed in uniforms similar to those worn by Nathan Boone during his military service.
Intermediate term: Only seven people have responded to the online survey, so that did not prove to be the best method to determine interest or knowledge. However, those individuals (a) knew that the survey marked the boundaries of the Neutral Ground; (b) could identify a survey instrument; (c) knew that the crew included an axman; and (d) that the survey affected some Dakota peoples. Over 70% wanted to learn more about La Crescent history. Even more meaningful were conversations with people visiting the History Center, including the adults who were reminded that Minnesota was part of the Louisiana Purchase. On Facebook, we noted positive comments and photographs from a local hiking group at the Shore Acres marker, as well as people on the We Are Water MN self-guided tour.
Long-term: This project has already had a significant impact locally. A descendant of Daniel Boone visited with us; he lives in the area and is willing to share his family tree with us. We believe this project affected our visibility, because there were many comments about the historical markers at our annual meeting in April 2022 that we will follow up with in the year ahead. Also, a new pedestrian/bike bridge from downtown La Crescent over Highway 61 is expected to improve the flow of bicyclists on the Wagon Wheel Trail past our Boone marker.
Our collaborations with local partners and regional tourism are expected to not only continue, but also expand. The more visibility we have as a historical society, the more integral we will be to the community.