On This Date in Minnesota History: April 26

April 26, 1871 – On this date the Wabasha County Sentinel printed the first known article on the sighting of a sea monster in Lake Pepin:

“LIVING CURIOSITY

Giles Hyde and C. Page Bonney, report having seen some sort of sea monster, on Monday last, in the lake, between this and Stockholm. It was the size of an elephant and rhinoceros, and moved through the water with great rapidity. It is understood now, since they have told the story, that the same thing whatever it may be, has been seen on one or two other occasions. The water in the lake is known to be very deep, whales might live in - but this is not likely to be a whale, the question is, what is it?”

Since then, there have been enough additional sightings that the “monster” has been given a name: Pepie.

Lake Pepin is the largest lake on the Mississippi River, over two miles wide and 22 miles long. It forms the natural border between Minnesota and Wisconsin and is located about 60 miles south of the Twin Cities. Surrounded by scenic bluffs and quaint villages, Lake Pepin is widely described as one of the most scenic spots in North America!

http://www.pepie.net/1871_Sightings.html

http://pepie.net/

Anonymous photo, pepie_swimming_below_maiden_rock 2008-06-20

http://frontiersofzoology.blogspot.com/2013_08_01_archive.html

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If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MHS records.  Both short searches and family history reports.

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