White Oak Point
County Road 11, South of Deer River
A Place of Enduring Importance
White Oak Point, a level terrace overlooking the Mississippi River and vast stretches of wild rice, has attracted human occupants since prehistoric times, according to archaeological and historical evidence.
It is considered the most important prehistoric site in Central Minnesota.
In more recent times, the Ojibwe lived on this terrace, which they called Nemijimijikan, meaning “point of the oak,” and met French fur traders here.
Various traders and explorers made note of this distinctive point of land from the late 18th century onward, commenting on the Ojibwe lodges and cultivated fields of corn, potatoes, and squash.
A treaty of 1867 moved a number of Ojibwe to White Oak Point, but for various reasons the settlement failed, and many at White Oak were relocated to the White Earth Reservation.
A Terrace Above the Mississippi
White Oak Point occupies a level terrace overlooking the Mississippi River and extensive wild rice beds. Its elevated position and nearby natural resources helped make it a distinctive and repeatedly occupied place.
Central Minnesota’s Most Important Prehistoric Site
Archaeological and historical evidence indicates that people were drawn to White Oak Point from prehistoric times onward, making it a site of exceptional importance in understanding the region’s long history of human occupation.
A Long Record of Human Presence
Archaeology, oral history, and written accounts document the importance of White Oak Point across different periods.
Prehistoric Occupation
Archaeological evidence shows that the terrace attracted human occupants beginning in prehistoric times.
Ojibwe Community
The Ojibwe lived at Nemijimijikan and used the point as a place of residence, cultivation, and gathering.
Recorded Encounters
French fur traders, explorers, and other visitors recorded descriptions of the point from the late 18th century onward.
Nemijimijikan and the Fur Trade
The Ojibwe called the terrace Nemijimijikan, or “point of the oak.” French fur traders met the Ojibwe here, adding another chapter to the point’s long history as a place of residence, exchange, and travel.
Cultivated Fields
Corn
Historical visitors recorded cultivated cornfields at White Oak Point.
Potatoes
Potatoes were among the crops grown by the Ojibwe community on the terrace.
Squash
Written accounts also noted fields where squash was cultivated.
A Distinctive Point of Land
The place drew the attention of numerous traders and explorers who traveled through the Mississippi River region.
From the late 18th century onward, written accounts described White Oak Point, its Ojibwe lodges, and its cultivated fields. These observations add to the archaeological evidence documenting the point’s continuing importance.
Treaty, Settlement, and Relocation
A treaty in 1867 moved a number of Ojibwe to White Oak Point. The settlement did not succeed, and many of the Ojibwe at White Oak were later relocated to the White Earth Reservation.
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