Smugglers Pointe: This was
a famous pioneer locale on the trail between
Pembina and Walhalla in Section 29-164-53, Felson Township one mile northeast of Neche. It was the only point where the heavily wooded valley of the Pembina River straddled the border with Canada, and therefore offered smugglers a natural cover to perform their affairs.
William H. Moorhead operated a store and tavern here 1864-1878 (Source:
North Dakota Place Names, Page 180)
...Which is interesting since the same William Moorhead was at one point the local official whose job it was to stop smuggling. Can anyone say "conflict of interest" here?!
Smugglers Pointe: This was a famous pioneer locale on the trail between Pembina and Walhalla in Section 29-164-53, Felson Township one mile northeast of Neche. It was the only point where the heavily wooded valley of the Pembina River straddled the border with Canada, and therefore offered smugglers a natural cover to perform their affairs. William H. Moorhead operated a store and tavern here 1864-1878 (Source: North Dakota Place Names, Page 180)
...Which is interesting since the same William Moorhead was at one point the local official whose job it was to stop smuggling. Can anyone say "conflict of interest" here?!
I just ran across your blog the other day when I was googling Neche (my hometown) and ran across your fascinating post on Smuggler's Pointe. I had a great time reading through many of your posts about St. Vincent. My Dad's cousin, Allen Ahles, grew up in St. Vincent (he is now 85 or so and lives in St. Louis Park) and has lots of great stories about growing up there. I think we share something in common, that is, a love for the rich history of the little towns that we came from.
ReplyDeleteGreat work,
Jason McDonald