ITASCA state park is gradually assuming the place in the 

 hearts of the people of Minnesota that it so richly de- 

 serves. It is in reality "the playground of Minnesota." 

 Yellowstone park is spoken of as the playground of the peo- 

 ple of the United States. In a measure, Itasca state park 

 is even more of a playground for Minnesotans than is the 

 land of the geysers for the American people. 



The Park Is Becoming More Popular. 



Every year more people go to Itasca. The reason for this 

 is simple. The fame of the state park is spreading. The peo- 

 ple are beginning to realize that within the confines of the 

 park is found as interesting and as typical scenery as is to 

 be found in any portion of the state. Then, too, the fact that 

 the headwaters of the great Mississippi, the "father of wa- 

 ters" is located here heightens the interest. 



A few facts concerning the discovery and early history of 

 the state park may prove of interest at this time. The name 

 "Itasca" is one that has puzzled many. It has given rise to 

 many disputes. The name was selected by Henry R. School- 

 craft an early discoverer in the following manner (account 

 taken from the Minnesota Historical Society report, Vol. 

 VII): 



The Name "Itasca." 



"Mr. Schoolcraft, having uppermost in his mind the source 

 of the river, expecting and determined to reach it, suddenly 

 turned and asked Mr. Boutwell (an associate), for the Greek 

 and Latin definition of the headwaters or true source of a 

 river. Mr. Boutwell, after much thought, could not rally his 

 memory of Greek sufficiently to designate the phrase, but in 

 Latin selected the strongest and most pointed expressions, 

 'Veritas' and 'Caput,' Truth, Head. This was written on a 



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